09 Jun 2020

 Self-taught artist Boyk Ookeditse has created two illustrations in recognition of the front line workers who put their lives on the line to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 In an interview recently the 34-year-old from Nkange said he gets inspirations from dreams, movies and songs, adding that his two illustrations were inspired by the essential services workers’ commitment throughout the lockdown.

His love for art became evident during his junior school days as an art student, a passion that saw him scooping the best art student award. 

Unfortunately he could not pursue his studies further but that did not kill his passion for the visual arts.  

Being outside the school set up, however, meant that he was unable to interact with other artists.

Ookeditse then started looking for other people who shared his interests. He then joined Thapong Visual Arts Centre and became a member of Thapong which enabled him to participate in a number of workshops and exhibitions at the centre.

Like the saying that you can’t keep the burning light under the table, the recent corona outbreak evoked the creativity in him once again and through his illustrations he was able to depict COVID-19 . 

“The world is fighting an invisible enemy hence I drew a painting of a man aiming at something, or attempting to beat something down yet not in position. This depicts how the country is putting joint efforts to fight the virus.”

His plan is to showcase his creations at Thapong after restrictions have eased. 

Ookeditse, who has grown as an  artist over the years, now  specialises in portraits, abstracts and surrealism art and runs a studio at Phase 4. Ends