There is a popular saying in the Zimbabwean Chishona language, ‘Chitsaru/Chasakara kunemumwe, chitsva kunemumwe”. It literary means what is regarded as old or useless by someone is often regarded as new and useful by someone else. The transformation of metal scraps into breathtaking art masterpieces is in tandem with this saying.

The transformation of metal scraps into aesthetic art masterpieces in Harare and other Zimbabwean cities is significantly contributing to waste management and recycling of waste metals. The metal art masterpieces are created in various sizes to suit different purposes. This initiative is being positively taken by people as augmented by the numerous metal art pieces that people now own in their homes and even companies.

The artistic way of recycling and repurposing metal scraps into art masterpieces can be called scrap sculpting. Scrap metals include automobile parts, automobile frames, nuts, bolts, iron, spark plugs, nails and motorcycle parts. The creation of art sculptures from these rusty metal pieces leaves indelible imprint on the mind of its observers.

An example of a metal art masterpiece is the metal sculpture positioned outside AFC bank, formally known as Agribank, headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe. The metal sculpture features a man wielding an ox plough wearing a short and sun hat; a perfect representation of a man working in a field. This metal sculpture is one of Harare’s landmarks.

Transforming scrap metals to captivating art is an activity that requires complete dedication, vision and grand innovation. The scrap metal used in creating metal art masterpieces is carried from the local junk yards or from junk yard dealers to homes of artists or industries. These rusted metals are removed from the environment, sterilized and burnt off to manipulate them into such beautiful life-size sculptures.

“We pay people to move around the city collecting scrap metals. Sometimes we do it ourselves.” Asserted Nigel, a metal artist in Harare, “We then create metal art from small to big sculptures depending with our creativity or the client’s demands”

After collecting the scrap metal, the artists have to create a series of sketches to fit the designs of the art masterpieces they want to create. This is followed by surface preparation of scrap metals especially with oil or grease on the surface using a rug.

“All loose rust and surface coatings are removed to ensure proper welding fortification of scrap metals” posited Emanuel a metal artist from Mabvuku, Harare.

Expertise and skill are vital requirements for the creation of aesthetic metal art masterpieces. Some metal artworks are done by many artists with each individual having their own area of expertise. This is because the process of bringing the art into life involves numerous stages such as welding, cutting, bending, curling, perforating and assembling. However, others are started and completed by one person.

“Our art is a result of hard work. After collecting scrap metals from junkyards, we cut the metal, bend it and curl it. We also perforate” stated Loyce, a Harare female metal artist. “These stages ensure that our output is magnificent. In most cases it takes a lot of people and work to create this art”

Transforming scrap metals into aesthetic art masterpieces not only promotes sustainable art but positively impact the environment. This is because it results in the reduction of waste, decreases pollution and helps in conserving natural resources.

“Recycling scrap metals keeps the environment clean as it avoids metal pieces from blocking drainages, keeps land clean also keeps incinerators clean. Reducing the amount of metal wastes in the city is a significant way of protecting the environment” claimed Mrs. Moyo, a Harare resident.

In support of this, Mr. Musekwa, a geography teacher in Harare stated that; “Recycling metals reduces the need to extract and process raw materials from the earth, conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of mining and processing.”

It is undeniable evidence transforming scrap metal to art cannot only rid the environment of waste but be an important step towards recycling waste. Recycling is an important process of protecting the environment. Not only should metals be recycled but also plastics, papers and other waste materials. Other than reducing waste in the environment, it is also beneficial to the economy in the sense that materials will be kept for longer use by reducing the constant demand for new resources.

By Mathew M.T Magwarada