Driving beyond boyhood dreams

Malete Nkwe did not know he was an artist at the time but his products can be classified as folk art. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, folk art is a predominantly functional or utilitarian visual art created by hand (or with limited mechanical facilities) for use by the maker. Folk art is the creative expression of the human struggle toward civilisation within a particular environment through the production of useful but aesthetic buildings and objects.

When Arts & Culture caught up with the veteran artist at his dwelling in Phase 2, Gaborone, Nkwe was still working on his wire sculptures.  Most of Nkwe’s wire sculptures are traditional African handmade wire toy cars and bikes. The motorbikes and cars are very detailed and encompass parts such as engines. The products are made out of metal and copper wire with tin cans as wheels. Tourists love his products and locally they are popular among children.