Vixen Photography on exhibition
Vixen Photography will this coming week present the 2023 Vixen Photography Exhibition. The venue for this exhibition is Cotton Clouds at The Fields Mall, CBD, and the official opening is slated for May 26th. The public will get to appreciate and see the exhibition on Saturday. The theme for the exhibition is IKIGAL ‘ Life Purpose’.
The exhibition, according to the event organiser, Tshepo Phokoje, who happens to be the brains behind Vixen Photography, will give guests and the public a chance to see some of her never seen before photographs. This unique event will showcase the artist’s growth from her solo inaugural exhibition titled Gratitude which was hosted last year at Nhabe Museum.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, the versatile creative explains that this event is part of her annual Nature and Wildlife photography exhibition. She explains that the event is part of the Botswana Tourism Organisation calendar of events.
Explaining what the theme is all about, Phokoje highlights that Ikigal is a Japanese word that means ‘ Life Purpose’ or ‘ raison d’etre’.
“Ikigai refers to defining your personal meaning of life in relation to your talents, passions, and profession, as well as what you can give to the wider world and I have discovered mine through photography,” she explains.
Detailing what the exhibition is about, she points out that the photographs highlight extraordinary nature and wildlife from around Botswana and her intriguing
conservation stories through captivating photography and powerful interpretation. This exhibition, she says takes a multidisciplinary approach to combine photography and art in a way that can benefit the communities and Botswana’s local ecosystems.
“Nature and wildlife photography is an incredible tool that provides an exclusive perspective of the natural world through the eyes of the artist. Each photo depicts a wild animal behaving naturally in its
own habitat and people using their hands to achieve sustainable livelihoods,” says Phokoje.
She further explains that nature and wildlife photography play a significant role in global conservation efforts, in highlighting issues relating to human- wildlife conflicts and ways of mitigating climate change.
“Photos and footage make wildlife accessible and relatable to people around the world, especially to those who may have never seen these animals in person. One of the main reasons for this exhibition, which is by a female artist, is to align itself with Pillars 1, 2 and 3 of Vision 2036 as well as the hope to inspire females to venture into photography for its great benefits. The artist’s work also contributes by marketing Botswana as a tourist destination of choice for both the local and international clients,” explains Phokoje.
Meanwhile, Phokoje has acquired her Guide license which is bringing her closer to realising her dream of being an allrounder storyteller. A poet, photographer, and storyteller, she dreams of creating and being a Nature film maker, tapping into all of her talents..