In an attempt to promote his work even further, professional make-up artist, choreographer and actor Papaki is officially launching a make-up DVD titled ‘An Extension of Expression of Make-Up’ at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) tomorrow, 28 July.
The DVD is set to include three looks – a day look, a stage look for performers/presenters and a red carpet look (based on evening standards). According to Papaki, a mini seminar will be included at the launch and the audience is welcome to ask questions.
“As an artist, you can’t be at one place,” he said. “I’ve done thousands of faces and I wanted to share my story.”
As a way to give back and show people more of his ‘face beats’, the event will be free. “Doing make-up is loads of work, sometimes uncomfortable. It’s not easy, but the end is rewarding. I get to travel, meet a lot of people and be around celebrities,” he said.
Concerning the beauty industry in Namibia, Papaki feels that it’s become a competitive environment, but encouraged more artists to invest in themselves and their craft. “I went to college and got my qualifications. People do take you more serious that way. But kudos to all my esteemed colleagues in the industry.”
Stating that some of his works are inspired by Pat McGrath, Sir John (Beyoncé’s make-up artist) and the late Dick Smith, a special make-up effects artist, Papaki added that everyone is a work in progress. “When you make things look believable, it’s a great thing. But what bothers me in the industry is that we are so divided.
There’s so much negativity and we don’t get equally supported.”
Concerning the self-funded DVD, Papaki said his main goal was not just to create beautiful make-up, but to inspire as well as teach people about skin tones, what works for every individual and other make-up styles.
“I want women to celebrate who they are. Progress is an important thing. One day I want to be able to direct make-up – that’s power,” Papaki told .
Working with KinoNamia, a project where young artists film short stories, Papaki also learnt that young artists are hungry, “but there are all these elements that make you question yourself”.
Videographer Hildegard Titus, who filmed the DVD, described the project as a fun experience. “Papaki wanted to show off the face, so I set up the lights, filmed and had music to hype up the girls. I tried different angles and used two cameras and then it was all about making the models feel comfortable.”
Entrance for the event, which will start at 20h00, is free.
