Mukweveri: The young ingenious artist

One can be taught to develop ideas, think critically and improve the use of one’s creative process, but pure talent is God given and bestowed at birth.
Creative or artistic talent is not for everybody.

Few people are blessed with the innate ability to sing, dance, write or draw with ease, effortless mastery and sheer panache. Being an artist is one of those unique gifts not bestowed to everybody; hence the awe of creating something from the simple movement of the hand, guided by one’s imagination and endearing eye is a talent to behold.

Imagine the ability to hold a pencil and move it gently on a piece of paper, and half an hour later, you have a hauntingly beautiful piece of art! One such young artist making waves in a short space of time through his ability to recreate through drawing and painting is Elisha Mukweveri, a 20 year old member of the Thapong Arts Centre in Gaborone.

Mukweveri recently scooped the second prize at the Thapong Artist of the Year award, walking away with a cool P20, 000 prize money. However, this has not pinnacled his success. He still wants to develop his craft and grow as an artist. Although his work is far from amateurish, Mukweveri feels that he can develop his craft in order to be able to compete at an international level.

Born in Zimbabwe, Mukweveri was raised in Mogoditshane, Gaborone. He completed his secondary school at St Josephs’ Secondary School a year ago, but then decided to take a gap year. He admits that his parents were hesitant at first, but have allowed him to pursue fine arts. “I wanted to take time off to explore my love for art, and be sure this is what I wanted to do. At this point, I know for sure that Fine Arts is my calling.

My parents were not too optimistic about my choice of career because they want the best for me, but seeing my talent and passion has convinced them that this is where I can flourish,” he explains.

Mukweveri singles out one of his former teachers at St Joseph’s Secondary school, Ntau, as a mentor since he encouraged him to push boundaries and step out of his comfort zone. “He introduced me to the works of many great artists like Pablo Picasso, Leonard Da Vinci, Salvador Dali and Michelangelo, to mention a few.

He always encouraged me to keep learning and practising, in order to improve my craft. He saw potential in me, and encouraged me not to waste my talent.” His other mentor is Olemogeng Qaeqhao Moses, who is also a member of Thapong Arts Centre, and one of the respected veteran visual artists in Botswana.
Mukweveri’s winning drawing is now on sale, priced at P6000.

But knowing that this can be a steep amount for art lovers who would want to see it hanging from their living room or bedroom wall, he is willing to negotiate a discount with potential buyers.

Before, Mukweveri never looked at his art as a commercial commodity as he was fuelled by passion. He gave his artworks to his friends and family as gifts, but upon realising that art can be his bread and butter, he is starting to approach his work as a viable business enterprise.

During his school years, Mukweveri has excelled and bagged awards in academics and sports, which cements him as an all-rounder. But it is art that has stolen his heart. He is certain that the world is his oyster, and one day, his name will be mentioned among those of the greatest artists in the world.