20 Mar 2017

Art lovers and some district leadership thronged Nhabe Museum to appreciate and have a glimpse into the art treasure of India with displays of sculptures, paintings, jewellery, wood craft, stone craft and handicrafts.

The event was held under the theme  “March of Millennium Years: Art and Culture Void to Eternity” and was organised by Indian embassy in collaboration with Artron Enterprises and Okavango Art Association (OAA).

The event would remain ingrained in the hearts of those who attended, especially those who were clueless about the Indian culture as the show was the first of its kind to be held in Maun.

Speaking during the event, the Indian high commissioner to Botswana Dr Ketan Shukla explained that they decided to host the exhibition in Maun because it is a tourism destination citing the beauty of the Okavango Delta heritage site.

Tourists use Maun as a gate way to the delta.

He described art as a powerful communication tool which could  be used in the expression of feelings.

He also stated that art communicated better hence they decided to host an art exhibition in Maun in order for people to  appreciate their rich culture and tradition.

He said India has rich culture adding that the civilization of his country differed from other countries such as Egypt, Romeo in that its traditions had been preserved to this day.

Dr Shukla said India had been the home of arts and crafts since primitive times and painting was no exception to this fact adding that Indian community had known the art of paintings since prehistoric times.

He said each image was unique and were all about expression of feelings adding that in India they did not label the artifacts by their owners unlike here in Botswana.

In addition he indicated that some Indian paintings were famous and that the textiles traditions were reputed all over the world and admired for their beauty, texture and durability.

“To this day the people of India sing hymns of worship that have been passed down the millennium,” he added.

Dr Shukla noted that they were intending to organise  Indian food exhibition in Maun.

The director of Artron Enterprises, Jitender Ittan said the history of art and design education in Botswana had evolved in a unique way and reflected its British Colonial history and post-independence development.

He said Batswana knew the art of painting since prehistoric times citing the earliest cave paintings that are available in different parts of Botswana which depicted various scenes.

He said the locals would use the exhibition to find inspiration and learn new art techniques.

He said art and design had the potential to play a role in the social, economic and cultural development of the country.

For his part, OAA chairperson, Ompatile Sebuelo appreciated the partnership noting that it would promote the growth of art and culture in the country.

He thanked the American, Indian and European governments for supporting developments of arts and crafts sector in the region.

He pointed out that partnership had resulted in the construction of new structures in the museum which would house the artists’ artifacts.

Sebuelo noted that their coalition with the museum would continue to create a vibrant arts and culture network in the district.

Lastly, he appreciated the Indian diverse and rich textile tradition would benefit the local artists as they would have an opportunity to learn new things. ENDS