17 Oct 2018

In retrospect, wall painting has been practiced by Batswana in yesteryears before civilisation took over.

It is good that traditional mud-thatched houses still exist in some rural villages to show that indeed Batswana have always been creative when undertaking the art of wall painting.

It is a cultural practice with which Batswana identify with dating as far back as the Stone Age, and the talent has been passed down generations.

Wall paintings, also referred to as murals, were primarily done to decorate mud hut walls and to some people, it is still done primarily for that purpose.

For 28-year-old Thato Khomela, wall paintings have another great purpose. “Murals actually improve the value of property or buildings, and they make them attractive.

Although with the introduction of modern houses, wall paintings practice declined, it is starting to gain momentum more so that property is growing as a lucrative business either in sales or rental.

The artwork on walls speak and provoke emotions; it could be excitement, anger or sadness and most importantly it appeals to the subconscious mind of a person.”

He drew attention to the attractive, colourful building hosting the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, noting that it was his work.

Some of his artwork is displayed at Molapo Crossing at a restaurant called Culture Café where he is also a resident artist.

The young man who discovered his artistic bone at the age of nine is now known countrywide after government issued him and others a tender to renovate silos in kgotlas across the country at the time when the country was celebrating 50 years of independence.

Although government recognises the value of murals, the same cannot be said about the public which is most familiar with interior décor.

He said art was more than a portrait as it had transformational and healing powers besides being a source of income for artists. Khomela revealed that art has built his character and personality.

He disclosed that the ‘I-am-the-best attitude’ that he possessed was inspired by his artistic excellence.

“Art has transformed me from the way I talk, dress, behave and relate with other people. It is all art because it is who I am.  I identify myself with my artwork which is deeply rooted in the Setswana culture. Even the theme is earthly colours that echo the people and their culture, even the patterns that are in my paintings reflect Botswana.”

The visionary artist acknowledged that he embraced technology and civilisation hence he took a decision to enroll with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to undertake a bachelors degree  in multi-media.

“Multi-media has all the elements of art, it is just that it is in digital form. It is even a plus for an all-around artist like me because it expands my scope and helps me to remain relevant in the evolving world of art.

However, the traditional manual painting will always be the foundation of murals or wall painting,” the young artist detailed.

He has encouraged fellow artists to explore the limitless opportunities in the world of art. Khomela is a true patriot of the saying that, the artist is the most important person in the world. ENDS