Born in 1962 in Gutu District. Died in 2001

Gladman Zinyeka was born in the Gutu District and was separated from his parents during the struggle for liberation. Gladman settled in Harare in 1983 and started to sculpt in 1985. His role model was Samson Kuvhengurwa, whose very innovative work deeply impressed him. Gladman depicted the everyday life of those he knew. He acutely expressed the suffering of the poor and unemployed. “I stand for the poor! I am lucky because I can shout through the stone!” He worked mainly in Springstone, using unworked parts of the stone and different textures to great effect. He also produced some striking works in Opal Stone and other materials. Gladman’s sudden death in 2001 was a sad loss for the arts community in Zimbabwe.