PASSMORE MASHAYA

SHONA MASTER

The life of Passmore Mashaya is a story carved in stone. His enduring commitment to stone sculpture has seen him through fifteen years of a grueling fight to establish himself as a renowned artist. This unwavering commitment has influenced many, including ten of his brothers and cousins, some of whom, after working under his apprenticeship, have become notable artists themselves.

Passmore was born at Elim Mission Hospital in Nyanga, Zimbabwe in 1973. He received his elementary education at Mazarura Primary School and then moved on to do his high school course at St. Monica Secondary School. Both schools are in Nyanga.

The geographic landscape of Nyanga, with all of its beautiful scenery, played a very significant role in influencing him to take on art as his chosen field. In his childhood days it was a common pastime for boys to spend their free time involved in many forms of art. These included clay moulding, woodcarving, making toy cars with wire and several other forms of craft. Although for others this may have been nothing more than just a pastime, for Passmore it took on greater dimensions in life. This, in a way can be attributed to his lineage, which boasts such great artists as his uncle, the late Moses Mashaya, the phenomenal Agness Nyanhongo, and the versatile Joseph Munemo, among others.

After making up his mind to devote his life to stone sculpture, he worked alone for a while in Nyanga. Soon after he moved to the capital, Harare, to team up with more experienced artists. Before long his talent started to show and he was invited to participate in the Chapungu Artists Residency Programme for the most promising artists. This was in 1995-6. He was recalled for the same program again for the 1999-2000 period. Meanwhile he had established a home workshop and gallery, The Mash Home Gallery, and had enrolled some of his brothers and cousins as apprentices.


His earlier works derived their influence from his childhood. In them he recreated those childhood images he" used to make out of clay and other material, only this time they were given new dimensions. The fusion of animal and human figures that metamorphosed into almost mystical figures created the impression that there is an irrefutable oneness between all created things. Among these are works like "Water Spirit", "Landing Angel", "The Pacifier", "The Rainbird" and others.


Some of his latest works, however, are an exaltation of human relationships. This he attributes to his working together with his siblings and his realization that working as a family brings greater benefits not only to the artists themselves, but as a heritage to show that there is life in stone. Such titles as "Brothers", "Lovers", "Family", "Mother & Child", "Sisters", "Togetherness" and others are a clear indication of a man who places great respect on family ties and general human companionship.

Art collectors and buyers from the USA, Holland, Germany, England and several other countries have collected and exhibited his pieces abroad. One of his pieces titled "Princess" is exhibited in the palace of the Queen of England. In 2004, Passmore then went to California, USA where he stayed for more than half a year and worked with galleries like Spirit in Stone. He exhibited his works of art at Sonoma State University, Springstone Art Gardens at Glen Ellen, California for four times. He also exhibited at the Neighbourhood Church 301 North Orange Grove, Boulevard, Pasadena.

His interests in stonework are “lovers”, “mass sculpture” and he likes fishing, and driving posh cars as a pastime. Passmore is married with four children. His mission is to produce brilliant and marketable artworks and will share the proceeds with the less privileged members of his society in any part of the world.


“Behold,…the stone spoketh”- more than words could say. Praise Jah for thy talent