Sanitas exhibition showcases breathtaking art pieces
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday November 24, 2025 06:00
Among the creative minds behind the beautiful art pieces was Ann Gollifer, an Edinburgh University graduate who studied History of Art Masters back in 1983. Gollifer's work, inspired by Botswana's earth colours, was showcased in pieces like 'Blood Moon' (2022), a watercolour on Indian cotton paper sold for P18,000, and 'Caligrafia' and 'Coqueiro' (2024), earth colour paintings on Indian cotton paper.
'My work evolves out of a studio-driven material practice,' Gollifer explained. 'I've been investigating Botswana's earth colours since 2020, leading me to a deeper understanding of the people and landscape of Botswana, my adopted home. The greater body of my work has always been an attempt to discover home,' she said.
Mokwaledi Gontshwanetse, a self-taught artist from Serowe, showcased three paintings, 'Meeting One, Two, and Three,' reflecting his daily life and consultations. Gontshwanetse's international experience includes workshops in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, and the USA.
'What I normally paint on my artwork is what I see around me and daily lives and consultations (kgotla meetings),' Gontshwanetse said.
Visule Kabunda, a Zambian-born photographer and graphic designer, presented stunning photographs exploring belonging and identity. His works, 'Untitled One, Nine, and 11,' are pigment prints on Hahnemuhle photo rags.
Kabunda's work explores the intersection of belonging and identity, examining the impact of geographical and cultural displacement on his evolving understanding of home.
Kutlo Mabua's art display, 'Mma 2025,' is a mixed media exploration of self-discovery and personal evolution. 'My work is an invitation to embark on journeys of self-exploration and healing,' Mabua said.
Through his creative process, Mabua aims to capture moments of transportation, where past experiences meet present realities, resulting in a deeper understanding of self.
Kim Makin, a multidisciplinary artist and DJ, showcased breathtaking pieces combining sculpture, sound, and installation. Her work emphasises cultural value, archival histories, and unique spatial awareness.
'Type ya gago' (2025), part of Makin's 'ceramic basket' series, contemplates the Setswana basket as a symbol of Setswana identity. By translating the iconic cultural symbol into a ceramic sculpture, Makin's work shifts focus onto texture and form, referencing the distinct Colling method used to weave baskets in Botswana.
'The series attempts to pose questions about the cultural value of the Setswana basket, with reference to their historical entanglement involving migration of the southern African region, with parallels internationally regarding basketry, ceramics, arts, and culture,' Makin explained.
The exhibition highlighted Botswana's vibrant contemporary art scene, showcasing diverse perspectives and talents. The Art Residency Centre continues to promote local artists, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
The event was a testament to the country's growing art community, with artists pushing boundaries and exploring new themes.
Ann Gollifer's 'Blood Moon' was one of the standout pieces, selling for P18,000. Other notable works included Mokwaledi Gontshwanetse's 'Meeting One, Two, and Three,' Visule Kabunda's 'Untitled One, Nine, and 11,' Kutlo Mabua's 'Mma 2025,' 'Loago,' and 'Glotto,' and Kim Makin's 'Type ya gago.'
The Art Residency Centre's efforts to promote local artists have been instrumental in putting Botswana on the art map. With upcoming events and exhibitions, the future looks bright for Botswana's art scene.