Sculptor defends his Bingu statue: ‘This is a true reflection of Malawi ex-president’
A South African sculptor behind the construction of former president late Bingu wa Mutharika’s statue who faced criticism has defended his work, saying that what she has made is a true reflection of the late president based on photographic information and approvals from government delegation and members of the family who supervised the works.
Social media users have been querying the photos of the statue, saying it does not fully reflect what Bingu looked like.
The internet memes followed almost immediately the statue photos were circulating on social media.
But the sculptor, Jean Doyle said both the government delegation and members of the Mutharika family supervised his works in South Africa and gave their stamp of approval as the project progressed.
“They gave it the go-ahead. They liked what they saw,” said the sculptor in an interview with Nyasa Times.
The artist, who also constructed the statue of president Hastings Kamuzu Banda erected at Area 18 Memorial Tower in Lilongwe, said she is proud of what she has constructed.
After the unveiling of the statue by President Arthur Peter Mutharika in Lilongwe on Friday, many critics said the clear picture on the statue now looks a fair reflection of the country’s former leader.
Bingu’s statue is clearly depicting him with his signature gesture to the country that “let the works of my hands speak for me.”
The statue unveiling also marked seven years since the death of the former president.
Through his first term, from 2004 to 2009, the works of his hands spoke of great political and economic success.
All of a sudden, things changed in 2011 during the second year of his second term. – the usual final term curse for African leaders when the works of his hands spoke more of struggle than success.
Sources within government estimate that the statue will cost taxpayers in excess of K120 million, including travel expenses for government officials and family members who have been supervising the work.
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Chiboliboli chowoneka ngati mtembo wake uja. Goodall Gondwe angawoneke bwanji? Tamuwonani pa press conference ya JB. Kutsaira. Chaponda. Ntaba. Chimulirenji. Zoo yeniyeni.
The maker of the statue together with all those supporting him either financially or by giving encouragement will sadly enter hell fire.A professor and his team of intellectuals stand b4 a statue giving all respect,it’s sad .I think politicians need spiritual deliverance .
How can 18 million people from Malawi confirm that this is not a true representation of our beloved Bingu Statue and only One Southern Lady and a few corrupt officials from Government believe in this disfigured picture? your work will speak for you for ever.
I am one of the 18 m Malawians and agree with the sculptor. Osamanamizila wandu iweeeee mxiiiooo
Nafenso Bingu tinkamudziwa koma sanali chonchi , inu bwanji kodi ana a Peter inu?
It’s not completely off. In any case, I need better pictures of the statue before I can comment
caponda statue next
mwati nde tizitani naco citsuloci
Chitukuko.
Ma government officials ndi aku banja amaona kutaya nthawi chifukwa amathamangira ku shopping malls to spend their allowances. They had no time checking the details. Kwa iwo amati bola chiboliboli.
I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY CALLISTA DID NOT SHOW UP AT THIS FUNCTION. SURELY THE STATUE IS NOT OF HER LATE HUSBAND BINGU ” WAMUTHARIKA ” BUT PROBABLY IT IS FOR BINGU ” MUTHARIKA”
The sculpture does indeed reflect Bingu’s narrative on determination, development and foresightedness.
That’s Bingu alright: Chala m’mwamba – sky is the limit. And APM seems to follow the same mantra too.
Winners write the first texts!