Meet Thabo Selibo | Fine artist/art educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thabo Selibo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thabo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have pursued an artistic career because it became my source of life. I have been many things growing up like everybody else, but non of those spoke to me than art ever did. I’d like to think I am alive because of art, and weird enough, this became the best way for me to be with people and be there for people, the best way for me to communicate the best way I can. I am socially awkward and selective, but that wall breaks down as soon as art is involved.
Along that I’d like to think I became the best version of myself since I taught art to young school kids, I learned and witnessed how much it has no boundaries.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a mirror of my soul.
My art is a reflection of my journey breaking free from the norms of culture and tradition, revealing the depths of my soul. Through oil paints and wire sculptures, I pour out my truth, embracing the complexity of my emotions.

I am a self-taught artist ,art educator and research manager of RunFreeArtGallery.
I’ve learned that the hardest part isn’t the art itself, but navigating the inner workings of human hearts – mine and others’. It’s a constant dance with uncertainty, fearing failure, yet pushing forward anyway.

I got where I am through hard work and challenging myself to reach higher limits, I hoped I would and I worked for it. I am here because of failures and rejections, a lot of mistakes and a lot of criticism and lack of belief from most people close to me.
I am here because of love. That played a very huge role, either by friends, family, colleagues or my partner, I learned to live my truth above what I was told I am to live.

I find solace in nature’s wisdom: like plants needing just the right amount of water, humans too have their own rhythms. We thrive, we struggle, and sometimes we derail. But it’s in embracing our natural flow that we find our true path.

What drives me is the ripple effect of art – how it can transform lives, people close to me, my clients, my students and even including my own. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s the greatest reward.

I want the world to know there are artists like me, dedicated to changing lives, one brushstroke, one sculpture at a time. I hope my work finds its way to those who need it, and that it sparks a shift in their soul.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first definitely take the to The Meshu Art Gallery (THE MAG) in pioneer mall, Maseru. It would be bad to brag once in a while about my works in one of the best art galleries we have in Lesotho. Then I’d take them to CafeWhat? One of the best spaces to be at to chill and have a good meal, be in the presence of open minded people and admire the art.

Not everything is about art when it comes to hanging out though, I’d surely take them to Maletsunyane falls, they’d get a better understanding of why Lesotho is called ” the kingdom in the sky”. If the timing was right, cold in the winter, going to Afriski would be an adventure to discover, then Maletsunyane braai festival with Roof off Africa. There’s so much they would experience and so many places to visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
RunFree Art Gallery and Bophelong Inter-Continental School

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaboselibo?igsh=b2IyZ3EyZmtiMGNk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akcartoon.raccoon

Image Credits
RunFree Art Gallery
Bophelong Inter-Continental School