07 Aug 2023

Artists in Botswana and across Africa have been encouraged to reconnect with their cultural heritage and draw inspiration from traditional arts.

Africa’s rich tradition serves as a wellspring of inspiration for traditional arts, enabling artists to share their unique way of life with global audiences.

Prominent African artist Dr Leonard Gadzekpo, also an associate Professor of African Studies in the United States, told BOPA in an in interview after delivering an enlightening lecture on how African artistes could reinterpret Ancient African traditional art in contemporary times.

Professor Gadzekpo, who was born in Cote d vote and grew up in Ghana challenged African artists to use new technologies and innovative approaches which he said were now available, to allow them to incorporate traditional art into their work and elevate African art to new heights.

“If world famous artists such as Picasso could draw from African traditional art, then African artists should also embrace their heritage and infuse it into their own creations,” he said.

Furthermore, Professor Gadzekpo also highlighted the influential role African artists could play in showcasing traditional art not only in Botswana or Africa, but worldwide.

He said their work could serve as a powerful medium to not only inspire fellow artists but also educate and captivate audiences from different nations, enlightening them about the depth and beauty of Africa’s artistic expression.

“The call to return to our roots and seek inspiration from our heritage is vital for artists.

By tapping into our cultural legacies, artists can explore new subject matters, delve into meaningful topics, and convey profound messages through their art,” he said.

Professor Gadzekpo also said this would not only enrich artistic creations but also fosters a broader understanding and appreciation of Africa’s diverse artistic traditions among global communities.

“For artists to embrace their cultural origins and draw from traditional arts is not only an opportunity for personal growth but also a chance to contribute to the elevation and global recognition of African art,” he said.

Appreciating Botswana artists after visiting Thapong Visual Arts, he said he was impressed by the incredible talent of Batswana artists and encouraged them to further explore traditional art while modernising it using new technologies that could enhance their work.

Prof Gadzekpo said he admired the work of Meleko Mokgosi, an associate professor of painting and drawing at the School of Art at Yale University.

He said Mokgosi’s art encompassed large-scale paintings that probed into themes such as colonialism, democracy, nationalism, and life in Southern Africa.

In an interview Tumelo Bogatsu, a creative strategist who markets artworks and collaborated with local artists at Art Case Gallery, said he believed that it was time for Batswana and Africans to reconnect with their roots.

Bogatsu proposed that artists should re-explore and re-imagine their art by incorporating Setswana design patterns instead of relying solely on German prints.

The creative strategist further suggested that artists could draw inspiration from cultural elements such as the footprints seen in Borankana dance.

“By transforming these footprints into art pieces, artists could create meaningful and engaging artwork,” he said.

Also he emphasized the need for artists to cultivate a creative mindset in order to explore and present African traditional art in a relevant and contemporary manner. ENDS