Close

‘Between Me and the Stone’ exhibition opens at Showcase

Shona sculpture works from Zimbabwe by Dominic Benhura on display until 18 January.

Showcase is presenting its third major exhibition of Shona stone sculptures from Zimbabwe in the presence of Dominic Benhura, widely considered to be the most important Shona sculptor, having participated in 30 solo exhibitions in Africa, Europe, USA and Australia. Benhura has an exceptional ability to portray human feeling through form rather than facial expression. In this his latest body of work he incorporates inlaid stone in his trademark designs.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, he sketches profusely and keeps a sketchbook close at hand recording ideas as they come to him. Once he has selected the rock he needs for a certain sketch he destroys the sketch so that it no longer influences him. “It is now between me and the stone,” he says – a phrase that has given birth to the name of the exhibition.

The subject matter for Shona sculptors has often been family and the pieces are usually carved to express both personal and spiritual beliefs. The younger-generation sculptors have a simplicity to their work and they speak of fundamental human experiences such as grief, elation, humour, anxiety and spiritual search, always communicated in a profoundly simple and direct way that is rare and extremely refreshing.

Other participating sculptors this year are Lovemore Bonjisi, Gregory Mutasa, Bywell Sango, Leonard Sezhendo and David White.

The exhibition and gallery are open daily from 10am to 7pm except Fridays. Further details can be found at showcaseuae.com

The Latest

The Importance of Community-Driven Design

We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement

Finasi at Downtown Design 2025

Finasi x ROAR presents – Made in UAE

For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that speaks the language of material honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and local identity.

A Lesson in Restraint

This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale

Vote for your favourite projects at the identity Design Awards 2025

You can now choose your favourite project from the identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist

identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist: Interior Design

The shortlist is revealed for the interior design categories

What to Expect at Downtown Design

The Middle East’s leading platform for high-quality contemporary design will showcase a curated mix of international and regional brands, alongside independent designers and studios

A New Chapter of Wellness

Studio Marco Piva has designed the Eden Spa at Excelsior Palace in Rapallo, where architecture, landscape and luxury converge

Otherworldly

The new Alémais Sydney headquarters reflects the brand’s flair for colourful prints and embellishments

Between Sky and Steel

We step into a sculptural apartment in Istanbul, Turkey

identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist: All Categories

Shortlist revealed for all the categories for identity Design Awards 2025

Brimming with Warmth

Atlas Concorde’s porcelain tiles enhance the contemporary design of this villa in Bodrum, Turkey