The Voice (Francistown)
Naledi Mokgwathi
27 March 2007
Mothusi Tau is a young and dedicated Motswana man with a passion for art. Displayed outside his workplace at plot 11799, Broadhurst next to BBS mall is his largest piece of work so far, an eye catching, bold and beautiful oil painting depicting a stunning landscape.
The 23- year- old Youth and Culture award-winning artist is the managing director of Artcul Enterprises, an art studio that currently employs two artists and a frame machine operator.
Part of Tau's job involves drawing individual portraits and framing them for sale. " Those who do not want to pose for their portraits can give me their photos to make portraits from them," he said.
The work can take up to two weeks but there are no disappointments, he promised. The most demanded portrait is the 60cm by 90cm which costs P1200.
Some of his best work is displayed at many government offices, Debswana offices and some lodges around the country. He also holds arts exhibition around the country regularly to popularize his art. The young entrepreneur turned his artistic talent into a business venture after completing school at Shashe Senior Secondary in 2001.
He joined Kepka enterprises as an employee but later opened his own company, Artcul Enterprises.
"I did not get any grants from the government. This is all my hard work and dedication." Art has always been his passion and owning his own business has always been his dream. Tau will be going to New York later in the year to represent the country at a World Art Exhibition show.
"Batswana seem to only recognize and respect musicians as the only artists in Botswana but I want to let them know that there are great artists out there who work with their hands." The young man quipped. Talking about his prized award he said that Youth and Culture awards were meant to recognize and honour those who have contributed significantly to the development of the arts in Botswana.
"When they saw my picture they knew that I was a real artist." He proudly commented. His participating and wining picture was 3m by 1m picture of a landscape.
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