John Takawira was a first generation Shona sculptor born in Chegutu, Zimbabwe in the year 1938. His father worked for the local police. John Takawira was inspired to make art by his mother and also two brothers who also became professional artists, Bernard and Lazarus, the latter I have already written about. John Takawira worked with the figure and also with birds. His work was an exciting blend of realism and abstraction with great variation of textures within his work.
Takawira began sculpting seriously at the age of twenty with the assistance of his uncle, Joram Mariga. His work was shown to Frank McEwen, the leader of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and John Takawira attended some workshops at the National Gallery. After this experience the artist was always on a forward path and began his professional career. This was in the mid 1960s.
Had his work shown for the first time at the Museum of Modern Art located in New York City in 1969.
Price range information: Works range from $2,000 to $10,000.
During the early part of the next decade Takawira would be put on the international stage via some works that were shown at some top museums in Paris, France. His works were the most acclaimed by the critics.
An eagle made by the artist was given to Pope John II.
John Takawira passed away in 1989.
price range information: Sorry none available.
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