Artists display creativity at President�s day exhibition
Spira Tlhankane | Monday July 13, 2015 15:23
There were 120 fine art pieces and 4,300 crafts altogether. Winners from various categories were announced.
Giving the keynote address at the exhibition, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng said the exhibition did not only represent the artists’ talents and creativity, but also their commitment and dedication to their craft.
Olopeng added that his ministry introduced prize money for all the arts and culture competitions to improve the arts and empower artists.
“There is an emerging realisation that professionalising the arts can be an avenue for economic empowerment,” he said.
He also commended the judges for dedication and hard work.
Olopeng said they had introduced judges from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region into the adjudication panel to improve cultural cooperation between countries.
He said the competition participation levels had tremendously increased from 2,889 in 2014 to 7,850 in 2015.
In the end, winners were announced and Olorato Temogo from Tsabong emerged victorious in the painting category with his piece titled ‘Mother’s Love’.
The painting showed a woman holding a child in her lap. Carved on wood, Temogo’s painting was unique and showed his diverse talents.
In the graphic design category, Baboloki Gapi took the first prize.
Entitled ‘Unity Is Strength’, the graphic image showed black ants holding the African map together.
Mogomotsi Selei from Gaborone region won the prize for best drawing.
In the National Basket and Craft category, Tapologo Baikwadi from Molepolole won the tapestry and ceramic prize, while Kelebogile Mokolobe from Tsabong walked away with the prize for pottery.
Oratile Ofentse from Molepolole emerged victorious in the woodcarving category while Beauty Mareetsang was the best in jewellery. Artists from Maun dominated in basketry and beadwork.