27 Aug 2018

A saying that goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ refers to the notion that a complex idea could be conveyed with just a single still image.

Fine artist, Bophelo Suwe conforms to this same line as he portrays messages effectively to people through his artworks.

The 26-year-old who hails from Molepolole graduated in 2016 with an Associate Degree in Fine Art from Limkokwing University. He believed that with support, the creative industry can help ease the challenge of unemployment.

More support is needed in the creative industry and art fields as they have the potential to boost the country’s economy,” he said

Having come from afar with the love for arts, the short-sighted Suwe said his focus was more on fine arts and paintings to build his profile and reputation.

He said sometimes his condition makes it a challenge in producing detailed artwork as he has to resort to using magnifying glasses in order to execute his artwork well.

He recalled one of his recent highlights where he did some mural paintings at Molapo Crossing Mall for Stanbic Piazza, which had helped expose his artworks, and hopefully open more doors for him.

“It is still a challenge for Batswana to support artists and when they want our services.  They always want to negotiate for the lowest price possible and as young and upcoming artists with fewer opportunities, sometimes we end up sacrificing and dropping prices just so we can put bread on the table,” he said.

Suwe said his ambition was to apply for government funding such as youth development fund to set up a studio and enhance his other skills such as printmaking that he gained at school.

He said such lack of financial start-ups for new businesses was a crippling factor that demoralised some young gifted artists.

He revealed that he used to display his artworks at Thapong Visual Arts in Gaborone, but due to financial constraints he was no longer able to grace some exhibitions.

“Artists are gifted beings as they can communicate through their work without verbally uttering a word and for one to excel as an artist they have to always do research and make sure that they benchmark from well-established artists. ENDS