CHAKA CHIKODZI

"I am a Zimbabwean-Canadian stone sculptor living, working, and raising a family in Katarokwi/Kingston. I work with volcanic rock from Zimbabwe, where I started sculpting as a teenager, and have a studio here in Kingston and in Mvurwi, Zimbabwe, where I work with a team of assistants. Working with this stone here in Canada, where I have lived for the past 18 years, I have become increasingly interested in the stone itself – in the story it tells about geological history and in the relationship that I have forged with it over the years living between two continents. My recent work is inspired by the beauty and simplicity of the natural rock formations that are unique to Zimbabwe’s landscape." Chaka Chikodzi 2023

Bio

Chaka is a Zimbabwean-Canadian stone sculptor working with volcanic rock from Zimbabwe, he has been living in Canada for the past 18 years. His work is inspired by the beauty and simplicity of the natural rock formations that are unique to Zimbabwe’s landscape and history.

From the north to the south of the country of Zimbabwe is an un-erupted volcanic ridge that is known as the Great Dyke – it is 500 km long and 90 kms wide at its widest point. It is one of the few volcanic ridges in the world that didn’t ever erupt, that only rose and cooled without spilling, making it a storehouse of incredible and unique types of stone. According to geologists, the grain structures and colours were created depending on how long each season was and how hot or cold it got, making the lava cool at different speeds.

Artist Chaka Chikodzi at 13th Street Winery waxing his sculptures. April 2022

Video

A video produced by Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Chaka Chikodzi discusses his response to the exhibition "Stories to Tell: Africans and the Diaspora Respond to the Lang Collection."