Visual artists syndicate for market-boost
Spira Tlhankane | Friday February 10, 2017 11:12
Even though they have not come up with a name yet the artists are ready to embark on the journey, which they hope will transform their artistic attempts for the better. While there are slopes and trenches on their way the group is ready to sail against the tide. They have decided to create a special forum where artists can join and promote their artworks.
One of the artists, Ronald Kegomoditswe told Arts & Culture that they met through social media and decided to organise an exhibition together called ‘The Birth of Art’. He said this was inspired by the fact that they were not happy about a lot of aspects in the creative world of visual arts.
“We have realised that if we don’t stand up for ourselves then no one can fight for us, young artists are not given a platform to showcase our works,” he said.
Kegomoditswe said most artists only get a platform to exhibit their works during President’s Day Art competitions.
“People use artists and this is not going to stop if we don’t stand up for ourselves,” he said.
He said it is difficult to exhibit in local galleries as young artists.
For her part, Emang Maranyane said they are working hard everyday as young artists but there is no reward.
“We want to help grow our art by contributing what we have. We needed to come together because working alone in Botswana is not productive,” she said.
She added that the group would not just end with the upcoming exhibition but they intend to reach out to different schools. Maranyane said as artists they do not want overdependence on Thapong Visual Arts Centre. She said they are starting small and will grow as time goes on.
Another of the artists, Primrose Gaorutwe said art is not recognised in Botswana therefore they want to show other people out there that art is here and always has been. She said they would reach out to rural areas and teach people about art. Gaorutwe said they would also encourage female artists to come through.
Another artist, Tshegofatso Tlholwe said the group is important because it shows independence and determination. “We are going to face challenges on the way and we are trying to inspire others out there,” she said. She added they would now learn from others and explore different mediums. Tlholwe said people should understand that art is expensive therefore it should be taken seriously.
“Art is about expressing yourself. It has to be difficult and you have to explore, nothing formal, nothing complicated,” she said.
The Birth of Art exhibition will be on May 27. and each of the 17 will produce five art pieces. A total of 85 artworks will be displayed during the exhibition.