Peter Kananji

"Sisters", of which I posted a picture a couple of days ago, is instantly recognisable as the work of Peter Kananji, as is the image which we have used on our poster for the show.  Here he is: I love this picture of him, surrounded by his carvings as if they were little children!  The way he uses the natural stone is very beautiful.

Here's his "CV".  It reads as any artist's might: local recognition followed by a developing reputation internationally.  But the sting is in the tail, summing up the experience of so many of the artists, breadwinners for extended families in this country ravaged by AIDS and cholera:

Peter was born in Rusape and went to Gunda Primary School followed by Tsindi Secondary School. He started sculpting in 1990 at Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare under the guidance of well-known artist Joe Mutasa. When Peter was still a young boy his interest in art was apparent. He used to enjoy making human figures, animals and pots out of clay. When he started learning how to carve stones, he was a very eager student, who thrived on carving.

In 1998 Peter moved to Ambassador Sculpture Gallery with Gerald Takawira as resident artist and was also guided by internationally known Jim Sephani and the late Amos Supini.

His work has been exhibited in the U.S.A., Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, and at many galleries in Zimbabwe, including the National Gallery and Chapungu Sculpture Park. He is regarded as an up and coming young artist and he is a member of the Artpeace co operative although he works from home. He is married with one child and supports 17 people.