In light of a local award-winning artist’s passing (19/6), Bloemfontein Courant reached out to some of the lives he touched through his creativity and love for art.
Karen Brusch from the Free State Art Collective, said Lesego Motsiri, who was the 2023 New Breed Art Competition winner, was a beacon of creativity and promise.
On behalf of his family, Brusch managed to gather a few tribute messages for the artist whose memorial service will take place at the Civic Theatre on Thursday (27/06) at 12:00. Here is what some artists had to say:
Pauline Gutter: Lesego`s light will always shine through the numerous editions we have printed for the solo exhibition entitled “Purgatorium” at the ABSA towers in JHB and travelled to the Johannes Stegman Art Gallery and the “Serendipity” exhibition. Your love transcends universes and resonates throughout. Your presence will be deeply missed.
Jaco Spies: In Lesego’s story, there is never any privilege to speak of. Everything he managed to achieve, came from within him. Coming up through the ranks from having very little apart from himself. It was heartbreaking when he couldn’t – due to technical restrictions – complete his degree in Fine Arts. Probably not all that significant now, yet (I’m sure) a very difficult reality for him to have navigated, because of the immense pride he took in his accomplishments. I will miss him. Saying goodbye, Lesego. Rest well, my friend.
Zanoxolo Sylvester Mqeku: Lesego was an artist who possessed the rare awareness that the intersection of Art and History can help to create an innovative and highly educational approach to arts practice with just local history and story-telling at hand.
Bontle Tau: I’ve known Lesego since I was student. He simply gave me a reassuring smile and the confidence to hand my portfolio in at the department head’s office. As a friend and someone I considered a dear brother, we fondly referred to him as “Jack” or “Jackie”, a nickname received from him being a Jack-of-all-trades in his artistic practice. I hope you rest Jackie, we loved you more than you knew, Brother. Rest, rest easy, rest long. We’ll do our best to pay forward all the love you’ve shared with this industry.
Gypseenia Lion
