Entitled, “A Journey into Shona Sculpture,” the exhibition will combine ancient Shona cultural heritage with contemporary themes.
Manuhwa is particularly concerned to debunk the simplistic myth of “traditional” vs “contemporary” art, showing how the two spheres complement each other in his work.
“Like all serious artists, I have a certain aesthetic ideal and vision which I express in my work – one which isn’t simply modern, and isn’t simply traditional,” said Manuwha.
He tries to communicate something about the diaspora experience in his artwork, and says that by merging British and Zimbabwean themes his work has reached a wider audience.
“British people have responded well to my work. British society is quite diverse – people respect any culture as long as you respect theirs. Some people have never been to Africa, but through our work they can learn something about African and Zimbabwean culture. I think they appreciate that,” he said.
One of Hilary’s pieces is called Mother Africa, which represents his belief that, although people in Africa live in different countries and speak different languages today, they all came from the same place, long ago.
“I want to reflect on how geography and politics, and colonial history, have shaped cultures, keeping them apart and bringing them together. Diverse forms of art that emerged in Africa are now found around the world,” he said. – find out more at www.cultureinstone.co.uk
Post published in: Arts