The youngster has been working on a new collection inspired by his childhood memories which will be displayed during his upcoming solo exhibition titled ‘Oshima' scheduled to be held before the end of February.
“Oshima' is the name my mom gave me when I was young and each time I paint, I try to bring out the six-year-old in me when I was out to play. It was also then that my late mom started nurturing my talent.
I believe the young version of Prince Tom (Oshima) was more creative and fearless. The more we grow older, the more we become conscious of our doings, which results in us losing our creative touch.
So this new collection I am working on is solely dedicated to the six-year-old Oshima,” he explained. Prince Tom further pointed out that the collection was still a work in progress adding that it could not be revealed as yet. He said his plan is to reveal the new artwork at the opening of the exhibition, while he might just share snippets before the event to tease his fans and give them a glimpse of what to expect.
He stated that the collection will feature at least 30 canvas paintings, 10 body art models and 10 painted clothing all made by him. “I think I have two personalities; there’s Prince Tom and Oshima.
Oshima is the one who paints, the creative and shy mastermind who possesses the hand of a God. And then Prince Tom is Oshima’s representative. He presents Oshima’s work to the public and speaks boldly and eloquently.
They are a match made in heaven. Since I completed my four-year degree in Industrial Design back in 2020, I then decided to become a full time artist and I have seen a lot of positive changes in my life.
I have had my first ever solo exhibition at the Grand Palm, which is now an annual event,” he pointed out. Now a resident member of the ArtCase Gallery at Molapo Crossing Mall, Prince Tom also has a new studio by the gallery. He explained that the ArtCase Gallery was a great atmosphere to have a studio space. The artist explained that he has another solo exhibition at the Hilton Garden Inn by CBD, which ran for four months.
He said the Grand Palm exhibition offered him another exhibition space by their newly constructed restaurant area called the ‘Beef Baron.’ He said he would be exhibiting there for many years to come, as his paintings will always be displayed on the walls and available for sale yearlong.
The talented painter said he also intends to start painting classes for both kids and adults at Alliance France opposite University of Botswana (UB) this month. Prince Tom has a certificate and had been enrolled by FNB Botswana for a scholarship programme where he obtained a certificate in Entrepreneurship and passed with flying colours.
Even though he has a degree in Industrial Design and a certificate in Entrepreneurship.
He said he was looking to study Theology, as he is a highly spiritual man, and would like to understand the things of the spirit even much better. He added that he believed the art industry in Botswana was growing, citing the establishment of the National Arts Council as a move in the right direction.
Despite shortage of art galleries, Prince Tom said they are inspired because they are local art collectors who are willing to buy art for its true worth. He pointed out that hotels and some banks continue to play their part in the development of the industry by availing exhibition spaces to local artists. “It is high time the tourism sector also includes the artist to help capture and preserve our culture.
I want my art to be owned by private collectors in overseas, to someday sell my paintings to the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Jay Z. I believe so much in myself, I know someday all this will come to fruition and I will give testimonies.
” “So far I have not exhibited abroad, but I have faith that this is the year for miracles. I have only sold my paintings abroad, to countries like USA, UK, Mozambique, South Africa, Lithuania and Ghana.
Truly God has been on my side and I am forever grateful for his blessings. There’s many more that I could mention. It is such things that always keep me going knowing that indeed I am on the rigging path,” he said.
