08 Feb 2022

 Self-taught local artist Wilson Ngoni is in the process of registering and establishing  an arts centre.

 The envisaged  centre  to be named Wilson Ngoni Art Centre will be situated in Kopong.

 

 In an interview recently, Ngoni who has been painting for 31 years  said the   project  will be the first of its kind.

He said the idea of an arts centr came after realising that there were no art centres in the country, as evidenced by number of enquiries from parents with children who were not doing well in Art at school. He said they approached him to coach their children, especially those who want to cut a niche in art.  

 

Ngoni said that it was time to take art as a profession and not “ just a hobby.”

This, he said  could only be overcome by changing how things have been done, such as having a proper place of operation, hence the idea of a centre.

Ngoni said he had been working from home, but it was not easy due to increasing number of apprentices.  

 

He said the response from the community coupled with ideas acquired from his international trips has actually made him cognisant of the diamond in his hands.

 

“So, we need this institution to accommodate upcoming, youthful even senior Artists who needs to be inspired further. 

We are in the process of registering this organisation with the hope that we construct a facility that can be able to mentor, tutor, inspire and host artists.” 

 

He said together with his assistants they intended to display his paintings and memorabilia that he has gathered through his artistic journey.

The displayed materials would range from books, newspapers  clips and recordings, he said. 

They will also have a space for his accolades and be available to give lectures.

 

As an artist Ngoni has visited countries such as Zambia where he met successful artists and realised that if he worked with other artists he could  could go far. 

The gifted artist said he has found that artists who relied on theoretical knowledge had limitations and needed to be sharpened, he said.

Ngoni known as the man of the brush by some people who know his humble beginnings, has been to Germany, Norway, Ethiopia and interacted with various artists, has generated interest among the foreign artists who want to visit Botswana to tap more.

 

For him art is the healing cure of what life throws at him, adding that painting was therapeutic and kept his mind off things. 

Apart from his work putting bread on the table he used it to show human ideas.

 

Explaining about his educational background he said, he stopped at standard two at Primary level. He then got assistance from Social Workers and community members to do his junior education at Gabane Community. 

 

Wilson said he could not continue with his Primary education because his years did not allow him to go back to primary School.

 

After his Junior school he proceeded to Moeding College where he completed his form five. He said the last five years of his schooling was very active because he won a lot of awards for himself, school and his family.

 

The seasoned artist said it was education that triggered his life to become an artist adding that school was where people discovered their talents because it gave direction and order to his life. ENDS