Ndaba the brush stroke painter returns
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday August 25, 2024 06:00
The renowned painter is expected to exhibit about 30 pieces on August 29 during a show titled Back to Basics. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the local visual art scene, Ndaba has been on a self-imposed exile from partaking in solo exhibitions for some years. But the talented painter says although he last held a solo exhibition back in the early 2000s, he never stopped painting. Ndaba specialises in semi-abstract paintings and his brush stroke technique is impressive. The experienced painter told Arts&Culture during an interview that the exhibition will mark his return to staging regular exhibitions and showcase a series of his latest paintings.
“This marks my return to showcasing regularly in local galleries. I also want to share my knowledge, gauge myself by putting my work out there and encourage others. I have artworks, about 30 which I will showcase during the exhibition. It’s been years without exhibiting especially as a solo artist, but I have never stopped painting,” he said. Ndaba, who considers himself a self-taught or inborn artist, says art in Botswana has made significant progress over the years. However, he does not believe that he will struggle to catch up and make up for lost ground. He is a confident artist who believes his brush stroke can still deliver immaculate masterpieces. He says his technique is unique and original. “I’m very confident and believe that this will be a refreshing viewing for those who will attend the exhibition. My technique is unique and helps me stay original. I have tried to move away from competing with the camera. It takes away that originality,” he said.
Ndaba further says his artworks are primarily inspired by nature and day-to-day life. Most of the time he mostly focuses on women as the dominant feature subject in his artworks. He explained that this is because women are very active. “I also love colour so most of my artworks combine playing with colours and creativity. Women like wearing colourful clothes, therefore that adds life to my pieces,” he added. The Tutume-born said that perhaps not proceeding with beyond the Junior Certificate (JC) helped him realise that art was his chosen destiny. His works will most certainly impress the shrewdest art enthusiasts. He is one of the co-founding members of Thapong Visual Arts Centre and has served as its coordinator. As Thapong coordinator, he initiated the Tlhale workshops whose primary objective was to mentor young artists between the ages of 18 and 30. The workshops targeted people studying art as a subject. The 58-year-old’s artistic journey has taken him to places such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia as well as South London, UK, where he spent four months. The Back to Basics exhibition will start at 6pm. Entrance is free.