Proud Of My Body by Tendai Rukodzi, Springstone, Unique, 155cm high by 40cm wide by 32cm deep, Body, Figurative sculpture

This piece by Tendai Rukodzi is a powerful Shona springstone figurative sculpture that celebrates the female form with dignity, restraint, and quiet confidence. Carved from a single, unique block of springstone, the sculpture measures 155 cm high by 40 cm wide by 32 cm deep, giving it an almost life-size presence that feels both intimate and monumental.

This vertical, columnar sculpture presents a slender nude female torso, reduced to its essential forms. By concentrating attention on the torso, waist, and subtle curve of the hips, Rukodzi balances naturalism with elegant abstraction. Elongated lines emphasize height and grace, while the refined waist contrasts gently with softly rounded breasts and hips. The absence of arms, and legs simplifies the silhouette into an iconic female outline that reads clearly from both frontal and profile views.

The surface treatment is central to the work’s impact. Smooth, highly polished planes alternate with areas of raw, natural stone, revealing the material’s character. The low reflective sheen of the polished springstone catches and warms light, enhancing the sculpture’s undulating volumes and creating a skin-like finish that speaks to the artist’s technical mastery.

The title Proud Of My Body frames the sculpture as an affirmation of self-acceptance, resilience, and bodily integrity. By isolating the torso, the work universalizes the female body while still conveying individuality, cultural pride, and inner strength. Suitable for indoor or outdoor display, the sculpture can stand alone or be presented on a plinth, making it a compelling statement piece within contemporary figurative stone sculpture collections.