Mokete wa Basotho
Spay and acrylics on canvas
103 cm x 169 cm
Artist’s Statement
In Mokete Wa Basotho, I embark on a cosmic journey, bridging the celestial and terrestrial realms. The spaceship soaring through a galaxy-like space serves as a metaphor for my quest for knowledge and understanding, transcending time and space. I reflect on the intricate web of relationships between cultural identity, spirituality, and the universe, connecting ceremonies, practices, and customs that have shaped me as Monna wa Mosotho.
The plants symbolise my bond with spiritual rituals and traditional medicine, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage and addressing complex issues like land ownership, religion, etc. The dancing figure embodies the whispers of our past, carrying tradition and knowledge through time, symbolising my connection to unseen knowledge and ancient practices like meditation through vibrations.
The Basotho hats and wheelbarrow represent my pursuit of pride and knowledge, celebrating cultural identity and resilience. The wheelbarrow signifies the hard work and dedication that have gone into preserving traditions and passing them down to future generations. Using spray cans, I capture the essence of the galaxy and moon, evoking dynamic energy and contemplation.
Through Afrofuturism, I explore the intersection of cosmology, spiritual discourse, and cultural identity, creating a space for introspection and reflection. African geometric patterns and symbolism convey complex ideas and emotions, narrating my place within the universal chain of knowledge. Mokete Wa Basotho celebrates the convergence of past and present, tradition and innovation, preserving cultural heritage for future generations and inspiring a deeper understanding of the intricate web of language relationships between culture, identity, and the universe.