Running Elephant by Fungai Dodzo, Springstone, Unique, 120cm high, 70cm wide, 30cm deep

Fungai Dodzo sculpted this piece from locally sourced Springstone, a hard, dark stone prized by Zimbabwean artists for its durability and richly textured surface. The work captures an elephant in mid-motion. Its body leans forward with intention—strong, deliberate, and full of momentum. The bold form, paired with fluid, sweeping lines, evokes a vivid sense of energy and movement.

Dodzo emphasizes detail throughout the sculpture. The slightly tilted head suggests the rhythm of the animal’s stride. Though the composition remains compact, it pulses with life. The heaviness of the stone contrasts with the lightness of the pose, enhancing the dynamic feel.

The sculpture expresses both strength and grace. Rather than freezing the figure in time, he animates it—transforming stone into motion.

Artist Biography:
Fungai Dodzo is a Zimbabwean sculptor who specializes in stone carving. He draws inspiration from the Shona sculptural tradition, a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and continues to shape Zimbabwe’s contemporary art scene.

Dodzo began his practice within a lively community of artists in Zimbabwe. He learned by observing master sculptors, engaging directly with stone, and steadily refining his techniques. Over time, he forged his own artistic identity. His style blends expressive, dynamic forms with carefully worked surfaces and a tendency toward abstraction.

He has exhibited his work in Zimbabwe and abroad. Private collectors and institutions have acquired his sculptures, recognizing the balance he strikes between tradition and innovation. As a leading voice among the new generation of Zimbabwean sculptors, Dodzo carries forward the legacy of Shona stone art while adding a distinctly modern perspective.