Animalistic Traditionalism
Richard Mteki
Harare 1947
Richard Mteki is a Zimbabwean sculptor and master stone carver.
Influenced by his older brother, sculptor Boira, he began sculpting at the Nyarutsezo Art Center in the 1960s. And Richard is considered one of Zimbabwe's most successful artists. The power and fluidity of the lines of his unique sculptures demonstrate his remarkable talent.
Mteki is a first-generation sculptor who draws most of his work from the beliefs of the Shona people, although he is also inspired by nature, depicting animals in his own unique style. For Mteki, the form of raw stone is important, and he prefers to work with the stone rather than impose his will on it.
1947