Letso breaks the mould and tells stories through a lens

Letso ‘Lets’ Leipego has over the years cultivated and refined his artistic talent through drawing, painting and photography. The prolific photographer tells Vibe that he makes art because he wants his inner voice to be heard. “Everyone has a story to tell and I am telling mine. I think the strength of my work lies in the ability to communicate my personal expression based on my personal experiences and situations I encounter. This means me finding myself as I listen to and interpret people’s stories through my lens,” he says. Leipego points out that he only started to specialise in photography after graduating with a Degree in Advertising from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Botswana. His love for artistic storytelling however comes way back. “I don’t remember not doing art. I believe art is the best talent that I have and something that I feel most comfortable doing and talking about. It allows me to break rules, and make new rules and break them again, yet live a life of contentment and satisfaction.” Leipego explains that he is enamoured by many photographers and doesn’t confine himself to a particular genre. “There is always something to appreciate from creatives across Africa. I believe that every artist has their own unique way of expressing their artistic feeling, which has tremendously added to their initial style.” He points out that he draws inspiration from what he hears and sees. “It could be anything, from an old man sitting on a chair or children playing. My photography is mostly based on things the eye tends to overlook.” He further explains that his photography stories emphasise on giving people an identity. “I want my path to be in keeping with my tradition because most of our African stories deserve to be told. It is important for us and the younger generation to understand where we are coming from and where we are going.” Leipego’s solo exhibition opens tonight at Guns and Rain Gallery in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a huge feat but he is chilled about it, pointing out that it makes sense to showcase there as South Africa has filled the gap left behind in African contemporary art, compared to other African countries. Leipego wants to one day see himself as an ambassador of contemporary arts in Botswana. “I would like to guide and develop upcoming artists so that Botswana could be recognised in the arts industry globally.” He notes that government and private sector should invest more in building art institutions that can help Batswana learn and understand the different aspects of art (practical, theoretical and the business element). “I believe that this would improve our artistic landscape and also change our mentalities about art and how we view the culture industry.”