When a new breed of artists emerged in the 1980s, collectors, gallerists and some academics decided to classify them & they separated these groups into generations. Today you will find in most books, newspapers & catalogues reference being made to First or Second Generation
First Generation merely refers to the group of artists that started the movement in the 1960s. Second generation is made up of those who started later on in the 1980s through to 1990s. This group includes Dominic Benhura, Tapfuma Gutsa, The Nyanhongo's, Madamombe's & many others.
The 2nd Generation had a different approach. They became very experimental. They also introduced much of mixed media where they fused stone with other things like wood, metal & paint. Their approach worked but they remained part of the Sculpture movement but in a contemporary way
Today some have not embraced the idea of being categorised into generations & Benhura is one such artist. However the classification has gained international acceptance and is used by galleries and museums in identifying & marketing artists.
Very few artists of the Old guard of the first Generation is still alive. These are Sylvester Mubayi (79), Edward Chiwawa (85), Enos Gunja (72), Ephraim Chaurika (81) and Josiah Manzi (88). Although advanced in age they still make sculptures with experience & precision.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
