Legends ‘strut their thing’ at Thapong
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday July 11, 2025 13:15
The charcoal on paper artwork titled Serene Lady by legendary artist Phillip Segola is among the 31 art pieces displayed at the Thapong Legends Exhibition which opened for public viewing on Wednesday. The artwork by Segola not only gets you consumed by its details but also draws the viewer in to immerse themselves in other beautiful artworks in the gallery, which form part of the show. The exhibition, which will run for a full month is meant to celebrate the work of some of the country’s legendary artists who have contributed immensely to the development of visual arts in Botswana. These include Segola, Velias Ndaba, Mokwaledi Gontshwanetse, Veryan Edwards, Rebecca DE Fiquiredo and Kentse Bogatsu. From Segola’s charcoal pieces to Mokwaledi’s depiction of traditional life in Botswana, the show is a must for art lovers who missed the opening on Wednesday.
Segola is a name synonymous with the local arts industry and his artworks are worth every penny for viewing. He uses a variety of mediums as his pieces vary between paint, photography, graphic design, pencil drawing and are often some combination of these elements. Ndaba’s natural beauty and love for colour, nature and day-to-day life, which are also his primary inspiration, come out clearly in this exhibition. With the artworks on display, Nadaba indicates that he is still deeply rooted in his original style and approach to different subjects.
He also gives viewers a glimpse into the beautiful natural wonders of some of the places in the country. Bogatsu explores figurative art, often called semi abstract art. His art piece titled ‘Girl with a diamond earring’ catches the eye. Though ambiguous, the details of the art pieces are mind-blogging and attract the reader to want to see more. For Mokwaledi, it is also about maintaining his old style. He uses artworks to depict the traditional and modern Botswana life, exploring themes of social change and cultural identity. Known for his vibrant use of colour and his ability to evoke emotions and memories of Botswana’s past, Mokwaledi strikes the right chord in this show. One artwork that comes to mind is titled ‘The Meeting’.
Rebecca DE Fiquiredo continues her exploration of the natural world and love for colour. She explores a variety of themes in her paintings, including still life, interiors, and abstract. Veryan Edwards’ work ranges in genres and media. Her ability and fondness for exploring the ambiguity of space are amazingly captivating. The exhibition, which attracted a sizeable audience, was officially opened by the Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa, who reiterated the government’s commitment towards supporting the arts.