Moyuthu yearns for big break

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday June 23, 2024 10:22

 

Moyuthu has been passionate about visual art from a young age and wanted to make it professional. The 37-year-old only became a full-time artist in 2014 and has been looking for his big break. “I turned professional in 2014 and that’s when I started to interact with other local big-name artists. I then got to paint a number of murals in Kanye such as the Kanye Silos. I got the recognition I had been yearning for and I decided that it was time to let fly,” Moyuthu told Arts&Culture.

The Moroka-born artist, who grew up in Kanye, says although he had his first exhibition in 2014 at Bathoen II Museum, the journey has not been smooth sailing. Despite the hardships, he believes art is his God-given talent. “I have been drawing since childhood when I was still at primary level and have painted numerous murals in Kanye and Gaborone. My journey has been smooth sailing but I have been very persistent to improve my work and it has started to pay off,” he added. He says his hard work has started to pay off in the past few years as he has been able to sell his artwork. He says he has managed to cultivate a clientele base, both individually and corporate. His services include painting on canvas, murals and wallpapers. As an artist, he looks up to Loyiso Mkize from South Africa and Gigi Malebang from Mmankgodi. “These two artists have been my inspiration as I search for my big break to make it big as an artist,” he explained.

Moyuthu says his ambition is to break into the international market. He recently completed some work for Collections By BK Proctor at their fairgrounds offices. “I’m looking forward to selling my works internationally and to collaborate with other international artists as that could be another way to pave a smooth path for the growth of the creative industry in Botswana. However, the bigger vision is to have my own art supplies shop,” he explained.