Sculptor Washington Msonza said rising inflation globally has affected creatives in a huge way.
The price of goods and services are at an all time high as a result of Covid 19, plus the situation has been exacerbated by Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Sculpture is deemed as luxury in these difficult times, so we have been affected in a huge way by the pandemic and war in Ukraine.
“Personally I rely on foreign market, Europe and Asia, my clients are skeptical about the status quo, which means no spending until the situation has normalised,” said Msonza.
The Chitungwiza based artist has so far managed to take part in exhibitions in countries like Canada, Germany, China and Belgium.
He has permanent sculptures displayed in Belgium at Crib and Krippana museums respectively, and also in China.
Msonza has called on the government to support artists in these difficult times.
“Government must support the sector by organising exhibitions on behalf of artists through government to government approach.
“We have many artists, who are selling their artifacts all over the world, it will also bring in the much needed foreign currency”.
His greatest achievement so far is a top 10 finish out of 56 at Fuzhou international sculpture exhibition in China (2016).
Msonza said he is working from home these days due to the effects of Covid 19.
“I work from home nowadays, it was during the Covid induced lockdowns that forced me to do so.I display my finished products at Tsindi gallery.”
Locally he has exhibited at National Arts Gallery, Chapungu and at the now defunct Mambwe gallery.
He started sculpting in later 80s.
“It is now more than three decades, since I have been doing sculpture. I started with abstract but now I specialise with figures only.”
The second republic is putting on special emphasis on reviving arts sector, which is key in achieving the goals set in National Development Strategy One(NDS1).
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