Who will scoop the coveted TAYA 2010?

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Friday October 29, 2010 00:00

While last year Kgope outclassed his peers, today there are about 80 individuals eyeing the top prize.According to the coordinator of Thapong Visual Arts Centre Reginald Bakwena, the quality of pieces submitted is impressive and the number of entries has risen this year.

During an earlier interview Kgope, who last year beat runners-up Leutlwetse Kgosidialwa and Olemogeng Qaeqhao also known as Moses Maaramele, indicated that he would not be participating this year.

Will Kgosidialwa, who is a photography lecturer at Limkokwing University, make an attempt to snatch the top position this year?

The artist likes exploring the female form using low-key lighting technique and that really worked well for him in the past year.

Other photographers likely to give Kgosidialwa some tough competition include Mmegi's Kebofhe Mathe, Mabedi Jaba, Phuti Babotlhale, Donald Moilwa, Inga Ritter and Ulf Nermak.

Or will the prize go to San artist Maaramele whose works have been snapped up by international art collectors?

There is no doubt that Mmoloki Matlale, who last year won the Young Artist Award, is motivated by the win to try to prove his mettle in order to repeat the feat.

Matale's work carries a realistic/impressionistic approach of traditional and landscape scenes.

Will Neo Matome-Harun make a comeback to make fellow women proud by winning the top award again?Other women to look out for this year include Ivy Radipodi, Kate Kwati, Keabetswe Kanasi, Mabedi Jaba and Doreen Perekisi who are all highly talented individuals.

Perhaps Matome-Harun, runners-up in 2008, Abednico Sechaba and Kefilwe Mokopane would also vie for the top prize.

Versatile Sechaba, who is also a sculptor of note, last impressed with his pencil drawings, which most certainly gave Matome-Harun a run for her money.  Mokopane, who as mentioned elsewhere is one of this writer's favourites, is well known for his brightly coloured artworks with musical themes.

The artist, who specialises in abstract cubism and is inspired by the fathers of cubism movement Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, has indicated that he has a surprise this year, as his approach will be different.

Will Barnabas Ndudzo return to reclaim the title that he won in 2007?

There is no doubt this 65-year-old wood and stone sculptor from Rusape, Zimbabwe, is a gifted man.

If a sculptor wins this year, it is most likely to be someone from the talented Ndudzo clan.

Former Thapong/Tlhale coordinator Velias Ndaba is one of the people to look out for. The man, who is a self-taught artist, was recently engaged to help restore Bonnington silos near the Grand Palm hotel, Gaborone.

Known for his surrealistic and thought-provoking artworks, Wilson Ngoni is an inspiration to many upcoming artists. Will this gifted artist snatch the award this year?

Painter/sculptor Wailer Motsu has always participated in the awards since joining Thapong. There is no doubt that this artist from Tutume is eyeing the award.

Serowe-born artist Isaac Chibua, who can boast that his sculpture, The Village Musician, which is inspired by the legendary musician Ratsie Setlhako is part of the international collection in the Changchun sculpture park in China.

Will teacher Mogorosi Modisane repeat his winning feat by taking the coveted prize home?

Andrew Matseba is another artist to look out for. This artist, who names Velias Ndaba as one of the people who have inspired him, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Matseba's works are mostly semi-abstract and his style enables him to explore colour and texture.

Ziki Kraai is most certainly one of the leading unconventional sculptors in the country. His works are influenced by traditional structures and household utensils that existed during his early development within a traditional society that has since experienced rapid transformation.

Other artists to look out for include Ray Gare (a one time winner), Crawford Mamdumbwa, Thapelo Nchalupi, and Mothusi Tau.

Who will win the Young Artist Award this year? Young artists like Ditshupo Mogapi, Comfort Babili, Thato Khomela and Kenny Ketshotseng would want to walk away in the award.

All these questions will be answered at the award ceremony at Thapong on November 9.