Stalin Tafura

 SmithKlein Gallery presents new works by Stalin Tafura

About the artist: 

Stalin Tafura

 

The stone sculpture of Stalin Tafura affirms the values and wisdom of Shona culture while reflecting themes that resonate with people from diverse backgrounds. Tafura harnesses his unique artistic sensibility to speak to and listen to stone, resulting in distinctly powerful sculptures that transcend time and geographical space.





Tafura was born into a famous sculpting family in Zimbabwe and is the grandson of sculptor, Claudio Nyanhongo, and son of world-renown sculptor, Agnes Nyanhongo. His education as a sculptor began in early childhood, as he observed the work of his grandfather, mother and uncles, and began to assist in the finishing process of their pieces.

“From a very early age, it was typical that I’d be surrounded by various family members sculpting and I became familiar with not only the techniques and the tools, but also the creative process and approach that I continue to use today. As a child, I used clay earth to sculpt cows, sheep and other animals; I was always exploring the world in a creative way.  I remember sculpting one of my first stone piece around the age of five. As I matured, it didn’t take long for me to realize that art could serve as a very powerful and personal way for me to communicate,” explains Tafura.

"Encircling my Soul"

"Prayer for the Future"

"Struggle of Beauty"

"Window of Opportunity"

Kevin Box at SmithKlein Gallery

 Works by Kevin Box can be seen at SmithKlein Gallery in Boulder.

Kevin demonstrates the art of folding paper.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I look at a piece of paper as 'tabla rosa' a clean slate, perfect potential.  This potential is activated by light and shadow as each decision creases into the paper.   Emerging from an interest in geometry, light, architecture and paper, my themes describe the intelligent design of decisions just below the surface of creation. This is revealed best by unfolding a design to show the papers memory of creases.

The work begins this way, with delicate paper.  Each piece is then cast into bronze through a process developed over many years of experience in the foundry.  It can take from twelve weeks to six months for a piece to be realized. 

BIOGRAPHY

Kevin Box grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, beneath 'the tree that escaped the crowded forest', Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper.   Kevin's creative passion was evident at a very young age and was he determined to realize his 'visions.' 

Kevin spent three years studying art and art history at the School of Visual Arts in Savannah, Georgia, completing his degree at the school's prestigious main campus in New York City.  There, under the direction of Jackie Winsor and Alice Aycock, he confirmed his contemporary artistic vision, inspired within an historical context.

In 1999, Box began his career in a foundry.  Bronze spoke his artistic language, what he refers to as 'deep time conversation.' Over the next four years, he labored under self-imposed apprenticeships to become proficient in bronze casting.  Working for sculptors and foundries, he attained an exhaustive knowledge of casting techniques and the fabricating and finishing processes necessary to create monumental works of art. 

Throughout Kevin’s experiences, he took every opportunity to develop his work.  After years of experimentation with bronze, he arrived at the process in which he works today, becoming a fulltime artist in 2003.  His knowledge of the foundry process combined with a vision for innovation defines the style and sensibility of his work as it establishes a place within contemporary art history.

Hero's Horse by Kevin Box

Folding Planes by Kevin Box

 

Happiness Shared by Kevin Box

White Bison by Kevin Box

Flight of Folds by Kevin Box

Bison Unfolded by Kevin Box

Conversation Peace by Kevin Box

Crane Unfolding by Kevin Box