The Longacres Rhino statue that was recently removed by AFCONS Contraction to pave way for road constructions has received support from an unlikely source.
Director of Arts and Culture at the Ministry of Tourism and Arts Patricia Muyamwa says it is important to appreciate efforts put in by artists in coming up with art works.
She said all artistic works are talent worthy of support from Government and Zambians, hence the need for Zambian contactors and other players in infrastructure development to value works of art as it forms an important part of the country’s tourism development.
Ms Muyamwa said this when she visited the rhino statue that was brought down by AFCONS Contraction, the company building the fly over bridge at Lusaka’s Longacres area.
The uprooting of the Rhino statue drew an outcry among artists with the Artist who crafted the Rhino statue threatening to go on a hunger strike.
According to a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka on Tuesday by Ministry of Tourism Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe, Mrs. Muyamwa voiced concern that the contractor removed the piece of art without consulting relevant officials including her department at the Ministry.
And Kachere Arts Studio founder Alexis Phiri said about US$100, 000 to reconstruct the artwork in three months.
He said the initial art work was built at a cost of about US$50, 000 in 2012 with the support of several stakeholders including Absa (Barclays) Bank, Alendo Travel and Tours and several community members.
Mr. Phiri praised Government for listening to the artists and getting involved to ensure that the artwork is reconstructed.
“To us that shows care and a brilliant way forward in continuing to highlight the plight of endangered species and keeping our environment clean and green,” he said.
Mr Phiri said the Rhino Statue initiative had the support of late President Michael Sata as some of the paper and plastic waste came from State House.
Manje chi statue cakaena.. not that imposing if you ask me. I know a thing or two about beautiful works of artistic sculpture.. that thing just looks like an awkward muddle of concrete pulp. Michelangelo displayed more inspiration and passion in his works.
Chi Lusambo calitumpa, why always destroying things?
It was erected on a road reserve so the contractor was on firm ground to bring it down
It’s important to remember and appreciate such work of art with amazing message on the preservation of the environment
Go put that chi thing in HHs ugly house
I was supporting the artist until he came up with the value. Now I know what he is after.
Can they just relocate it to Ndola. Ndola seem to like such ugly art. Seriously $ 100,000 for that piece of sh!t. We are talking k2.2m for that piece of dirt. You can buy four houses with that kind of money.
That piece of crap is worth $100,000. Please!!! May be when taken to Ndola and put next to the lion there. Ndola appreciates such kind of art.