Name Collen Maduwapera | ||
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Collen Maduwapera (born 1967) is a Zimbabwean sculptor.
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Early life
Maduwapera was the third born into a family of eight in Ruwa, Zimbabwe, and completed his primary schooling at Thorncroft Primary School before going to Rusununguko Secondary School in Bromley. His parents died after he completed his secondary education.
Career
Maduwapera found part-time employment as a teacher after leaving high school. In 1990 he met Nicholas Mukomberanwa, who enncouraged him to develop his talents in both painting and sculpture. He became a student in Mukomberanwa's workshop, and worked part-time alongside him for around thirteen years, while also working in the Head office of the Zimbabwean Government as a debt collector. Maduwapera worked for the Ministry of Education until 1994, remaining a sculptor only in his free time. With Mukomberanwa's assistance he set up a workshop along with Itayi Tauzeni and Gerald Takawira; he now works full-time as an artist with Ruwa Arts Council. Collen has exhibited his sculptures in many African and European countries.
Artistic style
Birds are the trademark feature of Maduwapera's paintings and sculptures. He said the following about his own work:
Although my work is constantly changing, I generally like to portray various aspects of human life, as well as nature. I like to convey human emotions and phenomena through birds and other themes that I observe in nature and in the people that live around me.
Personal life
He is married and has two sons, Takudzwa Maduwapera and Tatenda Maduwapera, who have talents for sculpting and music.