Sylvester Mubayi Dies
Sylvester Mubayi, an internationally acclaimed and first generation stone sculptor, has died at the age of 80.
He passed away at Citimed Hospital in Chitungwiza after a short illness.
The Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) described him as an endearing symbol of the development of stone sculpting and how this uniquely Zimbabwean art form penetrated the world market.
“With his best works being flaunted in several world museums, galleries, public places and universities, including private collections, Sylvester together with others of his ilk (both living and dead), are the epitome of Zimbabwean stone sculpting art and their footprints will forever remain embossed on the international art scene, particularly stone carving,” said Mr Moyo.
Mr. Moyo said that the death of Mubayi has left a void in the visual arts sector, as he was a founding practitioner and a source of wisdom for aspiring and current professionals in the field.
“He was one of the last surviving links to the early days of modern Zimbabwean stone sculpting and had become the leading light in grooming and mentoring other visual artists, especially at Chitungwiza Arts Centre where he was based for many years.”
Mubayi was born in 1942 and was one of the first members to join the Tengenenge Sculpture Community in 1967.
He later worked at the Workshop School in Vukutu and served as an artist in residence at the Chapungu Sculpture Park.
In 1969, he won the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Award and received other accolades from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
Between 1967 and 1990, he became a national and international icon through his participation in high-profile exhibitions, most of them hosted by the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
These exhibitions included Solo Exhibition in Somerset, UK, Custom and Legend: A Culture in Stone at Kew Gardens in London, and Sculpture Contemporaine des Shona d’Afrique at the Musée Rodin in Paris. In 1991, The Guardian Newspaper of the UK included Mubayi in their list of the top ten sculptors in the world.
The late visual artist often participated in group and solo exhibitions hosted by the Chapungu Sculpture Park and Matombo Gallery in the 1980s.
In 2017, he made history by being the first artist from the older generation to attend and participate in the 57th Venice Biennale.
His works were curated by Raphael Chikukwa, the current Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, who said that working with Mubayi was a learning experience.
“As the Executive Director of the NGZ who worked with Sekuru Shumba Mubayi for the Zimbabwe Pavillion at the Venice Biennale as his curator, I learned a lot.
“Another veteran artist has gone and his works stand tall in the front of the gallery, sculpture garden and our permanent collection” Mr Chikukwa said.
In 2021, Mubayi was awarded the NAMA Legends@40 award along with 40 other luminaries in the cultural and creative sector for their contributions to the arts in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Moyo said that Mubayi will be remembered as a respected and one of the first generation of Zimbabwean stone sculptors to achieve international recognition.
His works, like many first-generation stone sculptors of his time, were influenced by cherished values and beliefs.
“It is heartening to note that as an elder practitioner, he taught and advised the younger members of his community through metaphor and storytelling as his sculptures always told stories. The Board Management and Staff at the NACZ send their sincerest condolences to the Mubayi family. May his soul rest in Peace,” Mr Moyo said.
Mourners are gathered at house number 10990 Nehanda Road Zengeza 4 in Chitungwiza. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
