By Kumusha
The Hurunui Garden Festival brings forth a symphony of rural garden enchantment. Nestled within the picturesque Waihui Garden, this project exhibiting Kumusha sculptures was a celebration of landscape artistry like no other. Imagine a canvas painted with vibrant foliage, adorned with hand-carved sculptures that seem to dance in the sunlight.
As you wandered through the garden pathways, you were captivated by the allure of garden entertaining at its finest. Each sculpture tells a story, each corner reveals a new surprise - a true testament to the distinct sculptures that graced this green oasis. Step into a world where nature and art intertwine seamlessly, where the beauty of the countryside meets the creativity of human hands.
Join us at the 2024 Hurunui Garden Festival, 31 October - 3 November.
Our hosts, Meg and Tom McFarlane, have lovingly tended this garden for over 30 years. A series of unique garden rooms designed for different wind conditions, perfect for gatherings of all kinds. Just a short trip from Rotherham with clear signage, their garden on the peninsula, embraced by the Waiau river, is the perfect destination after a scenic drive.
One of our sculptures found a new home in the gardens:
Recently during the Hurunui Garden Festival, I was able to purchase the sculpture “Willow” from Kumusha NZ. I think it would be fair to say it was love at first sight for me and a very suitable self-gift for my recent significant birthday. Willow, being a bust of a horse – now takes pride of place in the rose garden – under a wedding cake tree. She is an ode to all the ponies who shared this space when it was a pony paddock – and reminds me of my stock horse leaning over the hedge and nibbling at my garden. It is a very tactile piece and I notice visitors often go up and run their hands over her in admiration. I smile every time I walk past her. Thank you Kumusha I shall be enjoying her for many years to come.“
Meg, Waihui Gardens, Rotherham
Born out of a desire to share and celebrate my Zimbabwean cultural heritage as a person of dual citizenship raising third-culture children in Aotearoa, Kumusha seeks to bring together two seemingly disconnected worlds through art. 'Kumusha' means 'homeland' in Shona, my mother tongue, and embodies the ideas of connection, belonging, and identity. By sharing my heritage with fellow New Zealanders through art, Kumusha embraces the Shona concept of 'Hunhu' - 'I am because you are.' We are all interconnected, belonging to one another through art. Kumusha, like 'Turangawae wae,' signifies our place of standing. My hope is that, through this journey, others will discover elements that resonate with their own story, forging deeper connections.
At Kumusha, we seek to connect two worlds through art. To promote a shared sense of belonging to each other and our homes, and to foster a love and appreciation of African art and culture.
Shona stone sculptures are integral to Zimbabwean culture, with abundant stone reserves and a unique carving tradition. "Zimbabwe" means "Great House of Stone" in Shona, named after the ancient Great Zimbabwe Settlement, a city from the 11th-15th centuries. This nearly 80-acre city, made of carved stone, once housed up to 18,000 people and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the Shona tribe's historical craftsmanship and innovation.
Come home with us.