One of Botswana’s finest art galleries, Thapong Visual Art Medium this week welcomed Victoria ‘Tori’ Greising, an American artist who will be working with local artists and residents in creating a three -dimensional fabric sculpture. This is part of the Art in Embassies Programme which the American government has been running since 1963 although this is the first time for the US to send an artist to Botswana.

The workshop started on Wednesday and finishes today (Friday). During the workshop Greising will be designing one of her unusual art pieces using different fabrics donated by some artists and members of the community. “By them providing the material, they become part of the art and the art becomes a physical representation of the community”. With her artistry background, and a masters degree in painting, she uses the skills to combine the right colours to come up with a fresh angle to the installation art. “This art of fabric or installation art comes from original art. It is rooted in traditional art values which bring the community together,’’ she said.

One of Greising local highlights is that she has been asked to make one of her art pieces for the US Ambassador to Botswana, Michelle Gavin. And with installation art receiving positive response in the USA, the local artists are also eager to learn some new skills in order to develop their own artwork. Thapong Visual Arts Coordinator, Reginald Bakwena said they were looking forward to gaining a lot of skills from Greising. “Her work is more contemporary and it will encourage artists in Botswana to do the same. As an artist you have to look at what’s outside the market as there are some people who appreciate contemporary art. These workshops also help artists from different countries to build relationships with each other,’’ Bakwena said. One of Greising’ aims is to maintain studio practise and to inspire local artists to experiment with new and innovative types of art. “Anything can be art and art should not be limited to certain material. Manipulation and transformation cannot be only a picture on the wall but being able to interact with it.” To view the article in its original form, click here.click here.