The Art community is mourning the death of Tizirai Gumbere, a shona stone sculptor whose work has left a permanent mark in the visual art
scene. Tizirai, popularly known by his colleagues as “Gwama” passed away on the 21st of September 2015 after a long illness.
Tizirai started sculpting in 1992 and was unwavering in his pursuit for excellency in his work until the day he died. Even in his last days when he was no longer feeling healthy, Tizirai still found strength to sculpt a few pieces as a way of taking his mind off his illness.
During his lifetime, Tizirai’s work had an unmistakable trademark of contrasted handshakes. The Handshake sculptures were his expression of his need to see inter-racial unity, he shared Martin Luther’s dream of seeing a world were people are not judged by the colour of their skins but by the content of their character.
His fellow artists at Chitungwiza Arts Centre were shocked by his death but most are saying they will celebrate his love and be 
encouraged by the message of peace, love and harmony he preached through his stone sculptures.
Taurai Tigere-Tandi the Chairman of Chitungwiza Arts Centre described Tizirai Gumbere as a hardworking Artist who was focused on his work.
Tizirai will be buried in his rural home of Bikita on the 23 of September 2015. May his soul rest in everlasting peace and may his works keep inspiring other artists and the world at large.
