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Madzikatire's first sculptures were stylistically very derivative of his mentor, Moses Masaya. As a young artist he was learning the techniques of carving in stone, becoming familiar with the tools and the medium. In recent years Madzikatire has shown increasing evidence that he has the creative vision of an artist and his more recent sculptures indicate the talent of a young artist who is becoming increasingly confident of his own creative ability and his technical mastery of his chosen medium.
Several young sculptors have worked with and learnt from Moses Masaya, but there is every indication that Madzikatire is emerging as the most creative and talented. In 1998 Matombo Gallery included his work in an international group exhibition for the first time - exhibiting his works alongside several of Zimbabwe's acknowledged masters of Shona sculpture. His work was not out of place at such an exhibition and his works will undoubtedly feature prominently in future international exhibitions curated by Matombo Gallery.
His subject matter to date remains within the mainstream of Shona sculpture. Human and animal forms and reference to Shona society, culture and beliefs are a common source of inspiration. As Madzikatire himself has commented: "People socialising, being involved with the natural world and also with the spirits, which are our guardians. These are part of what I see when I look at a stone. I then have to use my talent and knowledge for them to emerge from the stone".
Madzikatire's sculptures have been exhibited in galleries in England, Holland, Germany and Sweden as well as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and several of Zimbabwe's private galleries. Matombo Gallery's increasingly close association with Madzikatire since 1997 is indicative of our growing regard for his talent.
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