Washington Msonza Art
b. 1966
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.
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Artist: Washington Msonza
'Sunbathing' original stone Shona sculpture by Washington Msonza
By Washington Msonza
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Sunbathing' is an original stone sculpture by the Zimbabwean artist Washington Msonza. In the sculpture, a woman reclines nude and on the ground in a moment of relaxation under the sun. She holds a child on her lap and he two gaze at one another in a moment of bonding and adoration. This intimate composition reminds, on one hand, of the great painting 'Olympia' by the relist painter Édouard Manet by nature of the nude woman in repose. On the other, it also recalls the subject matter of the Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt, whose work often focused on domestic scenes of mothers and their children. All of these art historical references are nonetheless contained within the materiality of the serpentine stone itself, in which Msonza uses the polish and texture of the stone to capture skin and hair and the subtly of the figures' expressions.
opal stone (serpentine)
26.5 x 36.5 x 12 inches
200+ lbs
not singed
Overall good condition; some minor surface abrasions.
Sculpture may require preparation to be mounted or installed. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
Washington Msonza was born in 1966 in Domboshava where he attended primary school. He then moved to Chitungwiza to attend secondary schooling. While in school, he spent most of his time watching his sculptor brother-in-law Albert Mamvura, 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...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Washington Msonza Art
Materials
Stone
'Ready for Marriage' original stone Shona sculpture signed by Washington Msonza
By Washington Msonza
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Ready for Marriage' is an original opal serpentine sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Washington Msonza. The sculpture features a single elegant figure in a flowing gown, standing tall and averting her gaze as she clutches the veil that envelops her. Msonza emphasizes the materiality of the work, as is so desired of artists trained in the Shona tradition, by differentiating between the dark, smooth polish of her skin and the lighter textured surface of her clothes. Even more, passages of the surface are left in the serpentine's rough natural state, allowing the green-colored stone to contrast with the red-orange oxidization of its environment.
opal stone (serpentine)
33 x 12 x 12 inches
signed "Msonza W" on reverse along base
Overall good condition; some minor scratches, likely as the sculpture left artist's studio.
Base in photographs is not attached and is included at request of buyer.
Washington Msonza was born in 1966 in Domboshava where he attended primary school. He then moved to Chitungwiza to attend secondary schooling. While in school, he spent most of his time watching his sculptor brother-in-law Albert Mamvura, 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...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Washington Msonza Art
Materials
Stone
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Previously Available Items
"Traditional Dresser, " Opal Stone Sculpture by Shona Sculptor Washington Msonza
By Washington Msonza
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Traditional Dresser" is an original opal serpentine sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Washington Msonza. The sculpture features a single elegant figure in a flowing gown, standing tall and averting her gaze as she clutches the veil that envelops her. Msonza emphasizes the materiality of the work, as is so desired of artists trained in the Shona tradition, by differentiating between the dark, smooth polish of her skin and the lighter textured surface of her clothes. Even more, passages of the surface are left in the serpentine's rough natural state, allowing the green-colored stone to contrast with the red-orange oxidization of its environment.
opal stone (serpentine)
37.5 x 12.5 x 13 inches
signed "Msonza W" on reverse along base
Overall good condition; some minor scratches, likely as the sculpture left artist's studio.
Washington Msonza was born in 1966 in Domboshava where he attended primary school. He then moved to Chitungwiza to attend secondary schooling. 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...
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Early 2000s Contemporary Washington Msonza Art
Materials
Stone
H 37.5 in W 12.5 in D 13 in
Washington Msonza art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Washington Msonza art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Washington Msonza in stone and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Washington Msonza art, so small editions measuring 12 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Tom Otterness, Mirko Guida, and Alain BELLINO. Washington Msonza art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $9,500 and tops out at $17,000, while the average work can sell for $10,200.