Fine artists want recognition
Friday, March 27, 2015
The pair’s major works were mostly influenced by Botswana’s tradition and history with the main purpose of the exhibition being to raise awareness for Batswana to appreciate art. Delivering his opening remarks to mark the beginning of the exhibition, coordinator, Reginald Bakwena, described Thapong as the most creative art centre for artists to showcase their work.
“Batswana don’t appreciate art; only foreigners do therefore we want everybody to understand the purpose of art,” he said.
It is a warning flare to every Motswana who logs onto social media. As a country, we have reached a point where the line between robust debate and outright destruction has become dangerously blurred. At face value, Mabeo’s response, which seeks an apology and threat of a defamation suit, might seem severe to some. But we cannot ignore the context. The comment in question did not offer a policy critique or question a political decision.It...