WHEN award-winning Stephene Chikeya (59) moved from his base, the TsindiGallery in Hatfield, Harare, to Chitungwiza Arts Centre two years ago, he had to make quick adjustments to be able to work during odd hours as power cuts had been accepted as the norm.
The fundamental reason for his migration was to minimise transport expenses to work as he stays in Chitungwiza and also utilise exhibition spaces at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
He remained determined and focused on his trade and produced stunning and meticulous social commentary carvings, which include and are not limited to the Deep Thinkers, Economists, Stork birds, Conversation, Ballet Dancers, Just Married and On Our Honey Moon.
Chikeya attributed his capabilities and blessings to his church, the United Family International Church (UFIC), which edified the mentorship he got from globally-acclaimed visual artists Picket Mazhindu, Washington Musonza and Nobert Shamhuyarira.
Ironically, Chitungwiza Arts Centre and The UFIC Basilica are located close to each other.
Chikeya has a story to tell on each of his carvings done on spring stone.
He said his works were social commentaries to experienced joys and sorrows, and his emphasis on beauty and disruptive and often clumsy postures was meant to bring relief and inspiration to full realisation of opportunities availed in life and blessed by God.
“The two models of The Deep Thinker and The Economist carry the same meaning. Stress and pondering have been the order of the day especially when what seemed to be brilliant ideas failed to reach their desired goals. The Deep Thinkers and The Economists are suitable for indoor displays and motivates straightforward thinking and super moral ways in problem solving,” Chikeya said.
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“The three stork birds symbolise a deep affection and conversations among civilisations and the monument seems to be suggesting a solution to the two deep thinkers.
“The Ballet Dancer shows flexibility and a hyper realistic feel of the acute and stunning postures dancers assume in action. In addition to entertainment, ballet dancers are known for maintaining slim bodies and are testimonies for good health most of the time.”
He added: “As a Christian, I believe that marriages have to be planned and part of the process is to attain a good professional training in the areas one would need to gain a steady income from.
“The Just Married and On Our Honey Moon sculptures are dedicated to the youth and are suitable for wedding and honeymoon favours.”
Chikeya said his carvings were not limited to one meaning which comes out of his creative presentation and, instead, art lovers, curators and collectors should share the enjoyment and entertainment provided by the stone carvings.
Chitungwiza Arts Centre and the TsindiGallery are used as both industrial and exhibition sites by the sculptures and both of them enjoy set ups that allow buyers and tourists to be spoiled for choice on purchasing the beautiful Shona art and other abstract, fine and creation artefacts.
