Makin's art explores politics of identity

Kim Karabo Makin is definitely one of the upcoming artists worth looking out for now that the appreciation of the arts is slowly flourishing in the country.

The 21 years old Fine Arts student at the University of Capetown, South Africa, is passionate about exploring the politics of identity including racial, sexuality and gender. Her themes often convey her multicultural ancestry and experience of growing up as a mixed-race person in Botswana.

Born to a Motswana mother from Serowe and a German/Swiss father, Makin says being of a mixed race, her cultural background has always been the topic of discussion throughout her young life and not always in a good way. “Art allows me to process and explore this topic as well as find my place in society,” she says.

She also believes that, “As artists we have not stepped up as champions because we are not seeing the impact that arts can have on every issue we care about. For too long we have allowed arts and culture to be treated as a nicety, “she notes.

Having defied pressure from her parents to pursue science related courses that have monetary security and instead choosing to follow her passion for the arts, Makin believes deeply that, there is no discipline that nurtures and sparks the cognitive ability to imagine, and unleashes creativity and innovation, more than arts and culture.

That is why one of her dreams is to grow and take the appreciation of art in the country to the next level.

“It might be an airy-fairy way of thinking but I strongly subscribe to the idea of pursuing one’s passion the money will always follow after. That is what we need to instill in the hearts and minds of our young generation,” she says.

Makin is one of the artists who will be showcasing at the Chill Step Sunday, a local arts and culture event this weekend at the Stanbic Bank Piazza. The art on display by guest designers and painters including Maungo of Passion Art, MBK Lesetedi and Maungo Judy Blu will run from 2PM until 11PM.