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Tawanda Sarireni

Tafadzwa Zimoyo
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean sculptor and arts promoter Tawanda Sarireni hosted a successful three-day exhibition at Mall Galleries in London, United Kingdom recently.

Mall Galleries is a stone throw away from Buckingham Palace and is one of the largest art gallery tourists’ attraction in central London.

Sarireni is one of the directors of the popular “Mystery in Stone” concept in UK which is aimed at promoting Zimbabwean art and culture throughout the world.

He is also well known for his “two- faced” piece dubbed “The Politician” which was bought by the museum in the UK.

In an interview, the prolific curator said art is life and everywhere you go art is evident.

“Parks often use sculptures to add interest and to inform people. Posters on walls give information and motivation.

“Art is everywhere, influencing us on a daily basis, whether we realise it or not. With the art that we are surrounded by, whether it’s a painting, music or even videos can have a huge impact on our mood and emotions.

“All kinds of art can affect our mood in a positive way, making us feel happier, calmer, or even inspired to do something.

“I am happy with the response how foreigners managed to visit my exhibition stand and people should respect sculptors as they tell a story,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe is talented when it comes to stone carving.

“If you do research well you would see that Zimbabwean artists or curators don’t have any comparisons when it comes to stone carving especially in Europe.

‘‘Some of the best in Africa are from South Africa. People appreciate our art because it’s of high quality,” he said.

Sarireni who sales his pieces for £500–£10 000 said it was a great honour showcasing at the prestigious gallery.

“I have hosted exhibitions in different countries such as Canada, Australia, France, Germany and Holland among others.

‘‘In the UK I have hosted exhibition at Royal Haute Cultural garden and was featured on BBC, ITV, CNN and CCTV. It is just a challenge being black and here they say it is a primitive art,” he said.

Sarireni, however, said one of his biggest challenges was getting raw materials from Zimbabwe.

“I get my stones from as far as Guruve. It is challenging shipping them from as far as Guruve with the difficulties in logistics.

“Sometimes people want to ask me about the political situation in the country and I feel happy to tell them the truth that Zimbabwe is a safe and happy country,” he said.

He said he was inspired by the late Benard Matemera.

Sarireni went to the UK in 1997, as a student studying Business Administration.