Thapong artists go head to head
Chippa Legodimo | Friday May 16, 2014 15:35
This combination has created an interesting atmosphere. The exhibition is set to run for the next two weeks.
Seasoned artists like Reginald Bakwena and Uhuru Kgope have provided the audience with a rare opportunity to re-live their early days with some thought-provoking pieces. Bakwena demonstrated his proficiency with charcoal to create artworks, which illustrate his belief in simplicity to get the ultimate complexity.
The Thapong coordinator has pitched two pieces of traditional huts tucked in between big trees whose shades converge at various points creating other interesting images to add to the main picture.
Kgope’s two large portraits could otherwise turn into the main attraction, not only because of their size, but because they demonstrate the artist’s versatility and sharp imagination.
Using a rare technique where he spray paints through perforated paper, Kgope produced attention seeking black and white pictures, Through The Eyes and Young Lady. Interestingly, while most pieces on display are for sale at various prices Kgope’s are clearly marked Not for Sale.
“I did these out of passion. I wanted to try different elements to come up with something out of the ordinary. I have other pieces of similar nature and I have no intention of selling them. I often just look at them and I get satisfied, it was only that this time I wanted to share with those who would come for this exhibition,” Kgope told Arts & Culture.
Another veteran, Ziki Kraai has continued to demonstrate his passion for creating objects using natural wood. His yellow stringed structure piece creates an energetic atmosphere in that part of the gallery where it is hanging.
Kgomotso Lekoko has created a combination piece themed Ndlhovukazi–Totem. Here she fused abstract and realism art in creating an imposingly large face of an elephant, covered on the two sides by two images of two other elephants charging towards one space.
It seems photography is still lagging behind in various art exhibitions in this country as demonstrated by only a single entry.
Only Thekiso Ramoroka has exhibited two of his photographs at this exhibition. The photographs, however, offer little insight into how much talent he posses as a professional.
Another youngster, Kenny Ketshotseng gives the exhibition a fine feel with his Over Rain Piece. This is another imposing work from the short artist demonstrating his easy relationship with the brush. The piece shows a woman looking up to the skies, welcoming the heavy downpour with a smile.
Dominated by blues of various tones, the piece illustrates Ketshotseng’s ability to carefully balance colors without taking away the intensity that darker shades would bring to the artwork.
Tumelo Pule’s Reflections piece is set to grab attention. The young artist’s pencil work of depicts an urban hippy young man sitting quietly as if reflecting on the day’s activities and pondering his next move.