method
AND STONE
A collection of sculptures by Dominic Benhura.
Dominic Benhura is an internationally renowned sculptor from Zimbabwe who is celebrated by gallerists and clients alike for his themes focusing on the importance of family and the natural environment and the relationship between them.
DOMINIC
benhura
Dominic has the exceptional ability to create large monumental works, sometimes sculpted from one 20 ft high solid stone. His art often incorporates unique materials into the stone, such as painted canvas, glass and metal which adds more texture and dimension.
By exaggerating his subject’s realistic scale as well as sculpting from such an uncompromising medium as stone, Dominic highlights the themes closest to his heart: the importance of family and the beauty of our natural environment.
Remarkably, some sculptures seem to defy gravity and give the illusion of motion, despite their evident physical weight. Dominic’s sculptures are made of natural stone found in his homeland, Zimbabwe. One of the stones he sculpts from is known locally as "springstone”, which is, in fact, an extremely hard serpentine of almost the consistency of granite.
Dominic’s works blend seamlessly into the natural landscape as well as enhancing the built world, whether in bold, municipal settings or in more intimate spaces such as family homes and gardens.
His work broadly complements outdoor landscapes, be it botanical or private gardens, parks or cityscapes.
A glance at a list of Dominic’s exhibitions and art sales attests to his global success and popularity. His shows in botanical garden settings in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America are particularly popular.
In addition, he is usually available to attend his exhibitions and is often happy to run workshops concurrently, teaching others some of his sculpting techniques.
STONE
SCULPTURE
FROM ZIMBABWE
FEATURED
ARTISTS
THE STUDIO
The Studio was founded in 1994 and has housed many sculptors both male and female, ranging from budding to professional Artists.
Work from the Studio has been shown in many parts of the world and have won local and international awards.
In addition to works from the resident artists, the Studio also exhibits works from other preeminent Zimbabwean Sculptors. The Studio is always on the lookout for new talent.
Dominic’s international success often demands a busy year of sculpting and travel, but this has not diminished his desire to help those less fortunate back in his homeland. He has supported, and continues to support, a number of emerging artists in Zimbabwe, offering training and materials to assist in their development. He has donated and raised funds for local schools and charitable foundations for children.
Indeed, his sculptures made of opal, springstone and dolomite, were featured in UNICEF’s 2014 calendar, reinforcing the artist’s passion for exploring children’s issues. In addition, Dominic has raised world awareness of the AIDS crisis in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and he subsequently presented sculptures to Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, and Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, for their organisations’ public collections.
SOCIAL
CONTRIBUTION
EXHIBITIONS
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
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Chapungu Gallery, Harare, Zimbabwe 1997
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Alden Biesen, Belgium 1997
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Melbourne Flower Show, Melbourne, Australia 1999
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Hannover Expo, Germany, 2000
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Native Accents Gallery, Florida, USA 2001 and 2002
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
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National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Harare Biennale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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UN Peace Exhibition, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Millesgarten Museum, Sweden
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Yorkshire Sculpture Park, United Kingdom
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Expo 1992, Seville, Spain