21 Nov 2018

Goemeone Modisane 33, from Kopong is determined to thrive using oil painting.

He said in an interview that oil on canvass paintings were his speciality because of his love for colours.

“My paintings are my trademark and most of them depict lifestyle,” stated Modisane.

Modisane’s love for art developed at a tender age. It was the beginning of greater things for him.

“When I was at primary school, I loved art with all my heart. At junior school, I realised that art is in my life and after I completed cambridge certificate, I followed my passion to sharpen my future,” he said.

In 2004, he said he joined Thapong Virtual Arts to enrich his skills.

“It was there that I met Wilson Nguni, who taught me so many things and all thanks to him for making me fall in love with oil on canvass,” he said.

Also, he said workshops, which were organised by Thapong afforded him the opportunity to interact with customers and network with other artists.

Modisane said he had collaborated with Nguni, one of the best minds on projects such as Back to Basics and After Good Harvest.

“In Back to Basics paintings, most of our paintings depict lifestyles in Botswana, modern and old,” stated Modisane.

With After Good Harvest, he said the project was meant to show his skills and gain recognition.

Modisane said Nguni was Godsend as his paintings, concepts and brush touches inspired him to be who he was today.

He said Reginald Bakwena, Andrew Motsheba and Mogorosi Modisane were  also some of the artists who inspired him.

Already, Modisane has participated in Thapong and Kgari Sechele presidential competitions and was among those who made BOT50 signs.

Modisane also thanked government for reserving some funds to buy products from local artists.

“Art is not a walk in the park. It is a means of communication and speaks louder than words,” he said.

He encouraged upcoming artists to join Thapong Virtual Arts because it would help develop their skills.

“When I was still at school, I was taught drawing looking at the colour wheel but Thapong taught me a lot more. I am grateful to them,” he said.

His dream he said was to represent Botswana abroad either in exhibitions or painting workshops. ENDS