Quality of TAYA 2010 submissions impresses Bakwena

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Tuesday October 26, 2010 00:00

 

Speaking to Showbiz in an interview in Gaborone yesterday, Bakwena said that this year most of the artists outdid themselves.

'I am quite happy with the quality of works this time around. The artists were very creative in that they explored new approaches and techniques,' he said adding that they were also 'experimental'.

Bakwena further noted that the awards also attracted a number of entries from the northern part of the country such as Francistown and Maun.

He said that he believed that his efforts to 'sell' the visual arts centre has finally paid off given the response that they have been getting from that part of the country.

'This year, we have seen good participation from our artists from the north. Some pieces were sent by buses while others were sent by post,' he said.

Bakwena was also pleased with the number of young people who have taken part this year.

He revealed that a lot of professional artists and a good number of women have handed in their submissions.

Bakwena, however, declined to mention the amount of cash the eventual winner is going to walk away with, saying that Thapong wants to surprise artists this year.

He could also not mention the names of the judges for this year's awards because he feared that some participants could try to influence their (the judges') decision. All he could say was that they were all locals.

'What I can divulge for now is that the top prize is going to be more than what the winner got last year,' Bakwena said.He said that some of the submissions include wood, fibreglass and metal sculptures.

According to Bakwena, sadly this year, there are no installations unlike last year.  The current Thapong Artist of the Year, Uhuru Kgope is expected to hand his crown at the prestigious awards ceremony on November 9 at the centre.