Ikwezi Artist: Right Mukore

13 June 2014

The Ikwezi Art Centre is Silke Financial Services' Corporate Social Investment. Our primary focus is the upliftment of previously disadvantaged artists and to create a sustainable and commercially viable venue for talented individuals to full potential.

One of our artists was recently featured in the Montebello Times June's Issue. Featured artist Right Mukore, sculptor and magician. I say magician because his work is absolutely magical. The wood speaks, and he listens, carving with skill and care until a fantastical form emerges... mother and daughter with nurturing curves in a warm embrace, plump little pigs, croaking garden toads or giant toadstools. He even made a giant hamburger, complete with a layer of lettuce and tomato, for The Good Life Food Truck while they were here. Right sees deep into the heart of a branch of Jacaranda or a trunk of a Camphor tree, and brings characters to life through careful carving, polishing, shaving and sanding. Fish, angels and sometimes an entire family emerge slowly and beautifully as he chips away at the wood. Is he creating these creatures or merely uncovering them? Were they always there?

Right comes from Shoshe in the Masingo province of Zimbabwe, and one can see his Zimbabwean heritage shining through in his work, as well in as his wide all-embracing smile. He also works extremely hard; he is the first to arrive at Montebello in the mornings, and often the last to leave at night. He is well experienced in his craft, and has been practicing as an artist for over 20 years. His open-air studio truly is a magical wonderland. As a resident Montebello artist myself, I love to take the occasional wander among the sculptures. It's a perfect place to go when the soul is in need of some sustenance, and the mind needs some daydreaming time (if you don't mind the noise of the powertools!)

Right's work may be recognized by Cape Town residents: Reunion Park, opposite The Manhattan in Century City, was named after the life-size public art work, entitled "Family Reunion", that he chiseled out of a stone pine tree stump. The sculpture has taken centre stage in this park since 2008. Other public or semi-public artwork from Right's hand may be viewed at Sweet Valley Primary School in Constantia, Herschel Girls' School in Claremont, off Victoria Rd, Hout Bay, and at Oasis Resort, Century City.

Come and see this magic for yourself - from larger-than-life-size sculptures to small-scale functional art, Right's work is available for sale from his studio, and he will gladly carve up something special for you. A visit or a consultation can be arranged with him by contacting 078 613 2747.

Right's spellbinding creatures will be on auction as a Youth & Father's Day Special at his studio at Montebello Design Centre this Saturday 14 June. Bring your Dads, the kids, your Dad's kids, and your best bidding hand. The Gardener's Cottage will be open, as always, for refreshments and yummy lunch. Check out the Ikwezi Facebook page for event details or the Montebello website."

"Andrew Human stated that 'Ikwezi Art Centre deserves an accolade because the project truly aims to make a difference by offering creatively talented artists the chance to develop their talents. Added to this is the fact that the project aims to create a financially viable solution in the long term..."