13 Jun 2022

 Art collectors got value for their money from artworks purchased during the San paintings exhibition dubbed a Sprout in the dry land by Kuru Art Project  at Sanitas tea Gardens on Saturday.

Art lovers were charmed by the artistic messages embedded through the colours of the art pieces, during the opening of the exhibition themed: QOOM Q’OO KOE E KO TOME in san language translated as, a sprout in the dry land.

In an interview art collector from Japan, Sumire Yamamoto who bought three pieces said she found the perspective refreshing.

Yamamoto said she was intrigued by the artists’ ability to use colour to tell a story of a gemsbok and that the composition and style was impressive.

Through the paintings, she said, she was able to grasp the lifestyle of the San and would be happy to share the story in Japan, which also has a strong art tradition.

Jenny Josefsson from Sweden also bought two arts pieces with the other being a gift for a friend back home.

“Two points that made me fall in love with this art. I like how the artist has incorporated the wild animals abstract in the bush with a helicopter flying in the beautiful skies of the Kalahari. The pictures also depict the modern day reality,” she said.

One of the artists who showcased, Xgara Quma from Dkar said in an interview that his paintings of a pregnant giraffe depicted day to day lifestyle experience in the Kalahari.

Of all the wild animals in the Kalahari the 70-year-old said he was fond of the tallest mammal in the world. He described giraffes as unique and peaceful animals.

Most of his paintings, he said portrayed the lifestyle of the San in the Kalahari and their interaction with wild animals.

The Alliance Francaise Director Angelique Saverino who is also partner in the tripartite collaboration thanked Kuru Art Project for responding positively to exhibit at the Alliance Francaise and also involve the Art Residency Centre.

“A big thank you to the artists who created incredible artworks,” she said.

Speaking about the collaboration with Kuru Art Project she said it was chosen for its uniqueness in the Botswana art scene and its longevity.

“San artists from the Kuru Art Project communicate how they currently relate to their environment and the rest of the world,” she said.

About the artwork she said it enabled them to look at the world through a different perspective and to show that there was still beauty and colour even though people may feel that all was turning dark and oppressive.

“The San exhibition is also a poetic evocation of the artist's view of our environment.”

About the origin of the artists she said they came from  D’Kar which is in Ghanzi and the exhibition would allow people in Gaborone to welcome and see the work of artists who grew up in the Kalahari region.

Alliance Francaise  mission in Botswana, she said, aimed to promote the French language, Francophone cultures and local cultures.

“It is imperative to promote Botswana using artistic events through our cultural programming mission,” she said.

On the success of the Kuru Art Project, she said they had presented their work in 15 countries through 160 exhibitions in Africa and beyond.

Kuru Art Project Coordinator Maudice Brown said the ambiance of the exhibition, which had a particular mood set by each individual work was successful as many art collectors showed up to appreciate the mythical connection of the San and the wild animals.

“I am happy that the exhibition is a success and the art lovers are buying the paintings in large numbers. This is the first exhibition after the COVID-19 Scourge and we are happy about the outcome, we really appreciate the support,” she said.

Artists who showcased their work included Tabax’ae Ntcox’o and the title of his piece was Nxae and Ntcono, going for P9 000.

Qhaghoo Xare also showcased under the title Kudu and Ostriches and art lovers could buy the art work for P6 700.

The ongoing exhibition will run till June  26 at Alliance Francaise and at Sanitas tea garden. ENDS