LOVEMORE BONJISI
1986, Ruwa, Zimbabwe (northeast of Harare)
Lovemore attended Thornicroft Park School and Tafara High School. Lovemore has three brothers and two sisters. His brothers Lameck, Witness, and the twins Garikai and Tafunga are all well-known, successful Zimbabwean sculptors. Lovemore’s eldest brother, the late Lameck Bonjisi was the assistant to the masterful first generation sculptor Nicholas Mukomberanwa, whose work today is featured in museums and private collections. Lameck’s career was also successful as a renowned “second generation” sculptor, apprenticed by the eager, young Lovemore. After watching the success achieved by Lameck, Lovemore began sculpting on his own. In 2000, Lovemore decided to go and work at Ruwa Gallery, where his brothers had ongoing exhibitions. He remained there for six months, where he gained more experience in technique and furthered his own style. As a young and “up and coming” artist, Lovemore shows great enthusiasm. His work has already proven to be a success with his many admirers and clients across the globe.
As Lovemore matures, the more distinct his style becomes. Clearly influenced by Lameck’s work, Lovemore stylized female heads are placid and beautiful. His choice of stone is used to great effect as he emphasizes details of his figures alternating broad and thin contour lines. Shapes are strong and well defined, showing Lovemore’s confidence in his work. Many of his works are figurative, mainly women, some showing movement through sweeping lines that seemingly lighten the massive weight of the serpentine. This lightness creates a spiritual and ethereal quality, as if the stone returning to nature, becoming part of air itself. He selects many different types of stones to work in and this also enhances his creations. Combining natural elements, strong, confident sculpting strokes and beautiful portrayals of women, there can be no question, then, why one of his pieces is named “Beauty”.