Washington Msonza

'Sunbathing' original stone Shona sculpture by Washington Msonza

2004

Washington Msonza was born in 1966 in Domboshava, where he attended primary school. He then moved to Chitungwiza to attend secondary school. While in school, he spent most of his time watching his brother-in-law Albert Mamvura, also a sculptor whose workshop was close to his house. In 1988, Msonza began assisting Albert full time, while simultaneously gaining experience by watching other well known artists in the area including Gedion Nyanhongo, Biggie Kapeta and Locardia Ndandarika. He began by sculpting smaller works, and later began creating life-size sculptures. Washington’s great-aunt Locardia Ndandarika conveyed to him the ability to develop a feeling for what he calls “Imagination of the stone’s soul” or the capability to foresee a hidden sculpture in the unhewn stone. An important thematic foundation of inspiration for Washington lies in the Shona myths which were told to him during his childhood. He preferably chooses black serpentine and springstone as a medium for his sculptures, contrasting polished and differently hewn unpolished surfaces. His graphic figures radiate a deep inner power offering interesting perspectives through the unique three-dimensional qualities. Msonza’s work can be seen in galleries in the USA, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Zimbabwe. His early work can be seen at Nhukutu Gallery, in the Chapungu Sculpture Park and Springstone Gallery. In 1991 he participated in the annual heritage exhibition of the Zimbabwe National Gallery. In 2000, Msonza represented Zimbabwe in the Changschun International Sculpture symposium in China.