BIHL exhibition; an exquisite scenery
The ongoing roving art exhibition at the Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) is a picturesque event, depicting the range of talent possessed by two local artists, Ditshupo Mogapi and Tshepo Phokoje. The event is part of BIHL Group’s aim to remain committed to playing a long-term role in celebrating, preserving and growing the local arts and the culture space in Botswana, building on a strong heritage of investment.
As one enters the BIHL floor three offices, there is immediate magnetism. Hanging on the walls are magnificent artworks that immediately capture one’s thoughts. Mogapi specialises in contemporary art while Phokoje is a photographer. The first art piece that one comes across mounted by the reception wall is Mogapi’s art piece titled Mother. The artwork is a true definition of splendour. It forces one to immerse their thoughts on the walls at once.
The picture is a realistic portrait painting of a woman wearing a doek. The art piece brightens the space, and shows the artist’s good use of colour. Credit to him for getting the composition and balance right. As if it was all planned, Phokoje’s photographs compliment Mogapi’s paintings. They really merge and turn the place into a beautiful scenery. Coming from Maun, which has been the starting point of expeditions into Botswana’s wildlife areas, her pictures are influenced by her environment. The most interesting picture is one titled Morning Dusk Bath. Phokoje also demonstrated her ability with the camera, especially the sharp focus, which brings out even the little details on a subject.
Explaining his work to Arts & Culture during a tour of the BIHL gallery, Mogapi said he creates
art that is provocative to the mind, heart or spirit to experience something new or rekindle something forgotten. “I believe art should be beautiful so as to draw the heart and spirit into it, so the viewer leaves with something more. I strive for my art to be a unique contribution to our collective understanding of humankind,” he said. Mogapi, who was introduced to arts during her junior school days, has been a full-time artist since 2008. He is now a member of the Thapong Visual Arts Centre.
He said exhibitions such as this one are very good and important for local artists as they expose their arts in a highly good standard level and connects them with buyers, art collectors and sponsor the artist to develop skills. For her part, Phokoje said it was back in 2018 when she
first met Mogapi, whose work became an instant inspiration. “I admired his work. I had never had the thought of being a photographer, but I was attracted by his work. I have to say its a powerful feeling to share space with him at this exhibition two years on.
I’m thankful because the BIHL exhibition will give my work the necessary exposure,” said Phokoje. BIHL Public Relations, Communications & Marketing Manager, Tebogo Keepetsoe said they have found it important to hold this exhibition in support of the arts. She stated that the roving gallery exhibition at BIHL has been in existence for the past three years.
“The idea is that pre COVID-19, we had our executives coming in for meetings, some from outside the country. So, we decided to display
local artists’ works and provide a platform where we can profile them for these people to see. The exhibition takes place every three months, then we bring new pieces from different artists,” explained Keepetsoe. She said the exhibition covers a vast array of artists mainly from the Thapong Visual Arts Centre. “We put up what we believe is the best. This is meant to promote our artists, expose them and develop talent. They get a little income as the artworks are on rental. They are also up for sale as we have already sold two pieces lately. Keepetsoe explained that this is their contribution to create a bit of awareness about the local arts. BIHL has for a long time supported the local arts. They have sponsored the arts through the Arts Festival formerly the Presidents Day Competitions.