Sylvester Mubayi at Venice Biennale 2017

19th March 2018

We are delighted that senior sculptor Sylvester Mubayi was chosen to represent Zimbabwe at the 2017 Venice Biennale. Sylvester was one of four artists whose work filled the Zimbabwe Pavilion. Logistical and financial support came from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

Sylvester Mubayi with one of his sculptures
World-famous Zimbabwean sculptor Sylvester Mubayi

Sylvester Mubayi is the most famous living artist from the so-called ‘first-generation’ of Zimbabwe’s ‘Shona sculpture’ art movement. Other first generation sculptors still alive are Edward Chiwawa, Josiah Manzi and Ephraim Chaurika.

sculpture in harare garden
Shona sculptor Rufaro Murenza portrait photo

Rufaro Murenza

Sculptor

Rufaro was a deserving winner of the 3D sculpture category of Zimbabwe’s 2015 National Arts Merit Awards. He was also a NAMA finalist in 2017, 2016 and 2014.

See artist's work