Dudzai Mushawepwere

Dudzai Mushawepwere was born on November 16, 1974 in Mutoko, Zimbabwe.  He is the youngest in a family of four, three boys and one girl.  Mushawepwere grew up in Chitungwiza, a suburb of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.  He completed his primary education at Seke 11 Primary School and his Ordinary level at Farai Institute of Studies.  At school he was good at drawing .

Mushawepwere started his sculpting career in 1990 under John Type and worked with Type for two years.  After that  he decided to venture out on his own and become a full time artist.

Mushawepwere was inspired to carve by his desire to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors.  Through his research and interests in African culture, he discovered that certain aspects of his cultural history was disappearing.  He wanted to help, along with the other artists of his generation, to preserve their heritage.  The only way he had to let the people of his country know the importance of their culture was to send the message through his sculptures.  His art comes from day to day activities, cultural history and visiting places of interest.

Mushawepwere enjoys carving abstracts, heads, birds and sometimes figures.  His sculptures are located in galleries in Germany, Belgium, Holland and the US to list a few.  In Zimbabwe his sculptures can be found in several galleries such as Chapungu National Gallery, Stone Heritage Gallery, etc.