21 Jun 2015

The chief judge at the recently held Regional Art and Craft Exhibition has called upon artists to set the bar high and display unique individual artistic expressions in their products if they harbour ambitions of making it at national level.

Rosinah Mogotsi said at Bathoen II Memorial Museum that although artists have displayed a high standard in their products, there is still room for further improvement.

“There is no doubt that you have talent, but most of you did not go an extra mile to bring along that oomph that makes your products outstanding through unique artistic expression,” she said. 

 Mogotsi, an art teacher at Seepapitso Senior Secondary School and chairperson of South West Art Association, said for instance in the Basketry and Traditional Pottery categories, artistes did not fully apply themselves.

She said it was necessary for artists to move out of their comfort zones and be enterprising to be the best in what they do.

“Get out of the norm and captivate us with your creativity. 

How do you for instance expect to beat somebody from the North West in basketry with your everyday basket? 

Let us be passionate and employ that missing element if we want to dazzle the nation at the July competitions,” she said. 

Ruele ward councillor, Ben Lebogang expressed worry at the low turn-out of participants.

He was particularly not amused by the unavailability of the papier-mache category in this year’s competition. 

He said papier-mache helps keep the environment clean because artists primarily use paper for their products.

Councillor Lebogang however took solace in the fact that the competition is inclusive of the ceramic category, which he said will not only polish the skills of young people in the craft, but will go a long way in closing the existing gap of Batswana with knowledge in the category.

For his part, Mr Thari Mokgatlhane, the guest speaker at the event, stated that the regional art competition remains a pinnacle of the heritage month and a platform for showcasing the cultural diversity that this country prides itself in. 

“Not only does the nation celebrate, but the artists are rewarded for their talents and the commitment that they consistently display,” he said. 

Mr Mokgatlhane, a senior art teacher at Seepapitso Senior Secondary School encouraged artists to strive to proceed with the same spirit and values that led to Botswana’s independence.

Among the many objectives of the competition, Botswana through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture intends to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the cultures of the nation and intensify the spirit of nationhood and unity through the celebration of Botswana arts.

The annual competitions also help raise profiles of Botswana artists and makes sure that they realise their full potential and contribute towards economic diversification. 

In the drawing category, Dennis John of Jwaneng scooped pole position followed by Manners Bohule of Moshupa. 

Mpho Kgopiso of Kanye emerged the finest in the paint category beating Moloi Ntungwa of Jwaneng and Willie Keatlhotswe of Kanye, who got positions two and three respectively.

Ogopoleng Kgomoethata of Kanye was at ease in the photography category as he occupied the first and second positions.

In wood carving, Wadikobo Motshegetsi of Jwaneng sailed through ahead of Batori Itshekeng of Moshupa, who occupied the second and third positions.

Legae Abiort of Jwaneng was named the king of sculpture as he took positions one and two followed by Pako Tshosa of Lobatse.

Other categories that were contested for included among others, tapestry, beadwork, leather work, graphic design, textile, ceramic, basketry, jewelry and traditional pottery. ENDS