PHILLIP SEGOLA EXHIBITS IN CAPE TOWN
The legendary Phillip Segola is to exhibit at the 10th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Affair, slated to take place on February 17th- 19th. Segola, a giant in the Botswana visual arts space will showcase a collection of his works on a solo booth that covers 30 square meters. This, will be history in the making, as it is a first in the Botswana visual arts scene. Segola will exhibit his works under what is touted as Past/ Mordern Section, a highly selective section. He will be honoured as a modernist master in the solo booth. Curated by Joao Ferreira, this segment of the showcase is said to add historical context to the fair through gallery- curated presentation of Modern Masters 1940- 2000. At this big milestone, art lovers will be in for a treat, as 10 of Segola’s never seen before art pieces will be unveiled to the public for the first time, dating as far back as 1971. The Investec Cape Town Art Fair is said to be an intimate experience of the largest contemporary art fair in Africa. The event will comprise of 106 exhibitors, and 23 000 visitors, as well as 6 000 VIP’s. According to organisers, the event has proven to be the place where the fast- growing African market and international art world meet. The 10th anniversary of the Investec Cape Town Art fair will explore the notion of time. This theme, according to a press release, is appropriately wide ranging and encompasses ideas related to the past, present and future including the ever- important concept of change that comes with the passing of time for both humans and the world around. This opportunity for Segola is through a creative consultative firm, Ora Loapi, who are pioneering this milestone, and they recently had a successful showcase at the FNB Art Joburg. Segola is one of the legends of Botswana’s visual art. Ora Loapi is a creative consultancy that facilitates and promotes the global circulation of cutting- edge pedagogies, the latest research within the visual arts and how private and public sector entities can scale that research through best practices. Segola is amongst the pioneering crop of legends who set the landscape for the Botswana visual arts scene. A very reserved persona, his works, and what he has done for the country speak volumes about his involvement in the local art space. Currently, he has a studio in Gaborone, where he has intimately been one with the canvas. Not many people have had the privilege to walk through the doors of that secret studio of his. But those who have seen the insides of the studio, sing praises about its aura, and the passion that one feels as they look through his wide array of art pieces crafted and kept safely through the years.
A press release explains that, continuing the curatorial focus of connoisseurship and collector motivation, the galleries will show past/ modern works with the inclusion of one major contemporary work, to encourage the discourse on the influence of historical works on contemporary statements seen today.
The booth is designed by local architect, Thato Moalosi. Even more exciting is the fact that there is an upcoming documentary which was shot by John Moatshe. The release explains that Segola is deeply excited about this milestone, and hopes that Batswana will come to view and appreciate his work.