RICHARD MTEKI, CURLED-UP MAN

marble sculpture depicting a curled-up figure. Signed on the back by Richard Mteki. Born in Zimbabwe in 1947, the artist works in the Shona sculptors' tradition. His preferred subject is the human figure: "In most of his heads, it is as if a protective hand has caressed the face, closing the eyes and allowing sleep" (C. Winter-Irving, author of "Stone Sculpture in Zimbabwe"). Mteki has been chosen to represent Zimbabwe through government commissions. He is currently one of the most established names in Shona sculpture in Zimbabwe. His works are collected in countries such as Germany, England, and the United States.