Feet of the Mind by Collen Nyanhongo, Stone, Unique, 140cm high, 60cm wide, 40cm deep, Abstract, Black, Figurative sculpture
Feet of the Mind by Collen Nyanhongo is a unique Shona stone sculpture, measuring 140 cm high, 60 cm wide, and 40 cm deep. The work presents an abstract face emerging from the stone, blending realism with imaginative abstraction.
The face tilts slightly to the side, eyes focused straight ahead. The lips press together, giving the figure a quiet, contemplative expression. The neck rises from the base in a strong, smooth line, anchoring the sculpture and emphasizing its upward movement. On one side, the artist leaves the stone rugged and uncut, creating contrast. This rough section sweeps upward into five rounded clumps atop the head, vaguely resembling a foot, adding symbolic intrigue.
Nyanhongo uses texture to guide the eye. The polished areas shine with deep black, highlighting the facial features and capturing light. In contrast, the unpolished sections maintain a natural, grey-toned stone, adding depth and grounding the piece. The base remains partly rugged, reinforcing the connection between carved and raw stone.
The sculpture flows visually, drawing viewers from the base, up the neck, across the face, and to the clumps above. This flow encourages engagement and reflection, emphasizing the dialogue between human form and abstract ideas. The combination of smooth curves, rugged surfaces, and imaginative forms makes Feet of the Mind dynamic, yet grounded.
The piece balances detail and abstraction, light and shadow, polished and raw textures. It invites viewers to explore both the physical form and its symbolic, conceptual layers.
