‘Canvas of Namibia’ celebrates independence through art

A father’s military helmet, a suitcase filled with memories of Namibia’s struggle for liberation and multiple odes to the country’s independence heroes are at the heart of ‘Canvas of Namibia’.

The exhibition is currently on display at Windhoek’s Namibian Arts Association (NAA) and is the fruit of a call-out inviting the public to submit artworks and items that resonate with the theme of Namibian independence.

Vividly immortalising Namibia’s leaders in Tity Tshilumba’s ‘The Relay Torch of Freedom’ as well as in a heroic portrait of Hendrik Witbooi painted by Nicodemus Usebiu, the exhibition honours those who led Namibia’s resistance against colonial and apartheid rule while also reflecting on contemporary realities.
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n works such as Kim Modise’s ‘Comrade Dollar’, Petrus Amuthenu’s ‘Am a Survivor’ and Chiete Immanuel’s ‘The Tears that Still Believe’, the tension between the glory of Namibia’s liberation struggle and present-day issues of corruption, township life and the hopeful youth are captured in lino print, acrylic paint and pastel chalk.

For artists Ina-Maria Shikongo and Hage Mukwendje, ideas of Namibian independence evoke notions of culture in the mixed media ‘Ancestors Rise’ and acrylic paint ‘Blessing & Rituals’. The exhibition includes earlier works by artists Ndasuunje ‘PAPA’ Shikongeni and Nicky Marais, somewhat in contrast to what we now consider to be their signature.

‘Canvas of Namibia’ features 23 artists and not to be missed are two special contributions by Jordan Shimwefeleni and Vicki Erenstein ya Toivo. Shimwefeleni presents his father’s Swat helmet around the corner from a number of Andimba Toivo ya Toivo’s personal items shared by his wife Vicki.

“I want all Namibians to come and view the exhibition. Not only for the purpose of buying but also for the purpose of finding out more about Namibian independence and how people react to Namibian independence in an artistic way,” says NAA curator Actofel Ilovu.

“We want the ministers to come and grow their collections with these wonderful artworks. All the artworks are for sale. Please come and support the Namibian artist.”

‘Canvas of Namibia – An Exhibition of Individual Collections’ will be on display at the Namibian Arts Association until 17 April.

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com

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