Dominic Benhura Biography
Dominic Benhura is a top Zimbabwean sculptor. His stone artworks show Shona culture and human feelings, touching people everywhere. From a small village in Murewa to places like the Missouri Botanical Garden and Nelson Mandela Foundation, his art is loved globally. This biography tells his story clearly, his early days, career, and big impact.
Early Life
Dominic Benhura was born in 1968 in Murewa, Zimbabwe, back when it was called Rhodesia. It’s a rural town 100 kilometers from Harare. His dad died before he was born, so his mom raised him alone. She taught him to be strong, which shows in his art. Growing up, he loved Shona culture, with its focus on family and nature, which he later put into his sculptures.
At 10, he moved to Tafara, Harare, to live with his uncle and cousin, Tapfuma Gutsa, a famous sculptor. Tapfuma showed him how to carve stone. Dominic started by polishing sculptures, then tried making his own with small stone pieces. By 12, he sold his first sculpture to architects, starting his path as an artist.
Education
Dominic did well in school in Murewa. Teachers told him to study more in Harare, then called Salisbury. But he never studied art in school. He learned by watching his cousin Tapfuma and practicing. He polished sculptures, then started carving his own, getting better with tools.
He also went to workshops in places like Botswana, the USA, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. These trips taught him new ways to carve. He spent time at Chapungu Sculpture Park, a big place for Zimbabwe artists, where he worked on bigger sculptures. Learning on his own and traveling made him a great sculptor.
Age and Date of Birth
In 2025, Dominic Benhura is 57 years old. He was born in 1968 in Murewa, Zimbabwe. He doesn’t share his exact birthday, keeping it private. Born during tough times in Rhodesia, his sculptures often show strength and community, ideas from his early life.
Parents
Dominic’s mom raised him alone in Murewa after his dad died before he was born. Not much is known about his dad. His mom was strong and taught him to work hard. She shared Shona culture with him, which shows up in his art about family and connection.
Spouse and Relationship
Dominic keeps his personal life private. There’s no info about a wife or partner. He’s likely single and focuses on his art. His five kids inspire his sculptures, like ones showing family joy. He lets his art tell his story instead of sharing personal details.
Family
Family means a lot to Dominic. He has five kids who inspire his art, like sculptures “Leap Frog” and “Swing Me Mama.” Living with his cousin Tapfuma Gutsa in Tafara got him into sculpting. His Shona background shapes his work, with ideas of unity and community.
Career
Dominic started his career in 1986, winning first place at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s school art contest. In 1987, he showed his work at Chapungu Sculpture Park and joined their artist program in 1990. By 1995, he got his own studio in Athlone, Harare, making bigger sculptures with stone and metal.
He showed his art in the USA, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, and South Africa. His sculpture “Leap Frog” is at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, and “Swing Me Mama” was given to Nelson Mandela in 2003. He runs a studio in Harare to teach young artists and leads the Tengenenge Art Community, a place for Zimbabwean art. He won awards like the University of British Columbia Certificate and The World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child.
Net Worth
Nobody knows Dominic Benhura’s exact net worth. One 2024 report said $359 million, but that sounds too high and isn’t proven. He makes money selling sculptures, showing at exhibitions, and teaching workshops. His global fame means he earns well, but Zimbabwe’s economy might affect his wealth. His art is valuable to collectors.
Conclusion
Dominic Benhura went from a village in Murewa to a world famous sculptor. His Shona inspired art, full of emotion, is loved everywhere. He also teaches young artists, building Zimbabwe’s art future. At 57, his work still inspires. His story shows how talent and hard work can make a big difference.
Call to Action
See Dominic Benhura’s art at places like the Missouri Botanical Garden or Tengenenge Art Community. Visit his Harare studio to support new artists. Share this biography to spread his story. Comment below with your favorite sculpture.
FAQs
What inspires Dominic Benhura’s art?
His five kids and Shona culture, with themes of people, nature, and feelings.
Where can I see his sculptures?
At Hartsfield International Airport, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Missouri Botanical Garden, Kastel Henkenshage, and more.
What awards did he win?
University of British Columbia Certificate and The World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child.
Is he still working in 2025?
He likely is, running his Harare studio and Tengenenge Art Community, but 2025 details are few.
What’s his net worth?
A 2024 claim of $359 million isn’t confirmed. He earns from sculptures and exhibitions, but exact numbers aren’t clear.
What makes his art special?
He uses stone and metal, showing Shona style emotions through shapes, not faces.