The Kuru Art Project is located in the village of D'kar, Western Botswana. The project was established in 1991 as part of the larger Kuru Development Trust. The artists are Naro and Dcui San, who have lived in and around D'kar since the early 1960's. Formally a nomadic people, hunting and food gathering from the veld remain significant cultural activities, but increasing westernisation means that this is not a sustainable lifestyle anymore.
Myths, legends and events of a bygone era are readily told by elders, but the less fortunate can only try to imagine life as it once was. Yet they all converge on a theme characterised by a mythical connection with animals and objects of their ancient past, while continuing their lives in a world that demands completely different skills to survive.
Today, there are 18 artists actively participating in the project. The artists work in a variety of media and techniques, which include oil on canvas, different printmaking techniques, and embroidery.
They draw inspiration from stories told by their ancestors, and their expansive knowledge about the plants and animals from the Kalahari. For them, their art is a way to convey their identity and unique ways of life to the rest of the world. The Kuru artists’ work is known for its spontaneity. Often, the process is preferred over the product—their love for making and creating forms an intricate part of their culture. Bright colours and naive animal and plant forms signify the work of these artists. Their body of work is internationally acclaimed and has been exhibited in over fifteen countries abroad and in Africa over the years.
In her own words, Ncaotoe says, “I do not really know what art is”, says Ncaotoe. “I just do it and I find I like it.” Ncaotoe joined the Kuru Art Project in the beginning of 2010. She loves the Kalahari bush passionately. She lived previously in the settlement of Rooibrak on the very edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Since Ncaotoe joined the project, she has made beautiful paintings and linocuts that tell of her love and knowledge of the Kalahari.
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The Kuru Art Project is located in the village of D'kar, Western Botswana. The project was established in 1991 as part of the larger Kuru Development Trust. The artists are Naro and Dcui San, who have lived in and around D'kar since the early 1960's. Formally a nomadic people, hunting and food gathering from the veld remain significant cultural activities, but increasing westernisation means that this is not a sustainable lifestyle anymore.
Myths, legends and events of a bygone era are readily told by elders, but the less fortunate can only try to imagine life as it once was. Yet they all converge on a theme characterised by a mythical connection with animals and objects of their ancient past, while continuing their lives in a world that demands completely different skills to survive.
Today, there are 18 artists actively participating in the project. The artists work in a variety of media and techniques, which include oil on canvas, different printmaking techniques, and embroidery.
They draw inspiration from stories told by their ancestors, and their expansive knowledge about the plants and animals from the Kalahari. For them, their art is a way to convey their identity and unique ways of life to the rest of the world. The Kuru artists’ work is known for its spontaneity. Often, the process is preferred over the product—their love for making and creating forms an intricate part of their culture. Bright colours and naive animal and plant forms signify the work of these artists. Their body of work is internationally acclaimed and has been exhibited in over fifteen countries abroad and in Africa over the years.
In her own words, Ncaotoe says, “I do not really know what art is”, says Ncaotoe. “I just do it and I find I like it.” Ncaotoe joined the Kuru Art Project in the beginning of 2010. She loves the Kalahari bush passionately. She lived previously in the settlement of Rooibrak on the very edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Since Ncaotoe joined the project, she has made beautiful paintings and linocuts that tell of her love and knowledge of the Kalahari.
