Protecting My Chicks
By Dominic Benhura, Installed 2006
Born in 1968, Dominic Benhura has emerged as a Zimbabwean sculptor who is known and respected outside his “backyard”, and indeed outside his country. The “Benhura Phenomenon”, the Awards, the Keys of the City, and the accolades which are not usually given to sculptors have not yet been prone to complex analysis, and perhaps this is not necessary.
Dominic is an artist who represents in his sculpture many things with which people can identify, whatever their culture or race. From Swing Me Mama to HIV Friend, Benhura captures moments in time that we have experienced ourselves or known others to experience. His sculptures may, perhaps, have a wider appeal than any other sculptures made in stone in Zimbabwe. There is a direct link between the sculptors and their sculpture- Benhura is a man of social consciousness, strong family values, hope, and optimism about his country. He is a lover and conserver of nature. All these things about him are evident in his sculptures.
