Visual artist, Mpho Chuene explaining some of her painting at the exhibition
Mohalenyane Phakela
ALLIANCE Française de Maseru (AF) is hosting a visual art exhibition until 29 July 2016 to commemorate King Letsie III’s birthday celebrations.
AF launched the exhibition last Friday in collaboration with curator Mathobatsi Sekoere. Among the artists whose work is being featured are Tankiso Hantsi, Khosi Motloang, Tiny Seed, Guga, Mpho Tsuene, Thabiso, Lehlohonolo Tlhaole and Meshu Mokitimi.
According to Sekoere, the exhibition was also meant to sensitise the public on the important role art plays in society, and to promote budding artists.
“We have a lot of talent in this country that needs a platform and exposure for the artists to get their due rewards,” she told the Weekender this week.
“Art is just a hobby for many artists because they are unable to sell their pieces as they are deemed a luxury by many even though they are very costly to produce.
“Through the exhibition, we are trying to highlight the importance of art, not just for decoration, but to communicate different messages.”
Sekoere said the exhibition was open to all artists who met the required standards.
“I invited various artists whose material met the required standards to make use of the platform. It is my first time working with these artists, and we are hoping to make it an ongoing project. We also have veterans like Ntate Meshu on board to mentor the young artists,” she said.
For her part, Tsuene said she regarded the exhibition as a stepping stone towards showcasing her work in future.
“I hope to host my own exhibition before year’s end. This is the second time I have participated in an exhibition, although I have been a visual artist for the past eight years,” she said.
“Art is a means of telling stories, and I have found it to be an effective tool to express my thoughts and beliefs. Each piece I have worked on tells a different story.”
Tsuene said her biggest challenge was pricing her visual art factoring in the costs she incurred in producing them.
“I have not sold any piece as yet because I find it challenging to put a price on them. It costs a lot of money and time to produce a single piece because I fetch some materials from South Africa,” she said.
“So I find it challenging to sell them at a low price which would be like giving them away for free. Making them expensive would also chase customers away.”
