“Tazama Mbali” (“Look Beyond”)

Rooted in the essence of African storytelling and modern surrealist sculpture, “Tazama Mbali”—Swahili for “Look Beyond”—is a breathtaking tribute to human curiosity, ambition, and unseen support systems. It is a piece that speaks with both visual strength and spiritual subtlety, combining bold artistic gestures with centuries-old symbolism. From its commanding form to its poetic composition, this handcrafted bronze sculpture is designed to resonate on intellectual, emotional, and ancestral levels.

At first glance, the sculpture evokes awe: a tall, lean, hyper-realistic male figure stands in a forward-leaning pose, gaze locked toward the horizon. His muscular anatomy is exaggerated yet elegant—conveying a sense of physical determination. His hand shields his eyes, emphasizing a moment of search, foresight, and intentionality. Every inch of his form is crafted to evoke energy, movement, and the fragile power of ambition. He is looking ahead—but he is not standing on solid ground.

Instead, he is precariously balanced on the extended index finger of a giant bronze hand. This surreal element immediately shifts the meaning of the sculpture from a simple figure study into a multi-layered philosophical inquiry. The hand itself seems to rise from beneath a smooth flat surface—its other fingers submerged as if reaching out from another dimension, time, or world. The gesture is both gentle and strong, grounding and lifting, reminding us of the support we often overlook.

In a brilliant narrative twist, the man gazes in the opposite direction from where the hand is pointing. This detail deepens the symbolic weight of the piece—asking us to consider: What are we searching for? What forces hold us up even when our attention is elsewhere? Do we always recognize the source of our strength while seeking out the future? This inversion evokes African wisdom traditions where journeys are rarely linear, and progress often flows from unseen hands, ancestral memory, or spiritual intervention.

Crafted in solid bronze, this sculpture is made using the ancient lost-wax casting method, practiced by African metal artisans for generations. Every curve and texture—whether in the veins of the giant hand or the sinews of the human figure—has been meticulously shaped, cast, and polished. The surface is finished with a hand-aged warm bronze patina, adding character and depth while preserving the raw texture of the material.

Mounted on a dark rectangular plinth, the sculpture rests atop a smooth hardwood table, positioned beside a clean white wall. The realistic lighting used in presentation adds further depth to the piece, casting intricate shadows that emphasize both the drama and intimacy of the form. The result is a fully realized display that feels both contemporary and eternal.

“Tazama Mbali” is a powerful addition to any space—a meditation room, gallery, office, or entryway. It sparks conversation and contemplation, drawing viewers into its layered themes of dependence, perception, ambition, and spiritual balance. Whether gifted for a milestone achievement, commissioned for a cultural space, or collected as part of a fine art series, this piece brings meaning beyond aesthetics.

This sculpture is part of a limited edition artisan collection, and as such, it is not available for customization. Each piece carries subtle variations due to the hand-finishing process, ensuring that every version is unique. The sculpture arrives securely packaged in a custom-fitted foam box with reinforced corners and fragile handling labels, ready for immediate display or gifting.