Graceful, 2017

Gregory Mutasa  

Gregory was born on the 14th June 1959 in Rusape, about 200 km East of Harare, Zimbabwe. His totem is the Buffalo and he is of the Shona Tribe. He is one of a family of five and he is the eldest son.

Gregory went to St Lukes Primary School and then proceeded to secondary school at St Faiths Mission for three years where he studied art and left after passing Standard VI.

Gregory went on to the Kekana Art and Craft school in Rusape, where he was taught art and carving; he learned to carve in soapstone and wood. After three years in 1977 he was awarded a Diploma in fine art and on obtaining his diploma he was hired as a furniture designer in Chiredezi. Preferring to create his own art he applied for a job in Harare at African Art Promotions in 1979 as a carver and he started to carve in Verdite, mainly for the tourist trade.

Gregory then came under the influence of his brother Joe Mutasa, a widely respected Zimbabwean artist, who urged him to create art rather than mass-produce repeated themes. Under the guidance of Joe his work quickly began to flourish and achieve wide acclaim. His work has been exhibited at Expo 2000, Hannover, Germany; Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, as well as Kew Gardens in London, England.

Gregory is not afraid to work in the hardest stones, such as Dolomite, Lepidolite and Springstone. His work is influenced by the form of woman, family, daily life and the environment. Gregory is a vibrant and dedicated sculptor with much potential.