08 Feb 2022

Local ceramist Phenyo Moatlhodi, says having his products displayed at the ongoing Dubai 2020 Expo is an opportunity he will forever be indebted to.

 

In an interview, the soft spoken ceramicist was content that his crafts represented him and the country well, and optimistic about the expo increasing his profit margins.

The Dubai expo, according to Moatlhodi, will also go a long way in changing how people in other countries viewed local visual arts, while providing artists an opportunity to collaborate with their counterparts around the world.   

 

He said the opportunity came at the right time, given the creative industry’s current state that came as a result of COVID -9 pandemic. “Ï am incredibly honoured and grateful to be representing the country at the current expo in Dubai. Not only has this opportunity given me artistic exposure, but it has also given my ceramic art a competitive muscle to share the world stage with other popular creative forms such as painting, sculpture, and basketry,” he stated.

 

Moatlhodi noted that his decision to exhibit was influenced by a desire to promote the “African,” specifically Botswana’s culture, history, and way of life, as well as his ability to design and reflect the components of everyday life in his work.

 

He said one of ceramic pots displayed at Dubai was meant to represent the inventiveness of people. 

“One side of the pot exhibit a man digging clay; on the other, a man is processing clay to make it flexible; and on still another side, a lady is sitting down designing traditional pots. Essentially the art work honors all facets of African ingenuity while recognizing societal and gender harmony among African in sharing responsibilities,” he explained.

 

One of his remarkable pieces is the ceramic pot (Nkgwana) on display at the Thapong Visual Arts Centre. He explained that the idea was to encourage Batswana to always track their steps and seek counsel from traditional and political authorities, as well as to be aware of their surroundings.

 

Moatlhodi is quite passionate about what he does. Working with clay has taught him to appreciate and carve pieces that portray socially significant themes, nature, and politics, among other things.

 

“My main research focus is on the historical and current influences of human behaviors that have been altered by the advent of modernity and industrialization. 

As a result of this viewpoint, I am more open to recognising and employing old procedures, as well as incorporating technical components into my ceramics,” he added.

 

A member of the Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Moatlhodi’s willingness to collaborate with other artists and attend courses at the Centre has aided his artistic development.

The artist is a senior lecturer in Visual Arts at Serowe College of Education, and he has been interested in ceramics since he was a child. It all started with him moulding miniature structures of domestic livestock and pots, among other things, and he’s been hooked ever since.

 

He explained that ceramic creations was difficult and time-consuming because it entailed looking for the best clay, refining it, and creating fire to finish off specified works.

“Depending on the intended look, I finish my task differently. I’ve submitted works with a variety of finishes for the exhibition, ranging from smoke-fired vessels, stone and earthenware glazed table sculptures, and raku glazed table sculptures “he stated his understanding of the arts is to be impressive.

 

His arts skills encompasses a wide range of techniques including drawing, painting and printmaking, to name a few. ENDS