10 Jun 2026

Wame Bodutu, popularly known as Art by Wame, is challenging the notion that visual arts is a man’s world. Through Afrocentric work celebrating African culture, heritage, identity, and wildlife, she is inspiring other women to pursue creative passions.

Bodutu, who hails from Molepolole and now residing in Kopong, journey started  while he was at primary school in 2008. She filled the back pages of exercise books with sketches of personalities like Rihanna, as well as houses and cars. What started as a childhood pastime became a lifelong passion.

Despite her love for art, Bodutu did not study it at Kopong Junior Secondary School or Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School. “I knew art was part of who I am. It truly runs in my blood,” she said.

Juggling academics left little time for her craft, and she painted mainly during holidays and school breaks.

A turning point came in 2022 when she connected with renowned artist Bezuba Kaunda after listening to his radio interview. 

Kaunda became her first professional mentor, introducing her to the art industry.

After graduating from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. in 2024, Bodutu moved beyond portraits into mural art. 

She met fellow artist Rodney Keitemoge, who guided her through technical aspects of mural painting and the creative industry. “I am incredibly grateful to both mentors for their patience, support and belief in my abilities,” she said.

That year also brought a career milestone when she sold two artworks at the Kweneng District Council Mini Show. It was only her second exhibition.

Bodutu credits her older brother for sparking her interest.

 “My love for art began by watching my brother create beautiful drawings. His creativity inspired me to explore my own abilities,” she said.

Her artwork targets game lodges, safari hotels, African-themed restaurants, corporate offices, interior designers, private collectors  and international tourists seeking authentic African-inspired pieces. Prices range from P500 to P10 000, depending on size, complexity and materials.

Like many artists, Bodutu is faced with challenges of  expensive materials, irregular sales and clients who fail to pay for commissioned work. 

Still, she pursued art as a dedicated side business while maintaining professional standards.

On artificial intelligence, Bodutu believes traditional art will retain its value. 

“People will continue to appreciate the authenticity, texture, and human touch behind handmade artwork. However, AI-generated art is gradually threatening traditional art culture,” she noted.

Bodutu is preparing a historical masterpiece for Botswana’s 60^th Independence Anniversary. 

The piece is inspired by the journey of the Three Dikgosi, Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I, and Botswana’s legacy of peaceful democracy. It will also reflect the country’s historic democratic transition of power from the Botswana Democratic Party to the Umbrella for Democratic Change. 

Through her work, she hopes to communicate Botswana’s strength peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Among her notable pieces is Leitlho la Pele, a mixed-media portrait of a Mosarwa woman. 

It combines charcoal, traditional fabrics, colourful beads, modelling paste, and acrylic paint to create a textured, realistic representation of African identity. 

Another standout, Silent Gaze, is a hyper-realistic leopard rendered in acrylic inks and paints. 

The animal’s striking blue eyes contrast with natural tones for a captivating effect.

Bodutu advocates intellectual property protection, stressing the importance of copyright laws to safeguard artists from exploitation and unauthorised commercial use. 

She also calls for government support through international cultural exchange programmes and a secure national digital marketplace for local artists.

Her advice to aspiring artists is direct, “take your talent seriously. Passion and natural ability can take you far if you approach art as a profession. Seek mentorship, continue learning and never limit your creativity.” 

Mentor Rodney Keitemoge said Bodutu had grown significantly and is now creating original themes that could lead to a solo exhibition. 

Fellow creative Engemadzo Opiyo Lentswe commended Bodutu’s reliability, creativity and positive attitude.

As she grows her brand, Art by Wame remains committed to preserving African stories, culture, and heritage through art that resonates locally and internationally. ENDS