Self-taught artist spreads wings
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday December 18, 2022 06:00
Despite his young age, his art has already gained international recognition. In an interview with Arts & Culture, Rampadi who is currently based in Mmopane, said he works with various mediums that include charcoal, graphite, pastels and paint.
From the many portraits he has produced of local and international famous faces, his art has attracted coverage from international and the local media. “I am only doing portraits of international and local faces to advertise or grow my talent through support from Batswana. I do commissioned drawings which most of Batswana are interested in.
By next year I am looking forward to do different art like sculptures, mural, paintings to show creativity and the skill I have. I also want to have some exhibition across the country next year,” he said.
Furthermore, he explained that most of people got to see his art on social media because that is where he advertises and engages with people, not only Batswana but also internationally. Rampadi added that social media kept him going, adding that he was currently relaying on it because he did not do exhibitions.
He also explained that his main goal was to live outside the country because he wanted his art to be known internationally not only in Botswana. He explained that was because most Batswana do not have deeper understanding of art but prefer photography than art.
He also pointed out that during the awards, winners were always photographers and none of the fine art artists was ever nominated for awards but only won prices during art exhibitions or competition. Rampadi said he was not under any exhibition platforms or being part of any exhibition, saying he only uses social media to advertise his works because that was where he got the motivation.
“Creativity is something that you learn every day. I aim to improve my skill and keep pushing, making more drawings, reach international celebrities to increase audience support and making sure I produce awesome drawings to motivate young people who are still at school and upcoming artists,” he ended.