A self-taught graffiti mural artist, painter, digital artist, live performer, and professional designer, Boitshwarelo, has dedicated his life to pushing artistic boundaries. Born and raised in Gaborone, and now based in Pretoria, South Africa, Boitshwarelo’s work is a fusion of cultural history and contemporary surrealism, often blending spray paint with unconventional surfaces such as wood, steel, and plastic. His creativity has not gone unnoticed, his unique approach has even caught the attention of international media, including the BBC. “I honestly did not choose to have this gift. I was rather given it by God. I believe this is a God-given gift, and I intend to use it to my absolute full potential because this is something I clearly can’t live without,” he says. Boitshwarelo’s artistic journey began early. He recalls a defining childhood moment in preschool when his teacher asked the class to draw an apple and write the word beside it. “I failed to write ‘apple,’ but my drawing execution was the best in the class. That was the moment I knew I was meant to be an artist,” he shares.
His passion continued to grow through secondary school, where he experimented with different artistic forms. However, it was in 2016 that he first picked up a spray can, marking his initial steps into street art. “I painted some signatures and doodles on my neighborhood walls. But it was only in mid-2019 when I had my first real contact with graffiti, while some graffiti writers painted outside my neighbourhood. That moment changed everything for me,” he elucidates. During the 2020 lockdown, he was forced to explore new ways of keeping his artistic fire alive. Experimenting with different materials, he stumbled upon spray painting on plastic, a challenging yet rewarding technique that became a signature element in his work. Boitshwarelo’s art is largely identified with surrealism, a genre that blends reality with dreamlike elements. “Surrealism seeks to channel the unconscious as a means to unlock the power of imagination,” he explains. His themes vary depending on inspiration, from nature and love to nightmares, personal growth, and life experiences. One of his most profound works, This Age of Scattered Attention, reflects the nature of growth and the experiences that shape individuals. “That painting offered me a deeper understanding of myself through reassigning old fears and adapting to the uncomfortable process of personal growth,” he reveals.
His work is more than just visual appeal, it serves as a medium for emotional healing. He recalls one particularly heartbreaking yet inspiring experience. “I created a painting for a woman who had lost her twins shortly after birth. That piece helped her heal. Later, I entered the painting into a competition, and it won. Not only did it help her, but it also brought peace to many others.” For Boitshwarelo, art is not just a profession, it is a responsibility. “My role as an artist is to remind the world that there are always new possibilities, new forms that beauty can take, and new categories that haven’t been imagined yet,” he states. He also views art as a bridge between reality and imagination, encouraging other creatives to embrace their uniqueness. “The world needs crazy, the world needs weird, the world needs surreal creators in it. Until the world realises that surrealism is the real golden ratio of art, my creations will always be around to remind them about foreign stars beyond magic," he said. Boitshwarelo’s talent has earned him a place in several prestigious exhibitions and competitions, both locally and internationally. He has showcased his work at events such as Botswana National Youth Council Art Fair (2014-2016), Thapong Members Exhibition (2017-2019), Thapong Artist of the Year Awards (2017), President’s Day Art Competitions (2018 & 2019), and Montgomery, Alabama Solo Exhibition (USA, 2018-2022). He has also performed as a live visual artist at events such as Party On Wheels, Bush Train BW, and Blind Vision (2022).
Despite his many achievements, Boitshwarelo remains driven to grow and evolve. Having obtained a Bachelor (Hons) Degree in Professional Design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, he continues to explore digital art, 3D modeling, animation, and motion graphics to expand his artistic expression. When asked about his biggest fear, he simply says: “Going more than six months without painting. That really messed me up.” His advice to young artists is simple yet powerful: “Passion and vision.” He encourages them to work hard, explore new ideas, and push beyond conventional limits. “If you have the passion, don’t give up. Painting is not easy work, but it is fulfilling if you stay committed,” he concludes.
