Listening Man Stone Carving Albert Mamvura First Generation Shona Sculptor Zimbabwe

Albert Mamvura's Listening Man is a quintessential example of the evolving Zimbabwean stone sculpture tradition, exemplifying the distinct artistic voice of this First Generation sculptor. Born in 1954 in Buhera district, Mamvura’s career as an artist began in Chitungwiza, where he initially worked as a carpenter before dedicating himself fully to sculpture in 1977. A year after his transition to sculpture, Mamvura’s work was accepted into the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s prestigious annual exhibition, marking the beginning of his recognition as a prominent figure in the Zimbabwean art scene.

Listening Man, executed in green serpentine, Mamvura’s favored medium, is a striking exploration of the human form, rendered with a characteristic abstraction that underscores the artist’s deep engagement with Shona spirituality. The work's composition—both serene and contemplative—reflects Mamvura's belief in the spiritual dimensions of his culture, a theme pervasive in much of his work. His approach to abstraction allows for a meditative, introspective quality, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply rooted in the traditions of the Shona people.

The birth of Zimbabwean stone sculpture as a modern artistic movement in the 1950s marked a pivotal moment in African art history. Frank McEwen, the English director of the National Gallery of Rhodesia, was instrumental in fostering this movement, offering mentorship to local sculptors and encouraging them to draw upon their traditional spiritual beliefs for inspiration. The establishment of a sculpture workshop in Vukutu, led by Joram Mariga—himself a key figure in the development of the First Generation of Zimbabwean sculptors—further cemented the movement’s significance.

Mamvura’s work, like that of his peers, was nurtured in this rich environment. His pieces frequently focus on the human figure, conveying a quiet spirituality through abstraction. Signed by the artist, Listening Man is one of the prized pieces on our collection, an important testament to Mamvura’s mastery of form and his dedication to portraying the human condition through a Shona lens. His work continues to be a key part of the broader narrative of Zimbabwean art, contributing to a profound and enduring cultural movement.

Recommended Reading:
Joosten, Ben SCULPTORS FROM ZIMBABWE, THE FIRST GENERATION, Galerie de Strang, Lexicon, 2001
Celia Winter-Irving, STONE SCULPTURE IN ZIMBABWE. CONTEXT CONTENT FORM, Roblaw Publishers, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1995
Franck MCEwen, THE AFRICAN WORKSHOOP SCHOOL, Rhodesia, n.d
Olivier Sultan, LIFE IN STONE IN ZIMBABWEAN SCULPURE. BIRTH OF A CONTEMPORARY ART FORM. Second edition, Harare, 1999

Height(in): 10.0
Width(in): 5.0
Depth(in): 7.0

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