Contact: Sue Markgraf, (847) 835-6819

CHICAGO (May 27, 2003) – Each of the 90 sculptures featured in the exhibition, “Chapungu: Custom and Legend, A Culture in Stone” is hand-carved to bring out the stones’ varied and emotional messages.

In association with Chapungu Sculpture Park, Harare, Zimbabwe, the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance join creative forces to co-present this important exhibition, from May 31 through Oct. 31, 2003. The sculptures represent eight universally human themes and range in height from 3 feet to 11 feet and weigh from 600 pounds to 6,000 pounds. They are displayed in natural, outdoor and indoor settings at both beautiful locations.

Zimbabwe stone sculpture is a profound, deeply human expression of the African people that transcends time and space. Sculptors say their ancestors’ spirits come in dreams and visions to reveal themselves in images that dwell within the stone. These “voices in stone” can almost be heard through the awe-inspiring sculptures, which tell tales of life in traditional and contemporary works of art. In this way, sculptors release life within the stone and their spirits soar within the collective reality of the African people.

The art begins with stones quarried from mines in different parts of the country, including serpentine, verdite, opal, cobalt, springstone and granite. Sculptors use non-mechanical tools, often handmade, to craft stone, because there is a general shortage of quality tools in Zimbabwe. Due to the stone’s hardness, chisels, hammers, punchers, tile cutters and metal combs are essential, as is 60 to 800 grit emery paper. When the design phase is complete, sculptors polish their creations by hand with clear wax, to bring out the stones’ textures and natural colors.

Bank One is presenting sponsor of “Chapungu: Custom and Legend, A Culture in Stone.” The Chicago Tribune and ABC 7 Chicago are providing additional support. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Governor’s International Arts Exchange Program of the Illinois Arts Council. Call (847) 242-6400 for information on “Chapungu: Custom & Legend, A Culture in Stone,” or visit www.ChapunguChicago.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. Call (847) 835-5440 for information. Garfield Park Conservatory is owned and managed by the Chicago Park District. Call (312) 746-5100 for information. The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance can be reached at (773) 638-1766, extension 20.
 
[Editors, please note: Slides and digital images with captions are available upon request to Julie McCaffrey. Call (847) 835-8213, or e-mail jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.]