23 Sep 2014

Even the smell of paint and dried sweat would not discourage him and neither will the penetrating rays of the scorching sun.

Glued to the wall as if the world revolves around it, Keoagile ‘Macco’ Walesedi would not accept anything closer so substandard to be attributed to his name. 

Without painting any ambiguity, the lanky lad never wishes to be mocked and derided for the doings of his own hands. 

For he is a zealous dreamer who is willing to go all the way until his critics are proved wrong.

“With what I am doing, I am rest assured that one day I will be an international icon,” said the multi-talented youth.

On his voyage to dreamland and become an international icon, the subversive street artist is willing to turn the art world upside-down.

Without any training save for the knowledge he acquired at junior and senior school, Keoagile is already painting the small village of Otse, in the south east district.

First, he painted the department of wildlife and national parks reception area.

And now he is painting pictures of vultures around the village as an awareness campaign by the Cape Vulture Environmental Association.

Under the program, Keoagile will draw cape vultures at Otse main kgotla and some selected areas in the village, as an awareness exercise.

“Painting is just a hobby, I grew up loving hip-hop and contemporary arts,” he said.

While many artistes would scratch their heads to brainstorm, Macco neither scratch his head nor brainstorm.

“You just tell me the idea and I will give you what you want, “he emphasized.

“I am enjoying this and people love it too,” said as he cleared his throat for further engagement.

Nevertheless, the Molepolole born artist is not utterly convinced that indeed locals love painting as they hardly fish into their pockets to purchase art works.

“Their support is mostly limited to compliments,” said Macco who mentions Wilson Ngoni as his mentor.

Apart from paintings, Keoagile does sculpture and drawings and he is a member of Otse Multi-Talent Group.

The group is mainly made by youth from the village and it includes those in drama, folk music, contemporary music, pottery and painting and decorations among others.

In his observation, there is talent among the youth that needs to be supported and natured to scrub unemployment.

This, he shares with Mr Rudolf Mosalaesi who has been instrumental towards the establishment of the group.

“If we can bring them together, then they can make something out of their talent,” Mr Mosalaesi said.

Yet he is aware that funding will be their main stumbling block and pointed that their plan is to launch the group sometimes this year.

Then after, they will start their own exhibitions as well as send artistes to local and international exhibitions.

Mr Mosalaesi who is a coordinator of Leeba Support Group, a non-governmental organization in the village said they are also considering setting up youth industries for the artistes.

“We have already assisted others to secure scholarship and they are furthering their education, we want them to study and create employment for themselves and others, “Mr Mosalaesi said.

Already, the group which is made by fifteen dedicated youths is showing some glimpse of excellence in maturing the youth to have a home of talent and self-expression.

Hence now and then, the village of Otse wakes up every morning to smell the painting that will leave a lasting mark and give them an identity.

Although it is only five month younger, Otse Multi-Talent Group with the likes of Macco and company aspires to leave an indelible mark in this village.  ENDS