Art of Africa ::

Naro Bushmen Artists, Botswana

In 1990, after an inspiring group tour to Tsolido Hills in northern Botswana, to view rock paintings, an art project was set up for the Naro Bushmen.

The art centre was initially housed in a small room but due to the popularity of these art works has grown into a large painting studio, printing room, store room and a dark room.

The approach of the art centre has not been to present "art lessons" at all - but rather to provide facilities, materials and encouragement to individuals, who are invited to play and experiment.

An interesting separation in subject matter has emerged between female and male artists. The women concentrate largely on depicting veld food, veld food collecting, birds, beadwork and items of clothing and jewellery. The men on the other hand focus on depicting animals, mythical creatures and people. Although there is occasionally a cross over in terms of subject matter, it seems that the artists prefer to follow the traditional division of labour and life experience in their work.

The artists have held exhibitions and major shows throughout southern Africa, Europe, Australia and America. They won many awards both collectively and individually. Their work is to be found in private and public collections throughout the world.

It would be stretching the point too far to insinuate a direct link between the work being produced toady and the rock art from several thousands of years ago. This unique art is a fascination journey of self discovery and its reflection of a rich and proud cultural heritage.