Soul Searching by Willard Bopoto, Avocado Stone, Green, Unique, 79cm high, 53cm wide, 42cm deep

This piece by Willard Bopoto is a powerful example of contemporary Shona sculpture, carved from richly coloured avocado stone. The work balances strength and stillness, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect on the quiet journey of self-discovery.

Bopoto shapes the stone into a flowing abstract form that suggests a human presence without defining it. This deliberate absence of detail allows the sculpture to remain open to interpretation. Each viewer may see something different: contemplation, resilience, or the search for clarity within the human spirit. The gentle curves and grounded weight create a calm, meditative presence that works beautifully in both interior and outdoor settings.

The warm tones and fine grain of avocado stone enhance the sculpture’s tactile quality. Subtle variations in colour move across the surface, giving the piece a natural depth that changes with light throughout the day. Like many works within the Shona tradition, Soul Searching reflects themes of identity, spirituality, and connection to the natural world.

This sculpture also carries a deeper story. It forms part of Spirit in Stone, a project supporting artists at Sanganai Art Centre in rural Zimbabwe. More than sixty artists—many of them women—carve their work under challenging conditions, often without shade or access to clean water. Proceeds from these sculptures help fund essential improvements, including shaded workspaces and clean water facilities.

Soul Searching is therefore more than a sculpture. It is a reflection on inner strength and a testament to the resilience of the artists who continue to shape stone into enduring expressions of spirit and humanity.