Neo Matome-harum: arts advocate

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Tuesday June 21, 2011 00:00

 

Matome adopts a contemporary approach to her work.  She explores social issues through different media.  Her art addresses the taboos of the society such as sexuality. One piece titled Mosadi Gender Series focuses on gender with emphasis on women. Some of her art was influenced by South African athlete, Caster Semenya when there were questions about her gender.

Matome is advocating for the development of the arts industry in the country so that Botswana can be at par with the international community.  She also calls for the development of an art curriculum as she believes that art education is essential.

She says certain infrastructure have to be put in place for the art industry. 'We don't have things like a national council.  These are some of the facilities that cater for the interests of artists.' One of Matome's arguments is that people are always talking about preserving instead of enhancing culture.  'If we are going to be stuck in the past, I don't think it will do anything for the development of arts and culture,' she said.

Matome has called for more support in the arts from the private sector just as they are doing in sports. 'If there was more involvement from the private sector, it would go a long way,' she said.

She said in other countries, one percent of building costs goes to the arts.  'That is something we need to cultivate here so that our art is not only seen in galleries but also in other public places,' she said. She cited the distinctive Eiffel Tower in Paris as an example.  'What do we have that distinguishes us apart of the natural sites?'

Matome sees art as a mirror of the society.  'We can look at ourselves and dialogue through arts,' she said.

The turning point in Matome's life as an artist was when she found herself in Zimbabwe in the 1990's working on a research project which was funded by the Zimbabwean government and European Union (EU).  The project was based on setting up a school of art and design in Zimbabwe.   Matome regrets that due to the red tape, the school has not been set up in that country to date.   Matome describes her sojourn in Zimbabwe as an eye opener where she was exposed to the world of art.   Her stay in Zimbabwe which has a more developed art industry resulted in her honing her skills.

During that time, Matome travelled extensively within the SADC region. There were also more opportunities for dialogue with other artists.   She exhibited at prestigious private galleries such as Gallery Delta in Zimbabwe.  She was also nominated for awards.

She has also exhibited in countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, and America where she was one of 147 people who took part in the Women of the World Exhibition. She has conducted seminars and workshops on various themes.

In her role as an art activist, Matome has mentored aspiring artists.  She is also a founder member of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, where she was the artist of the year in 2002.

For Matome, being a female artist has never been an issue.  Neither has she faced discrimination because of her gender.  'I got support and inspiration from my family.  My mother has never said you should not be an artist,' she said. 

But she admits that it can be a challenge for women to become artists due to the multiple roles they play in society.  Before she became an artist she was offered a scholarship by the government to study social work but opted for graphic design at a university in the United Kingdom. Matome currently works at the University of Botswana.