Thapong hosts inspiring Different Perspectives

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Tuesday October 5, 2010 00:00

The exhibition, which is called Different Perspectives, opened on September 17 and is expected to last two weeks, featuring Garth Kitching, Barbara Jones and Afrothiti Dokakis's works.

Garth is not new in the Showbiz pages as in 2007, he showcased some of his works with the likes of Thapong coordinator Reginald Bakwena and Doreen Perekisi in an exhibition at the centre.

Back then Kitching, who is perhaps the most prominent of the trio currently exhibiting, told Showbiz, 'The space of Botswana placed gently on canvas is one of the aims of my landscapes works, painting that allow for quiet contemplation, meditation, serenity of spirit and understating God's work.'

This perception still seems relevant to this self-made painter because his works still capture the impressive scenery of the tourists' favourite destinations in Botswana like the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Needless to say, the artist specialises in painting landscapes and he captures the space in them in the most amazing way. There is no doubt that as he sits down to paint, Kitching communes with nature around him and captures that convincingly with his paint and brush. Interestingly, the baobab features prominently in Kitching's works as much as the sky (whether cloudless or not).

Those who like pieces that seem to talk back to you should check out Kitching's pieces at the exhibition. Some of his captivating works include G18, G14, G20 and G11. There is no doubt that his works are likely to greatly appeal to those tourists who love African undulating landscapes. Jones said in a statement that nature has been an integral part of who she is and therefore it inspires. 'Until recently, I endeavoured to capture its beauty with charcoal and ink but I was fortunate to have a friend teach me to paint. Suddenly a whole new world of possibilities emerged,' she said.

Jones paints for pleasure and has exhibited and sold her works in Perth, Australia where she says she has done several works on commission. The artist, who is also a photographer works from her photos and she endeavours to capture the many diverse, colours shapes and patterns that she says never cease to amaze her. The artist, who has no formal training but studied art for her A' levels in Kenya commenced a fine arts diploma in Perth but never completed the course due to family commitments. At the exhibition, her works are mostly oil and acrylic on canvas. Some of her works worth-checking out include B1 (Swakopmund Fog). This painting that captures the clear Swakopmund beach in Namibia with its beautiful pebbles made a viewer comment, 'I have to go to Swakopmund'.

This is not the only painting at the exhibition that will motivate viewers to visit the places that it features. Jones' other works include Reflection, Still Life, Flowers 1 and 2.

One of the things that Showbiz noticed is that some Jones' works look like Kitching's: the big question is: Is she inspired by him or is he the 'friend' who taught her to paint.

If you are looking for colour and simplicity, check out Afrothiti Dokakis's captivating works. Although Dokakis's works may look simple, it is obvious that she took her time to make them. Some of her impressive works include Botswana pots and Fallen Flower.

Dokakis' approach is different from that of the other two artists but still engaging all the same. One of the things worth mentioning about this exhibition is that it has a good number of pieces on display; so art lovers are spoiled for choice. Those who love nature are also likely to be impressed because most of the paintings are inspired by nature. Different Perspectives is most certainly a different exhibition. Visitors will discover calming and inspiring effects at the exhibition. Kitching must be commended for working with the two women to bring Different Perspective because next time around, they are not going to need introduction on the local visual arts scene. One can only hope to see more and more exhibitions of this type, which are most certainly refreshing.