Africa-Press – Botswana. About eight artists from Botswana’s renowned Kuru Art Project will present their works at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, scheduled to take place from May 23 to 25 at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The director and founder of Recurate, Renee Eisen-Khonat said in an interview that the artists’ participation would be a significant milestone in bringing the voices of Botswana’s indigenous San artists to a broader international audience.
Shedding light about the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, she said it would bring together artists and exhibitors from across the African continent and provid a platform for artists to engage with a diverse audience, including collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts.
“The inclusion of the Kuru Art Project in this year’s fair underscores the growing recognition of Botswana’s contribution to the contemporary African art landscape,” she said.
The artists, she said, would exhibit their collective works under the theme: Liminal Spaces, exploring the transitional and transformative aspects of identity and culture within the context of Botswana’s evolving art scene.
“The theme reflects the artists’ navigation between traditional heritage and contemporary expression, offering insights into the dynamic interplay of past and present,” she said.
In an interview, Ntcisa Kase, one of the artists, mentioned that her intricate oil paintings depicted the flora of the Kalahari veld, reflecting her deep knowledge of indigenous plants. Another artist, Bau Kaashe, added that she began with embroidery and now created works that celebrated the animals and plants significant to her culture.
Cgoma Simon said she transitioned from beadwork and fabric painting to creating vibrant artworks that resonated with her life experiences. Ncaotoe Thama, inspired by her late husband, Thamae Setshogo, shared that she produced paintings and linocuts that expressed her profound connection to the Kalahari.
Naledi Maifala explained that her contemporary expressionist paintings explore themes of stillness and impermanence, often featuring serene figures and natural elements. Kutlo Mabua, a self-taught artist, described how his ink pointillism and embroidery delved into themes of identity and transformation.
Modisa Motsumi, a multidisciplinary artist, stated that his recent works utilise topographical mapping to explore the complexities of land and sovereignty. Neo Matome noted that she worked across various mediums to examine gender, culture, and socio-political issues, focusing on identity and belonging.
ReCurate, a curatorial agency based in Gaborone, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the participation of these artists in the fair. The agency is dedicated to promoting Botswana’s visual arts on the international stage, providing strategic management and personalised guidance to its artist clientele.
The Kuru Art Project, established in 1990, has been instrumental in providing a platform for San artists to express their cultural narratives and personal experiences through contemporary art forms. The project has gained recognition for its role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the San people. The upcoming exhibition represents not only an opportunity for these artists to showcase their work but also a moment to celebrate and share the rich cultural tapestry of Botswana with the world.
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