Reluctant Lupane sculptor

Born and raised in Lupane, 29-year-old Menon Mpofu cuts a lone figure at the curios and flower stalls outside the Bulawayo City Council’s Large City Hall, an undisputed tourist attraction for many a tourist that throngs the place nearly every day.

Born and raised in Lupane, 29-year-old Menon Mpofu cuts a lone figure at the curios and flower stalls outside the Bulawayo City Council’s Large City Hall, an undisputed tourist attraction for many a tourist that throngs the place nearly every day.

NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT

Plans of being a professional mechanic were dashed when he lost his father in 1985 resulting in him dabbling in arts and craft.

Due to lack of funds to allow him to advance his education, Mpofu moved to Bulawayo in search of a job.

It is in the City of Kings that the young Mpofu learnt carving and beading from his brother, a pastor, Alison Dube who has had a profound influence on his work.

“I am grateful to my brother. He taught me the basics of good sculpture which I use today.

“He taught me to use my imagination and introduced me to the language of shape, form and space.

“I have grown and I am able to fend for myself,” Mpofu narrated his journey into the world of visual art to the Woza Weekend this week.

The sculpture-cum-designer did his primary education at Emqwashini in Mbembesi before completing high school education at Nhlanhla Secondary School in Lupane, the provincial capital of Matabeleland North.

“Growing up, I never imagined myself as an artist. I was inspired by my father who was diligent in his work as a professional mechanic. I wanted to follow his steps, but I am glad I found a new passion,” Mpofu said.

The 30-year-old artiste born out of a Xhosa woman and a Ndebele father is strongly influenced by his Nguni traditional upbringing evidenced by his sleek fashion designs which are hinged on bead work.

Mpofu frequents South Africa where he showcases and sells stone-carved products in Cape Town.

“My work is mostly appreciated here in Zimbabwe than out of the country. I often feel our work is undermined there. People at home understand what we do and hence it is better here,” he said.

“The challenge I have is getting capital. I have to borrow money for huge orders that I get from customers. The second challenge is we are approaching the rainy season and would love sheds at the city hall. We do not display our products when it is raining and this inconveniences us as artistes.”

Mpofu’s carved work of animals and other creations is inspired by nature.