Opened on June 17 and curated by Thabo Kgatlwane, the exhibition brings together two distinct artistic voices whose works explore identity, heritage, resilience and lived experience.Though their approaches differ dramatically, the pairing creates a rich visual conversation that celebrates both personal and collective narratives.Kgatlwane described the collaboration as “kind of like braiding two different artists together to make this one beautiful quilt”; an apt metaphor for an exhibition built on connection, contrast and shared cultural reflection.For multidisciplinary artist, Boemo Lunga, Threaded in Culture marks a significant evolution in his practice. Known primarily for painting, Lunga has introduced thread as a central medium, painstakingly sewing directly onto canvas to create striking portraits that mimic the movement, texture and light often associated with Impressionist paintings.From a distance, the works appear painted; up close, they reveal intricate layers of thread that give them remarkable depth and realism.The series also carries deep personal significance. After stepping away from exhibitions for two years, Lunga found himself searching for a new creative outlet during a difficult period in his life.“I was so down,” he said. “I hadn’t been exhibiting for the past two years. So, these threads helped me to bounce back to art because I was threading the pain I was going through for the past two years.”Inspired in part by his aunt, a fashion designer, Lunga transformed a familiar material into a tool for healing and self-expression, turning personal hardship into works of striking beauty.Reflecting on his artistic journey, he encouraged emerging artists to remain open to experimentation.“Explore different art media and associate yourself with the right people for your growth,” he advised.Complementing Lunga’s textile portraits are the vibrant paintings of Goemeone Modisane, whose artistic career spans more than two decades.Since beginning his painting journey in 2000, Modisane has become known for his vivid use of colour and his ability to capture the essence of Botswana’s landscapes and cultural life.Many of his works begin with photographs he takes himself, preserving moments and scenes that resonate with him before translating them onto canvas.“I capture what I like, what catches my eye and then from there I convert it into a canvas and make a composition,” he explained.His paintings celebrate the enduring beauty of Setswana culture, from traditional architecture to everyday moments rooted in Botswana’s heritage.“To me, our lifestyle is very important. Especially the shelter; our traditional way of living,” he said. While his current works focus on cultural preservation, Modisane also revealed plans for a future exhibition exploring the behaviour and movement of wildlife across Botswana.Together, the works of Lunga and Modisane offer audiences two pathways into understanding culture; one deeply personal and introspective, the other rooted in collective memory and tradition.The result is an exhibition that feels both intimate and expansive, demonstrating how art can preserve heritage while also serving as a vehicle for healing.With its blend of innovative textile artistry and richly textured painted narratives, Threaded in Culture stands as a powerful celebration of resilience, creativity and cultural pride. The exhibition runs at Alliance Française de Gaborone until July 3.
