Born in Wedza District, Zimbabwe on the 29th of August 1951, Aaron Chikumbirike is the eldest son in a family of ten brothers, some of whom are among the leading artists of Zimbabwe. He was educated at Saint Anthony’s Primary School, Saint Mary’s and Saint Robert’s Secondary Schools, started carving sculptures as a hobby, and became a full time sculptor soon after leaving school in 1969.

An artist who is successful in mixed media sculpture using stone types including opal, cobalt, springstone, verdite, serpentine and jade, Aaron owes his success to his imagination and to his own creativity. His works are all very original. He has served with some leading galleries, including the Tengenenge Sculpture Village and the Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare. His work has been exhibited in and outside of Zimbabwe including The Zimbabwe Annual Heritage in 1991 and 1993. Aaron Chikumbirike has works in the National Gallery’s overseas permanent collections and is a member of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

A Christian who boasts his life outside crime, Aaron is an oral historian. A member of the Mbire group who prides his totem, the baboon, he is well known for counselling and telling tales of fun. Aaron is married with four children. He has extended his career to his children who also bear a promise of success.

Aaron Perkins Chikumbirike- African (Shona)