Gasebalwe Seretse
4 April 2008
Gaborone — Registered members of Thapong have mounted an exciting exhibition at the Visual Arts Centre. The exhibition features some of the exquisite artworks by local artists. Some of the most eye-catching pieces belong to Olemogeng Qaeqhao Moses.
It is safe to say that the San artist has been greatly influenced by nature because, like storytellers of old, his artworks tell tales of animal life. His Family showcases Ostrich With Young, Tortoise With Young and X'gane (Guinea-fowl) With Young. The piece is all about how animals in the wild nurture their young.
His other pieces are Crocodiles At Night and Baskets and Friends. Crocodiles At Night is one of the most outstanding works on display. Gigi Kenalemang Malebang's sculpture on frame titled Ceremony may also draw the eye of the connoisseur. The piece showcases traditional dancers performing at a ceremony as the title suggests. His abstract piece Midnight Prayer shows a human figure engrossed in prayer.
Malebang's other piece is Waiting To Exhale. Not to be left behind, Kealeboga Ramogotsi, who has recently joined Thapong, has displayed a sculpture called Stone. Like some of Ramogotsi's pieces, it bears the Botswana coat of arms. The sculptor, who learnt the art from Zimbabwean stone sculptors, never prices his pieces preferring to negotiate with a potential buyer. Nkoloi Nkoloi, the director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is his number one supporter.
The multi-talented Doreen Perekisi has showcased an interesting piece called Expression. Perekisi loves abstract pieces and prefers to allow her fans to interpret them the way the want. Kefilwe Poukke Mokopane's two pieces, 20th Century Concept of Musical Rhythm are simply breathtaking. Mokopane is well known for his bright-coloured abstract works with musical themes and the oval pieces should please the eye of the viewer.
Sculptor Joseph Piet, who uses mix-media in his works, has displayed a fibreglass sculpture called Mosadi. Although Piet is fond of using different media, he prefers working with metal; so it is interesting that this time around he used fibreglass for a change. Keabetswe Kanasi's oversized Pot is a must-have for those who are in love with traditional clay pots. The pot is suitable for exterior decoration and it would look nice in spacious gardens.
Her colleague Dintle Mogaleemang stuck with smaller pots. Kanasi and Mogaleemang are amongst the leading women potters in this country.
Thapelo Lekgowe's untitled piece is likely to get art-lovers talking. It shows a sad-looking elderly woman staring blankly at space with her hand on her cheek. Why does the woman look so sad? Has she lost someone or is she contemplating about tough times ahead?
Given the current AIDS situation in the country, one can only assume that the old woman has lost a close relative. Another artwork that has a tinge of sadness to it is Thapelo Mohalupi's untitled piece. The painting shows a forlorn-looking woman holding her baby. The two characters look very sad. San Bag by Goemeone Modisane will attract the eyes of somebody who likes earth-colours. The realism piece showcases a bag that the San carry when they go out hunting and gathering. The brown bag is painted against cream-white background, making it look simply breathtaking.
Vision Girl, a fibreglass sculpture by Wailer Motsu, is another piece that should get art-lovers talking. The sculpture bears a striking resemblance to the newly inaugurated President, Lieutenant-General Seretse Khama Ian Khama. Why did the artist choose to make a sculpture of a girl who looks like Khama, one may wonder?
This however does not come as a surprise since Motsu is a big fan of Khama's and he recently presented him with his fibreglass portrait done on a vintage car door. Other artists who have mounted their works are veterans Veryan Edwards and Ray Gare. Gare's has displayed, among others, an abstract piece called Ghetto Love. One of the unique things about the exhibition is that all Thapong artists were invited to showcase their works. This means that both veteran and upcoming artists got to display their works giving viewers, a chance to sample a wide range of artworks. Among the relatively newcomers are two artists who only gave their names as Keletso and Kenny. All their pieces are untitled. From looking at their works, one can assume they are students.
Speaking during an earlier interview, the coordinator encouraged all artists to register with Thapong so that they get the exposure, which is exclusive to members only. The exhibition runs throughout April.
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