15 Oct 2014

Art lovers are set to be treated to a beautiful artworks display by 13 artists from the Ghanzi region at the Sophie Lolande Art gallery located at the iTowers, 19th floor.

The gallery has become the place to go to for artworks and it is set to exhibit even more art from artists from Botswana and abroad. Last month the gallery held an exhibition of the heavy metal sub culture, with the artist being Aldo Brincat.

The art exhibition is set to go on for a month and it is a Kaleidoscope collective, featuring the works of artists from the Kuru art project and started last week Thursday.

Speaking in an interview, owner of the art gallery, Sophie Lolande, said all the exhibitors are of Sesarwa descent and as such their artwork depicts more of how they live, hence there is a lot of animals featured on the art pieces.

With the artworks displayed on prints and oil on canvas, Sophie said modernization has seen rock painting being slowly replaced by these mediums and as such most Basarwa artists have also adapted to using new mediums.

“The project will run for a while and I have encouraged artists under the project to create art pieces freely as a way of preserving their culture,” she said, adding that the art pieces on display are authentic.

She indicated that most artists from the Kuru Art project tell their personal journeys and stories through their artworks.

Speaking on some of the artists that have their work displayed at the gallery, Sophie said exhibiting artists include Thame Kaaxhe, Sgomo, Gamnqoo, Coxae and Jan Tcega.

Some of the art lovers at the opening of the exhibition were Thapong Visual Art Centre Coordinator Reginald Bakwena.

When contacted for a comment, Reginald said efforts by Sophie to promote local art are commendable.

Reginald further said other players should come on board to support artists and show appreciation for their work.

“Art is beautiful and we should encourage these talented people to produce even more quality pieces,” he said, adding that art appreciation has steadily been on the rise in Botswana. ENDS