16 Oct 2016

Renowned South African artist, Nico Phooko will on October 25 exhibit his artwork following his month long stay at Thapong Visual Arts Centre.
Centre coordinator, Reginald Bakwena said in an interview that the exhibition would be interactive because Phooko was expected to talk about how he does his art and share his experience.
“Phooko will also paint live during the exhibition and show us his gift,” Bakwena said.
He indicated that Phooko had so far been amazing with his interactions with some of the artists at the centre.
“He is easy to talk to and when you have someone like that who also knows and is passionate about his work, it makes everything easy,” he said.
On the other hand, Phooko indicated that his work was inspired by music hence the artwork on notes and strokes.
“I have been channel hopping radio stations in Botswana and painting when I hear inspirational and amazing songs from Batswana. Botswana has a lot of beautiful music and I wonder why I am only hearing some of it now,” he said.
He said he was also listening to a variety of music and went on YouTube to see some of the guitarists Botswana was blessed with.
“I would have loved to meet Stampore, but I understand he is late and his videos are amazing. The way he played his guitar was out of this world and that is not talent, but rather a gift,” he said.
Phooko further said he had also been inspired by authentic Botswana music, especially that of Gong Master.
“His music brought brightness and freshness to my work. The music is poetic, meaningful and flexible. It makes me want to grow and not be stuck in the same motion,” he said.ENDS