Eric Lumba a sculpture at Chitungwiza Arts Centre bought and gained control of a lion art piece of the late renowned sculpture John Runyanga in February this year which was then owned by Mr. Saunyama of Chisipite. This lion sculpture is carved from a semiprecious brown verdite stone obtained in the early 90s, which is now rare to find in Zimbabwe.
Saunyama was about to sell this master piece for a fortune to a European buyer but was made to change his mind by Lumba. After being told the story of how precious the art work was and the demise of the great artist behind its curving, Saunyama sold it at a giveaway price of US $175 such that the deceased work can be preserved for future remembrances.
Eric Lumba now put this master piece on sale for US$2000 and has plans of giving back a share of the money to the deceased family.
Taurai Maisiri a sculpture at Chitungwiza Arts Centre and nephew to the late Runyanga was given two of the deceased last pieces which he intends to also sell in order help the family left behind by his uncle. One of these two pieces is a Mbada Diamonds logo done for sponsors of the local soccer tourney which was being done as per special request, , a deal which failed to materialize due to the death of Runyanga. The last piece is a cheeter which is also said to have been an order done for one Tim Anderson a buyer from London.
These two related buddies Taurai and the late Runyanga have worked together in the sculpture making industry ever since the 1980s and they are amongst the best artists to ever produce fine arts at the Centre.
John Runyanga died late last year and his talent and presence will forever be missed in the world of arts. The late Runyanga left behind a wife and three children, two boys and a girl.
Avac Arts