The teenager, who specialises in drawing and animation using a pen and pencil, and oil painting on canvas, is currently doing pretty well for a boy his age.
He told Arts&Culture that his art pieces cover a wide range of topics that include nature, culture, people around him and any idea or thought that comes to his mind including the universe and animation. He further said art was a God-given natural talent and a hobby. “My love for art started while I was still in kindergarten.
Drawing and colouring were my favourite as they were fun to do. I did them perfectly always. During my visit to Thapong Visual Art Centre, I met my art coach last year where he volunteered to help me enhance my art as he could see my potential. I managed to attend three classes with him part time on Saturdays when we were free. "I then put the classes on hold because they clashed with my school studies,” he said. Bogosi further pointed out that art is something he loves and enjoys doing. He added that it is therapeutic as it helps him to relax and think better, especially when he takes a break from schoolwork.
He added that he could express himself through it. He also said he uses art to tell stories, adding that sometimes he works on thoughts and ideas. “Sometimes I use art to celebrate those I love, like when I do portraits of my family and friends during their birthday celebrations. I am still upcoming. So far I have reached my family, friends and school. I have received positive feedback and most of the recipients are astonished looking at my age and physique.
Some of my classmates have my animation drawings. "Recently I was selected for regional school art competition at Gaborone City Council to represent my school and I got the first position. I then went to compete at Kanye and won the first position again. Next, I am going for the school nationals.
My teachers and schoolmates were very impressed and they are also supportive, which really encouraged me,” Bogosi explained. Furthermore, he said the art piece he did when representing his school was done under the theme: 3Rs - Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. He explained that it was about how to keep the environment clean.
He said the masterpiece he made during the competition would help him to take his art to the public and open more opportunities for him to showcase his talent. Through those school competitions and projects, he said he was fortunate to meet one of the country’s renowned artists, Prince Tom, at School. Bogosi said seeing the inexpressible joy coming from the recipients’ faces was all he ever wanted. He explained that sometimes people were speechless and showered him with blessings of which he was grateful. He added that his art was growing daily saying he was thankful for the recognition he got from loved ones and the public.
Just like other successful artists, he said his dream was to take his art internationally while still young. However, he said his journey has not been without challenges. He pointed out that sometimes his mother does not have the money to buy him the materials he needs for the end product. He said he needs frames for some of the pieces.
“Apart from art, I love cooking. My mom taught me how to cook while I was still in kindergarten. Now I have experience. I love baking more. I have baked birthday cakes for my teachers and my family. "I also do and enjoy gaming and coding, which I started last year in November. I programmed two games one called Black Pink, which is Play Store app. My friend helped me to achieve this. I juggle these on weekends specifically on Saturdays when there is no study at school or after study or during school holidays,” he said.
