Obert Mukumbi Sculptures

'Fish Totem' is an original springstone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Obert Mukumbi. The sculpture presents an interactive and playful combination of subjects, both of which are beloved themes in the Shona tradition. As one faces the sculpture, they are presented at first with a pair of figures: an adult and child, one towering above the other. Surrounding them like a shawl is a mandorla-form, which emphasizes their tall upward posture and movement. This pair of figures emphasizes close relationships and family ties. As one walks around the sculpture, however, the almond shape transforms into the body of a boldly striped fish. This duality of human and animal brings mysticism and transformation to the sculpture and suggests the power and vitality of nature in sustenance and spirit. springstone signed "Obert Mukumbi" along bottom edge 34.5 x 7 x 12 inches concrete base included at buyer request hole drilled into bottom to accommodate steel support rod Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage. Obert Mukumbi was born on February 11, 1974 in the village of Dengu in Bindura, some 86 kilometers north east of Harare, Zimbabwe, where he likewise completed his O-levels in school. During his education, he was interested in wood craft. By age twelve, however, he began working in stone under the guidance and encouragement of his brother Kennedy Musekiwa...

'Mother and Child' is an original stone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Obert Mukumbi. This sculpture is unlike most other examples of Shona sculpture in that it has been carved to sit on a step, ledge or shelf rather than to stand upright. While this difference offers the chance for a more interactive artwork that can be set in unexpected locations, the aesthetics sensibilities that Obert applies to the subject are steeped in the Shona tradition. The materiality of the stone is on full display, with the artist playing with textures of rough-hewn stone and smooth polish. In addition, the mother and child show an intimate relationship, a common and desired theme amongst Shona artists. springstone not signed 25 x 10 x 11 inches, overall body stands 16 inches tall from seat legs extend 9.25 inches downward from seat concrete base included at request of buyer 95 lbs Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage. Obert Mukumbi was born on February 11, 1974 in the village of Dengu in Bindura, some 86 kilometers north east of Harare, Zimbabwe, where he likewise completed his O-levels in school. During his education, he was interested in wood craft. By age twelve, however, he began working in stone under the guidance and encouragement of his brother Kennedy Musekiwa...

'Face' is an original cobalt sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Obert Mukumbi. This sculpture demonstrates the artist's influence from the great Shona...

"Together We Stand" is an original opal stone sculpture by Shona sculptor Obert Mukumbi. The artist signed the piece on the bottom. The piece weighs ...

'Flower' is an original opal serpentine sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Obert Mukumbi. In the sculpture, Obert emphasizes the abstract qualities of the natural forms of the calla lily: At the center, a tall and wide stamen reaches upward as curving leaves and petals break away and curve outward. The massive bulk of the usually delicate flower, as though it has been enlarged, reminds of the paintings of American modernist Georgia O'Keefe, who often used close views and thoughtful cropping to find abstract forms in nature. Here, however, the approach to the subject is purely immersed in the Shona tradition where the stone material is celebrated through contrast between rough and smooth texture and appreciation for deep colors. opal stone (serpentine) signed "O. Mukumbi" along base 22 x 12 x 12 inches Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage. Obert Mukumbi was born on February 11, 1974 in the village of Dengu in Bindura, some 86 kilometers north east of Harare, Zimbabwe, where he likewise completed his O-levels in school. During his education, he was interested in wood craft. By age twelve, however, he began working in stone under the guidance and encouragement of his brother Kennedy...

"Abstract" is an original white opal sculpture by Obert Mukumbi. The artist signed the sculpture. 13 1/2" x 9" x 6" Obert Mukumbi was born on February 11, 1974 in Mashonaland Central Province where he also attended school. He was interested in wood craft and worked on that while he was still in school. Soon after school he was encouraged by his cousin Kennedy Musekiwa...