Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Announces ZimSculpt, an Exhibition of Contemporary Stone Sculptures from Zimbabwe

ZimSculpt will feature more than 100 exquisite sculptures of several dozen contemporary Zimbabwean artists displayed throughout the garden. Known as Shona sculpture, these contemporary pieces are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall. This sculpture is the most collected form of African art that can be found at the Museum of Modern Art, the Rodin Museum and in the homes of the Prince of Wales, the Rockefellers, Morgan Freeman and Danny Glover.

ZimSculpt is passionate about promoting the work of some of the finest Zimbabwean sculptors. Therefore, as part of the exhibit, artists and sculptors, Passmore Mupindiko and Aron Kapembeza, will demonstrate their artistry by carving statues using chisels, hammers, files and sandpaper to create these works, while guests watch and learn about this art.

Visitors may purchase any of the sculptures on display in the garden, the ones created by the onsite artists and others for sale.

ZimSculpt, founded in Zimbabwe under the guidance of art collectors Vivienne and Joseph Croisette, believe ZimSculpt has become 'the world's premier exhibition of modern Zimbabwean sculpture.' Interestingly, Zimbabwe means "house of stone," and the country has a long history of stone carving beginning with artists from the 1950s who taught their children how to carve sculpture from stone, with this knowledge passed down to succeeding generations. They work with about 250 sculptors to build their collection, and have held exhibitions in the UK, USA, Canada and have been invited to Bahrain and Dubai.

According to Mark Wolf, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, "We are always looking for unique displays that will do well in a garden setting, and the magnificent contemporary stone statues will fit perfectly. The statues are strong and delicate, stark and complex, contemporary and exquisitely handmade."

During the beginning of the show on April 29 and 30, the Dallas Arboretum features Artscape Reimagined, its juried fine arts and crafts show. For more information, visit dallasarboretum.org.

SOURCE Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden