Gerald Takawira
Gerald Takawira, born in Nyanga in 1964. He has two brothers and one sister. He attended Nyatale Primary School in Nyanga and completed his schooling in Chiweshe in 1984. Gerald took an interest in sculpture from an early age, it is no wonder in fact, as he is the son of the late John Takawira who was one of the most well respected first generation sculptors.
From the age of 13 he would assist his father with the more tedious work of sandpapering the sculpture to get them smooth. It was a part time hobby for young Gerald but it kindled his interest and in 1985 he began sculpting full time.
Gerald worked alongside his father until the time of his death in 1989. Since that time Gerald has been working with his brother Simon at their farm in Harare South. Earlier this year, Gerald went to Chapungu Sculpture Park as a member of the artists residency programme.
In his own right, Gerald is an articulate sculptor, with a good feel for his media. He is able to respect the surface tension of a stone and incorporate it harmoniously into his sculpture. Lepidolite or Leopard rock, two of the hardest stones present no problem for Gerald and from time to time he creates small pieces from these stones.
Recently he has tackled some large stones, the results were very pleasing indeed and are on the Second Generation exhibition in Cape Town. Gerald has begun to emerge from the giant shadow cast over him by his famous father and is set to forge his own rightful place amongst the sculptors of Zimbabwe.
He died in December 2004.
Artist Sculpture:
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