Contemporary Fine Art @ The Piper Art Bar

GREGORY MUTASA - Zimbabwean Sculptor, Gregory Mutasa, was born on the 14th June 1959 in Rusape, about 200 km East of Harare, Zimbabwe. His totem is the Buffalo and he is a member of the Shona Tribe. He is one of a family of five and he is the eldest son. Gregory Mutasa he studied art at St Faiths Mission for three years and went on to the Kekana Art and Craft school in Rusape, where he was taught art and carving; he learned to carve in soapstone and wood. In 1977, after three years he was awarded a Diploma in Fine Art and was hired as a furniture designer in Chiredezi. Preferring to create his own art he applied for a job in Harare at African Art Promotions in 1979 as a carver and he started to carve in Verdite. Gregory Mutasa then came under the influence of his brother Joe Mutasa, a widely respected Zimbabwean artist, who urged him to create art rather than mass-produce repeated themes. Under the guidance of Joe his work quickly began to flourish and achieve wide acclaim. His work has been exhibited at Expo 2000, Hannover, Germany; Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, as well as Kew Gardens in London, England. Mutasa is not afraid to work in the hardest stones, such as Dolomite, Lepidolite and Springstone. His work is influenced by the form of woman, family, daily life and the environment. Gregory Mutasa is a vibrant and dedicated sculptor with much potential.