06 Aug 2014

Art is such a beautiful thing if one understands and appreciates it fully.

The arts industry in Botswana has grown tremendously over the past few years. Right from the talent of the artist, sponsors who support the artists to customers who pay/buy what is on offer, young Batswana are starting to embrace and concur that the creative arts industry could be one’s legacy.

One such fella is Victor Leshomo. He embodies your rare all-round type of artist. The young man is in his early thirties and prides himself with being a stage performer, graphic designer and a contemporary visual artist.

“I have always been an artist since those days when we played mantlwane and it has been a passion of mine ever since,” he said with a chuckle. 

Being an all-round artist is kind of rare, one has a hand in almost all the cookie jars and Victor seems to taking it all in his stride. He says he started performing on the big stage three years back and he has gotten promising reviews of his work.

“I did Beauty and the Beast at Westwood International School, which was Aldo Brincat’s production and I was performing as The Beast,” he said, adding that it was amazing.

Victor said he has always admired the performing arts from a distance and for now he has already done three productions under Aldo Brincat Productions.

He said when he was studying in Cape Town a few years back for a graphic designer degree, Victor indicated that even then he featured in a few commercials in Cape Town and had joined a casting agency.

“I have always been told that I have a voice and body to make it in the performing arts and I try to do what I can,” he said.

Speaking on his advertising journey, Victor said he has been in the industry for over 8 years and for now he is just freelancing.

“I have been with amazing agencies in Botswana and I still maintain close ties with them,” he said.

With the Thapong Members Only Art exhibition kicking off tomorrow, Thursday, right after the official opening of the centre, Victor said he has submitted two art pieces for exhibition and hopes to walk away a winner.

He said it is his second exhibition ever since he became a member of Thapong Visual Art Centre, but his first time on the canvas.

“Funny thing is I have not painted in 10 years and I thought I should just have fun with it. The first exhibition I participated in was in 2012 when Botswana Guardian were turning 30 and had advertised for artworks depicting their journey,” said Victor.

He indicated that he submitted his poster and it was shortlisted in the top four which were then published for the public to vote on. His was voted the winner, he said. 

“I then took my poster and submitted it for the Thapong Artist of The Year award in the multimedia category and I won that too,” he said.

Quizzed about the arts industry in Botswana and whether they are getting the necessary support as artists, Victor said he would like to see more corporate entities joining the bandwagon and investing in the arts.

“Government is playing her part which I feel is taking us somewhere, but still more can be done,” he said.

He further said the arts industry is the future of Botswana as it is untapped and has a huge potential of diversifying the economy and improving people’s lives.

Victor also said renting out studios to artists should be at reasonable prices because art takes a long time to sell.

“I also wish we could have more exhibitions as that is where we showcase our talents,” said Victor.

With more and more Batswana realizing their talents with respect to the creative industry, it is apparent that such talent should be nurtured and given the necessary support. 

Art is just not a business for most artists, but rather a glimpse into what makes our society tick. It is a glimpse into the soul and heart, of how artists perceive everyday life. Art is beautiful and art is life. ENDS