Mermaid Stone by Ronnie Dongo, Springstone, Unique, 18cm high by 60cm wide by 82cm deep, sculpture

This piece by Ronnie Dongo is a captivating Shona springstone sculpture that celebrates intimacy, balance, and fluid movement. Carved from richly polished Zimbabwean springstone, this unique artwork portrays two mermaids intertwined in a tender embrace, their forms flowing seamlessly into one another.

The sculpture rests horizontally, allowing the upper mermaid to draw immediate focus. She closes her eyes in peaceful repose, expressing serenity and trust. Her hair streams gracefully behind her, adding rhythm and directional movement to the composition. With gentle intention, she wraps her arms around the mermaid beneath her, forming a protective and intimate connection.

The second mermaid emerges subtly from below. Her arms and tail remain partially visible, yet her presence feels essential. Her hands trace the upper figure’s body and hair, reinforcing the sense of unity and mutual support. Both tails extend outward toward opposing corners, guiding the viewer’s gaze across the sculpture and enhancing its dynamic balance.

Dongo masterfully uses the smooth, hand-polished surface of the springstone to highlight the curves and contours of each figure. Natural variations within the stone create depth and organic contrast, while the interplay of light and shadow animates the composition from every angle.

Balancing abstraction with clarity, Mermaid Stone communicates harmony, trust, and calm. Its flowing lines invite slow contemplation, transforming solid stone into a living expression of connection and quiet strength.