s t u n n i n g    s t o n e

Dudzai Mushawepwere was born on the 16^th November 1974 in Mutoko, Chief Nyamukoho, Chichobve Kraal.  He is the last born in a family of four – three boys and one girl.  He is of Nzou (Elephant) Samanyanga Totem.

Dudzai grew up in Chitungwiza where he completed his primary education at Seke II Primary School and his ordinary level at Farai Institute of Studies.  At school Dudzai was good at drawing, he found it not difficult to carve  contemporary visual art under the supervision of John Type.

He started his sculpting career in 1990.  He was taught by John Type and worked with him for two years.  He became a full time artist when he decided to venture on his own.

What inspires him  to carve was that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, whom during their days were artists.  Through his research and interest in African culture, he found that his cultural history was becoming defunct in carving.  He wanted to help in reviving the art with the other artists like him.  The only way he found to let the people of his origin know the importance of their culture was to send the message through sculptures.  His art came from day to day activities, cultural history and visiting places of interest.

He enjoys carving abstracts, heads, birds and sometimes figures.

His sculptures are found in galleries in Germany, Belgium, Holland, U.S.A. to mention a few abroad.  Locally in Zimbabwe they are found in several galleries like Chapungu, the National Gallery and Stone Heritage.