Calvin Chimutuwah: Enhancing Zimbabwe's Legislative Heart with Artistic Grandeur

by Olga G. Dzingo

One of the eight Zimbabwe bird sculptures by Calvin Chimutuwah stand proud at the new parliament building in Harare (image courtesy of the artist)

Award-winning artist Calvin Chimutuwah is the man behind the impressive eight rose-brown granite Zimbabwe Bird sculptures adorning the recently completed new parliament building in Mount Hampden, northwest of Harare. Commissioned by the Zimbabwean Government to sculpt the eight masterpieces, Chimutuwah embarked on this national assignment with commitment and excellence, as documented on his Instagram. But who is Calvin Chimutuwah, and why is he an important figure in Zimbabwe's artistic narrative?

A multidisciplinary artist, Calvin Chimutuwah has mastered various art mediums, from painting, drawing, photography, and graphic design to sculpture. Living and working from his studio in Harare, he started as a painter in 2000, capturing the beauty of Zimbabwe's natural landscape with detail and emotion. His cityscape paintings of Harare's Jacaranda trees are a beautiful record of Harare's autumns. Chimutuwah is also a graphic designer, producing stunning book covers and technical manuals, but what has brought him fame and recognition are his sculptures that blend organic forms and geometric abstraction. Chimutuwah's practice has maintained a singular vision over time, celebrating the natural world, human experience, and creative potential.

Chimutuwah at work sculpting one of the Zimbabwe bird pieces. (image courtesy of the artist)

When the Zimbabwean government approached Chimutuwah to commission the eight iconic Zimbabwe Bird sculptures for the new parliament building, he was both honored and excited. As a versatile artist, Chimutuwah saw this as an incredible opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe's rich cultural heritage at the place where national decisions are made and laws enacted.

"I was truly honored that the Zimbabwean government chose me for this prestigious project," Chimutuwah reflects. "As a Zimbabwean, I felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility to bring this symbol of our nation to life in the most authentic and captivating way." he adds.

Chimutuwah's connection to Zimbabwe's national heritage runs deep, stemming from his years of work at the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe. "Having experienced firsthand how our culture and heritage are woven into every aspect of Zimbabwean life, I knew I would be abe to do justice to this project. I also had a blessing in disguise of having worked at the Zimbabwean National Museum and Monuments for five years in which I had a better understanding of what I was putting myself into," he explains.

Chimutuwah and his team of fellow sculptors (image courtesy of the artist)

Undertaking the sculpting process of each piece was a meticulous one, requiring Chimutuwah to approach it almost like a graphic design project. "We had to pay close attention to every detail, from the measurements to the facts and figures," he says. "It was crucial that we get everything just right."

Chimutuwah worked closely with a team of fellow Zimbabwean sculptors such as Victor Nyakauru, Winston Nyekete, Bruce Kushata and Comfort Adriano to bring these Zimbabwean Bird sculptures to life. "Teamwork was essential. We all brought our unique skills and perspectives to the table, and it was that collaboration that allowed us to create a truly remarkable masterpiece."he notes.

One of the key challenges was ensuring that the eight individual birds, each standing at 160cm in height and 38cm in actual size, were identical in their appearance. The bird had to be similar to the ones depicted on Zimbabwean national emblem, currency notes/coins as well as the original piece at Great Zimbabwe. "We used wire models and worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was replicated perfectly across all the sculptures," Chimutuwah explains.

The decision to use locally sourced Rose Brown Granite for the sculptures was also a strategic one, as Chimutuwah and his team consulted with public works experts to determine the most appropriate and durable material. "It was important to us that we could source the materials locally, as it allowed us to truly own the originality and heritage of this project," he says.

The eight masterpieces stand in grandeur at the new parliament building. (image courtesy of the artist)

Chimutuwah's journey with the Zimbabwean Bird commission project has been a transformative one, teaching him valuable lessons in negotiation, project management, and budgeting public funds. "This was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the power of public art in creating original masterpieces that celebrate our national identity," he reflects.

The eight Zimbabwean Bird Sculptures stands tall in the new parliament building in Harare, installed on both sides of the fountain in front of the Parliament building. Chimutuwah feels a deep sense of pride and humility. "To see my work on such a prestigious platform is truly humbling," he says. "But more than that, it represents the incredible talent and creativity of Zimbabwean artists, and the importance of owning and celebrating our rich cultural heritage."