Mike Nyakusvora

Born on May 23, 1975, in the Rusape district of Zimbabwe, Michael began carving at the age of ten, when he began assisting his grandfather, a renowned woodcarver. His early career in stonecarving followed the same path. Upon completing secondary school in 1993, he went to Harare in search of employment and settled in Chitungwisa. It was there, in 1994, that he was first exhibited at the Chitungwiza Art Center. Michael had the opportunity to meet his friend Shepherd Madzikatire, who was working with his cousin, Moses Masaya, one of the masters of Shona stonecarving. He joined the group and was accepted by the sculpting artists mentored by Moses Masaya. In 1999, Michael's work was exhibited for the first time at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe's annual exhibition. Over the years, his talent and development have taken on a distinct identity. His favorite stone is Serpentine Springstone. His influences remain within the mainstream of Shona sculpture. Highly stylized portraits are often the subject of his work, as are references to traditional and ancestral masks. He remains faithful to Shona culture and beliefs. His reputation grew rapidly, and for many years his works have been exhibited in galleries on every continent.