Kennedy Phiri
Kennedy was born in 1966 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He started sculpting after he left school in 1985 and mastered the basic techniques quickly; knowing that he was naturally gifted drove him forward.
He soon teamed up with Silas Manyore, a member of the National Gallery workshop and of the Chapungu Sculpture Village. Kennedy worked with Silas, as his apprentice. Silas was a great sculptor and teacher, and an admirer of Nicholas Mukomberanwa's art. Silas' untimely death in 1993 was a great sadness for Kennedy as he lost a great friend and mentor.
Kennedy's work has been exhibited worldwide - including Australia, USA, Germany and the Netherlands. Numerous local galleries such as Matombo Gallery in Harare have also exhibited his work.
Kennedy is one the senior artists at Chitungwiza Arts Centre, and his work is outstanding. The early death of his mentor, Silas Manyore, denied him his natural path of progression to international recognition but he refuses to be downcast. His sculpture is perfect in every detail and he works with the quiet confidence of an artist who knows his time will come.