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Dominic Benhura

Mathew Masinge Entertainment Reporter
Renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura has urged students to consider art as a profession which can transform lives.

Officially opening a four-day art exhibition at Prince Edward School in Harare recently, Benhura who was the guest of honour, also encouraged parents to support their children when they pursue art as a profession.

“Art is like any other profession which can transform lives. However, there are things one needs to consider if they want to be successful artistes,” he said.

“Firstly, you should stay in school. This is because as an artiste you need to communicate and travel far and wide. You also need education so that you are not duped when signing contracts.

“Secondly, stay away from drugs and alcohol and focus on school work. You should use the opportunity you have right now wisely because whatever you do in school will determine your future. Some guys of my age look older than me because of alcohol and drug abuse,” he said drawing laughter from the audience.

Benhura said the advantage of art was that it was both a hobby and a career.

“You work and earn a living from it while having fun. So for me sculpture is also a hobby. I never kicked a ball when I was young because I enjoyed moulding clay toys,” he said.

He urged youthful artists to be presentable as art would take them around the world.

“As artistes you should look presentable, make sure you brush teeth and dress well because there will come a time when you will meet the who’s who in the world from business people to politicians.

“Personally, I have met with His Excellency President Mugabe and Nelson Mandela, to mention but a few, and it was all because of art.

“I have also travelled around the world meeting friends and buyers. If art is well managed, it can contribute to the economy.

“My colleagues and I continue to export our art overseas thus bringing in foreign currency as well as visitors from around the world who come to buy our art,” he said.

However, Benhura also drew laughter from the crowd when he narrated his upbringing from Murewa before he moved to Harare.

He said although he was a brilliant student at school he pursued his passion in art where he started carving and selling his work aged 12.

He now runs Dominic Studio in Greendale from where he provides home to established and upcoming artistes including students who study art at higher institutions of learning.

Benhura also urged students to make use of the Dominic Studio as part of their studies.

Dr Agrippa Sora, the headmaster at Prince Edward said the school was a family institution where students discover their talents.

“We are not a school for those who are academically gifted but those who come here will leave as gentlemen. It is a place where the boys discover their talents some become musicians, artistes and others doctors,” he said.

He hailed the school’s art department for maintaining a 100 percent pass rate every year in their subject.

They ran under the theme “Ndeipi” and was co-curated by Luke Nyamuzinga and Nathan Pambura who head the art department.