Ian, Neighbor

Ian Dave Knife was raised  in Zimbabwe and based in New York, my work as an artist and political activist challenges the traditional norms of Zimbabwe Shona stone sculpture. My choice of artistic materials for the past 25 years both advances and subverts the traditional stone sculpture that dominates Zimbabwean art. A current piece incorporates buffalo horn, which is used by medicine men in Zimbabwe to empower and strengthen the warrior before battle. The shaman invests the buffalo horn with meaning that in turn influences the warriors’ belief and actions, similar to how wielding an AK47 or a Bible creates feelings of power in the user. I incorporate my personal experience as an African man as well as Black world history to create objects of influence and power. I intend my work to have a profound impact on viewers, raising their consciousness to the importance of Black culture in the global community. My work speaks in the current climate, and of times past where many believe Black history has no relevance. I incorporate varied and diverse textures, shapes and forms in my creative process. When sculpting stone with traditional African stone carving adzes, I enter a rhythmic trance state where the stone literally talks to me – it opens ups and shows me the possibilities of what is hiding inside. My choice of materials brings to my work an almost shamanistic effect. I use living plants, wood, bones, stone, and human hair to instill power and the rituals needed for its expression in the viewer. My art evokes traditional and cultural values, giving voice to those who are often unheard, and reveals the panorama of African history. My intention is to draw the viewer in with shapes, images, textures, and mixed media designs, narrating stories of voyages and migrations. My ability to connect with and listen to the stone creates art that speaks of new and unpredictable cycles, thoughts, and associations. I hope to create an experiential exchange challenging the viewer’s perceptions, perspectives, and assumptions. A current piece I'm working on in clay (to be later cast in bronze) is a tribute to Augusta Savage's 1939 sculpture titled "The Harp."

Extensive national and international exhibitions and several works in museum collections.