Freeing the Stone

Freeing the Stone is an extraordinary group exhibition for seven Zimbabwean artists, both living and deceased, focusing on the close relationship between Zimbabwean sculpture and stone.
One of the most important art forms to emerge on the international stage towards the end of twentieth century was Zimbabwean sculpture, often termed Shona Sculpture as most of its proponents hail from the Shona tribe of Zimbabwe. Stone sculpting has been a part of Zimbabwe’s traditions for centuries. Great Zimbabwe, an archaeological masterpiece dating back to 1200AD, is the first evidence of the nations stone carvers, however it was not until the end of the 1960’s that the technique re-emerged on a grand scale.

Zimbabwean Shona sculptors believe that every image they create has a predestined owner. These sculpted forms are said to be released from the stone so that future owners may find them. Each sculpture is given the Shona Ancestral Blessing of “Ukama”, evoking universal harmony and peace.