NICHODIMUS Mlambo is a contemporary stone sculptor who blends abstract and realism, which points back at his history of being tutored by the late veteran sculptor Nicholas Mukomberanwa.
Mlambo, like Mukomberanwa, is identified by his bold vision of the arts industry, which entertains, educates and provides enlightenment to several aspects of life.
Manicaland National Arts Council provincial administrator Caroline Makoni singled out Mlambo as an unheralded sculptor.
NewsDay Life & Style sought to explore and share his amazing art from the gap town of Mutare.
Mlambo carved the Sleeping Giant to mark his return to the industry after a long absence.
He was at one time invited to Turkey for a cultural exchange programme, where he conducted several workshops on stone chipping.
As take home lessons, Mlambo began to appreciate his patience and life-long learning experiences, which consequently resulted in him getting a certificate of excellence from the organisers of the cultural tours he attended.
Mlambo works on various types of stones which include and are not limited to spring stone, white opal, black stone, serpentine and leopard rock, among others.
His carvings Mama Africa, Black Leopard and Diamond, The Voice of Africa, The Sleeping Giant, Supporting the Girl Child, My Feelings, Man Activities and Climate Change and Elephants on a Journey, gave him global popularity in addition to several awards.
In Mlambo’s display cabinet are accolades and souvenirs from the National Arts Gallery Award, MANISA Award, Artist Against Poverty UNDP Programme (1999), NKV Stone Sculpture in Turkey (2023) and the IM Programme in Sweden (2006).
Mlambo said the economic challenges were limiting his prospects of carrying out a solo exhibition.
“The industry is in shambles and a very dark cloud has befallen every good thing that is being built and it’s now different from the era of the first generation of artists, where private collectors and national galleries were always ready to retain sculptors work with fair prices,” he said.
“Exhibitions were always around the corner for competent sculptors. The economic sanctions in the 2000s after land disputes has hindered the progress as the business slowed down due to withered and strained relations and business flopped as the foreign art collectors lost confidence.
“By that token there are now very little opportunities for artist, with many sculptors in poverty as they are suffering economically. This has led to exploitation of artists. There is very minimum motivation for the artists.”
Following the posting of the announcement of the Silver Jubilee celebrations by Elizabeth Muusha, the director for Manicaland National Arts Gallery, Mlambo urged the youth to fully utilise the opportunities that come with the long exhibitions.
“I urge sculptors to be persistent and hardworking, creating new ideas and sharpen their skills through use of different methods, stones and avoiding repetitions at all cost. After a very long time, my invitation to Turkey was accepted with open arms and it was a great moment in life after so many years filled with dead ends,” he said.
“I finally found my feet and showcased my talent and creativity. My works were appreciated immensely and I was awarded a certificate of excellence.
“This programme inspired me to create The Sleeping Giant, which is a real story of my life after my lengthy absence in the arts industry.”
His son, Nichodimus Jr, who is also a visual artist, played a pivotal role in helping Mlambo to revive his career.
“Artists should always have spiritual guidance from God and ancestors. Strong determination and beliefs will always turn cornerstones into palaces. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, only just that you will never predict the length of the tunnel.”