“Swing Me Higher, Mama” designed, built by Zimbabwean artist Dominic Benhura
A new sculpture was unveiled Saturday at Main Street and Veterans Way in Carmel. The sculpture, titled “Swing Me Higher, Mama,” depicts a mother playing with her young daughter and was created by artist Dominic Benhura of Zimbabwe, commissioned by the City of Carmel, and facilitated by Jayne During of Kuaba Gallery, 404 W. Main St.
The unveiling took place at 5 p.m. on Saturday during the Allied Solutions’ Meet Me On Main event in the Carmel Arts & Design District. “Swing Me Higher, Mama” is located on the southeast corner of the intersection at Main Street and Veteran’s Way next to Carmel Chocolate Café.
Benhura traveled to Carmel from his home country of Zimbabwe to participate in the installation and unveiling of his work. Carmel City Council President Kevin “Woody” Rider and Clay Township Board Mary Eckard were joined by members of the Carmel Public Art Advisory Committee, the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations, and other city officials in celebration of the unveiling of this sculpture.
“Public art is an important part of our community’s culture, and it is equally important that our sculptures and art pieces continue to reflect the growing diversity of Carmel. That is why I am thrilled to welcome this new sculpture on Main Street for all to enjoy,” Mayor Jim Brainard said. “It is important for the community as a whole to have access to art from around the world, regardless of a person’s income level and ability to travel globally. Carmel’s public art provides visual diversity to engage and inspire those who live, work or visit and enhances their experience while spending time here.”
Mayor Brainard issued a proclamation in honor of this event, declaring May 14, 2022 “Dominic Benhura Day” in the City of Carmel.
Benhura is an internationally renowned sculptor from Zimbabwe who is celebrated by galleries and clients alike for his themes focusing on the importance of family, the natural environment, and the relationship between them. His artworks celebrate common themes that unify people of all cultural backgrounds across the world. His sculptures connect directly with their audience, fostering a sense of joy and wonder.
“This piece for Carmel is a sculpture celebrating the warmth of mothers,” Benhura said. “It is befitting since it will be installed in public and relates to everyone – to all visitors, the young and the old.”
Jayne During is the owner and curator of Kuaba Gallery, a premier contemporary art gallery featuring a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures by internationally and locally established artists. After running her gallery for several years in Indianapolis, she moved her collection to Carmel in 2018 and has enjoyed success on Main Street.
Jayne During moved Kuaba Gallery from Indianapolis to Carmel in 2018, where it now enjoys success on Main Street. (Photo provided)
“I’d like to thank the City of Carmel for working with me and my gallery to help diversify the public art in the city,” During said. “I look forward to future projects as well.”
The sculpture is made of springstone, which is a natural rock found in Zimbabwe. It is an extremely hard serpentine of almost the consistency of granite. Its size is 88 inches in height by 43 inches in width and 12 inches deep. It weights approximately 900 pounds.
The new sculpture replaced a previous work by Carmel artist Scott Osbourne. The concrete pad on this street corner was designed to be a home for transitional artwork that would be changed on an occasional basis.
This sculpture unveiling comes two months after the unveiling of another sculpture, “Waiting To Cross,” by J. Seward Johnson at Main Street and the Monon Greenway, and not long after the unveiling of a mural celebrating Black heroes and heroines with ties to Indiana, which was painted on the north side of Drs. Lauck & McLean Optometry Eyewear building, 301 1st St. SW.
Learn more about public art in Carmel by visiting in person or viewing online for an interactive map of the public art pieces.