25 Jul 2013

Thapong Visual Art Centre will on Friday (July 26) provide an alternative new concept of art display when it hosts a programme called 360°.

A concept of three women in the visual arts industry, 360° is a concept that would have them displaying their art works not only on the wall, but across a 360° space. Art works, which are commonly displayed on walls to be viewed at eye length, would this time around, be presented across space even on the roof views.

Artists: Kate Kaetwa, Ivy Radipodi – Mpitjane and Veryan Edwards sat down and came up with the 360° concept, where they would be displaying their art works in themes. In an interview, Kaetwa said the concept was new in the visual arts industry in Botswana and was the trio’s pleasure to launch it in style.

She highlighted that they settled around social issues that affect communities such as HIV/AIDS, women issues as well as the ability to make choices and ultimately themed the event “Make a choice”. She said they would have the audience not only viewing and admiring the art works, but rather would also move into space, to be part of art works and to record their impressions.

In this way, Kaetwa said people would be interacting with art works and at the end of it feel the effect of therapy. “This concept also comes as a way of showing that art is not only about beautiful pictures on the wall for admiration, but can be a form of therapy when fully interacted with”, she said.

Not only will people interact with art works, but as a way to beef up the relaxation, there will be music, storytelling and poetry session. She encouraged Batswana to come in large numbers to appreciate art works on a different perspective and also experience a new way of viewing art.

She thanked Limkokwing University management for the assistance offered to the success of the event.  She also thanked Thapong Visual Arts Center for grooming a lot of artists into what they are now. Kaetwa said Thapong is a home away from home for artists and has provided a platform for arts in the country to grow.

The 360° event will be a monthly event where other artists will be given chance to display their art works and let audience to also interact with their art works, Ms Kaetwa revealed. She said, the event focuses more on youths who have art interest and talent with the aim of growing the talent.

“This is also a way of keeping the youth away from roaming the streets and being involved in acts of delinquency, as they will now spend their time working on their art works in preparation for the event.

Ms Kaetwa said the 360° event, will be followed in two weeks by an evening entitled the Thapong Café Soirees that will involve participants in actual making of art. Those who have never done art works before, will be given chance to do so and even interact with professional artists, she said.  ENDS