Of Gaborone's first mural and Picasso
Chippa Legodimo | Saturday October 5, 2013 13:07
Famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso once said: 'There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun'. Today, looking at the recently completed mural, one cannot help but admire the beauty in the words of the great craft man. Ten artists from Thapong have proved Picasso's words true as they turned a plain white wall on the western part of the Gaborone Mall into an attractive artwork that has not only created interest but has ignited debate.
The big colourful mural is visible even from far on the eastern side of the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism headquarters building. Such artistic works are common in cities like Johannesburg where good stories have been told through works of art in such places as the Market Theatre. The creation of the mural at the ministry headquarters is seen as a step in the right direction for local arts. It is seen as a means to give the capital city a new artistic meaning. The mural is a combination of both abstract art and realist pieces. On the bottom left of the big painting are two zebras' heads facing the same direction. Just above the heads are the stripes reminiscent of those of the zebra's. On the top right corner appears some mowana trees with a dark blue horizon just above them. Because this was supposed to be a really attractive piece, the use of colours would be key in ensuring that it attains the desired aim. Hence the use of very bright colours like yellow, orange and red creating flowers and shrubs.
'That painting defines the purpose of the ministry as you can see the flora and fauna in it. But because we wanted such a powerful appeal we had to use those eye-catching colours,' coordinator of the project, Reginald Bakwena told Arts & Culture.
Bakwena emphasised that the creation of the mural was a good development in the local arts industry. He explained that the work would make people see the creativity of local artists without necessarily having to go to art galleries. 'It is properly situated, in an area that is frequented by a lot of people each day. It will certainly create interest in the building itself. People will start asking which building is that one and the painting can give you an idea of what services could be offered there. Some people cannot read but a lot more people can see a painting. That is when curiosity will chip in and debates sparked, that is the purpose of art anyway,' Bakwena said.
He said the drawing is part of Thapong's community projects. He hopes that they could work on similar projects around Gaborone and other urban centres in the country. 'We need these kinds of art works in many buildings around the country because they do not only change the face of those buildings but can also serve as very good tourist attractions,' he said. The official unveiling of the mural recently attracted a big crowd with President Ian Khama in attendance.