ReCurate | Liminal Spaces

Under the thematic curatorial concept "Liminal Spaces," ReCurate's presentation for this year's RMB Latitudes Art Fair delves into the "in-between-ness” phase that Botswana's contemporary art scene finds itself in, and grappling to define who we are as we emerge onto the world’s art scene. “Who are we” as Batswana artists and art entities continues to very much a question we are answering as we to push to define “where are we” through the phases of ‘becoming’ or emergence. In essence, we examine how and what defines our unique voice within the broader African context. The diverse practices of the featured artists also typify the evolution of our art scene and explores personal themes related to identity, transience, and the human journey of being and becoming. Through painting, photography, material culture such as embroidery, and mixed media, the artists will examine the intersection of cultural and social identity with individual expression. The exhibition will explore the exciting diversity and stylistic contrast prevalent in the works of these artists, highlighting the thriving yet still nascent local arts ecosystem

Liminality, meaning "being on the threshold", refers to a transitional state or space, neither fully in one place nor another, often associated with rites of passage or significant life changes, characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty. We are particularly interested in exploring the idea of what it means to be “betwixt and between” - the opportunities and challenges that come from a lack of clear definition or structure, which also highlights the feeling of being stuck or suspended in time and space, while being on the edge of something new that is exciting and uncertain at the same time. Liminality can be a time of significant personal or corporate growth and transformation, as well as a period of potential vulnerability and disorientation.

The sheer multiplicity of styles, processes, and materiality of our artists being showcased may belie an existing situation in which it appears that the local arts ecosystem is thriving and nurtures the vibrant growth and development of our artists. The conversations to be had surrounding the "liminality" of our
current contemporary local Botswana arts sector will reveal where our artists have come from and essentially what it has taken to begin to define ourselves as a unique voice, having worked mostly in isolation to the vibrant Southern African and Afro-diasporic art scene.

Within this overarching curatorial focus of liminality, each artist is exploring very personal themes that also speak to the push and pull of existence and being- physically, culturally, spiritually, emotionally, or all of the above. Through the mediums and practice of painting, photography, material culture such as embroidery, and mixed media, Neo Matome, Naledi Maifala, Modisa Tim Motsumi, Kutlo Mabua, and the artists of the Kuru Art Project collective will be exploring the intersection between cultural and social identity, and personal presence and individuality. The impact that transience of the time and space has upon interpersonal relationships and the interpretations of identities in families, communities and other human relationships is also a theme is explored in more than one artist’s work.

This show runs from 23rd - 25th May 2025.