Sefako manoeuvres online scopes
Oleosi Kgosi | Sunday July 10, 2022 06:00
The sensational 24-year-old has cemented his presence and purpose on social networking sites, emerging as one of the most celebrated local artists. He constantly adorns his online profiles with artistic works that without fail gives an absolute wow factor.
His consistent excellence has won the hearts of many, presenting to him a platform to meet and deliver his art works to different celebrities locally and beyond Botswana boarders. “Batswana supported me with love and I got known for drawing celebrities both local and international,” he shared.
Sefako proudly highlighted that the pinnacle of his art career was in 2019 when he met South African actor Hungani Ndlovu in Johannesburg after he drew a couple photos of the actor and his wife, who is also a renowned South African actor.
He stated that the experience became a source of motivation that it came to his realisation that he could achieve everything he sets his mind to. “The SA celebrity couple has been supportive ever since and recently ordered two more drawings this year,” he added. According to him, this outstanding gesture has opened doors and opportunities for him as he has met many other prominent people.
Talking about his popular Art In Martin Sefako brand, he pointed out that the name represents the art found inside him, the talent that has been part of him all his life. “I don’t remember not knowing how to draw.
I was always the best amongst people around me and amongst older people as well,” he said. He added that his love for art grew stronger as he grew up that he studied Art at junior and senior school, Pekenene CJSS and Madiba SSS and got the highest grade on exams A and A* respectively. Subsequently, it influenced his choice of a learning programme at tertiary level as he holds a Bachelor of Architecture obtained from the University of Botswana. The notable artist aligns his style with hyperrealism or photorealism art.
This is an art that challenges photographs as the artist is compelled to draw subjects exactly how they look. He puts emphasis that it is a very difficult path as it takes more time and attention to detail as opposed to abstract art. He explained that he uses this style to draw commissions for his customers all over Botswana and as far as SA, UK, USA and Canada.
The artist, having produced over a thousand drawings, brought to light that drawing is a talent and skill that takes practice to get better, reflecting on his journey that it took him a lot of work to reach the level that he is currently placed at earning himself the nickname “SIRDRAWALOT”. Furthermore, he revealed that his artworks have not been used for exhibitions and competitions yet but his aspirations and dreams encompass not only that but being able to host exhibitions for other artists in an art hub that can bring more awareness to fine arts in the country.
As per norm, difficulties are a fundamental part of every journey. Sefako is not spared as he faces the challenge of lack of professional art materials in local art stores as well as minimum support as opposed to performing arts. Despite the challenges, he mentioned that the support he gets in general is incredible hence he expressed gratitude towards it. “I thank everyone for the support.
I also thank God for paving the way for me,” he said. He highlighted that art is for the people and without their support it cannot grow therefore he urged artists to take their work to higher levels in order for supporters to acknowledge it better and grow the industry as a whole.