23 May 2022

Established artists have been implored to mentor upcoming artists who look  up to them as role models.

State President Deputy Permanent Secretary, Oshinka Tsiang said this when officially opening a week-long exhibition of artworks by a quartet; Tebogo Motswetla, Abednico Sechaba, Kelebogile Marope and Isaac Chibua at Thapong Visual Arts. 

He described their exhibited artwork themed: Open Spaces, as unique collaboration of ideas. 

“Open Spaces is a theme of choice that seeks to express the scope of art forms that the artists freely explore. The theme allows them to express their concepts without limitations thus, offering the audience unlimited knowledge, varying ways of interpreting and appreciating their art work.”

“The Open Space could be a symbol of freedom of mind for self-expression without limitation. It could be the varied art forms and ideas which the four artists created for the benefit of the society at large,” he said. 

“We are grateful for the collaboration of these four artists, who found it fit to come together to put up an exhibition of this nature.”

 The quartet have expressed in different forms as Sechaba uses ceramic, Chibua paints, Marope crafts focusing on domestic space, while Motswetla is renowned for his Mabijo cartoon .

The artists are advanced in the use of technology evidenced by their self-designed catalogue as well as the animation works by Motswetla, in line with government’s drive towards technology use by its citizenry.

Tsiang appealed to government departments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and business people to support what he termed, God given talents. 

He said investing in such talent could diversify the economy and create employment opportunities, thus reducing joblessness.

“I hope through your hard work you will showcase your works in other parts of the world, either through technology or going to mount such an exhibition in other countries. As I have learnt that Motswetla once exhibited in the United States of America.”

In his welcome remarks the centre’s coordinator Reginald Bakwena said that art was diverse as it showcased varied areas of interest. 

He said art  was educational, challenging and required people to think deeply, as such, the exhibition  was crucial as it carried part of the centre’s mandate. 

“At Thapong we create opportunities for artists by networking as well as collaborating building art appreciation to the business community. Over the years we have registered a resounding success in a way of promoting artists and creating platforms for them to improve their work.”

Legendary Motswetla of Mabijo Productions said working  together at University of Botswana with Sechaba and Marope led to the birth of the team.  

He said the aim of the team was to support the creative arts through their skill, adding that they wanted to give back to the community by encouraging aspiring artists especially those out of school by conducting art workshops. 

“Support from the government will enable us to achieve our goals. We also need support from NGO’s and the community to help us unearth talents and give mentorship.”

Giving a vote of thanks, Sechaba said, Motswetla who was into art illustrations, had grown over the years with his work now in the animation form. ends