Timothy Gwaravaza

Timothy was born in 1992 in Wedza, Zimbabwe, south-east of the capital Harare. He was the last born in a family of seven. He grew up under the guidance of his grandfather who was a renowned hunter and his grandmother who was a storyteller and a potter. Nearby lived his uncles who carved wood into traditional drums and mbira (thumb pianos). By the river, blacksmiths worked. It was a fascinating and inspiring environment for a young boy to grow up in, surrounded by traditional craftsmen.

As a child, Timothy used to help his father to sculpt serpentine heads. In about 2015, Timothy’s brother, Tendai Gwaravaza, encouraged him to take up stone sculpting full time. Timothy began to explore abstract sculpture under the guidance of his brother. His main inspiration for his abstract forms is Shona culture and beliefs in the spiritual world, and this overlaps with Zimbabwe’s mainly Christian faith. His childhood in the bush means that he also derives ideas from nature and natural forms.

2018 Finalist (mixed media work) in “Blood Relatives” competition held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare
2017 Finalist in abstract category, “Artistic Africa” competition held at
Chitungwiza Arts Centre, Zimbabwe
Timothy’s work has been shown in New Zealand and Germany.