My Thoughts As Hage Exhibits in Cape Town

Cape Town recently played host to a breathtaking exhibition by Namibian painter Hage Nasheotwalwa Mukwendje.

A true visionary in the world of art, Mukwendje’s work transcends boundaries, creating captivating portraits that convey profound emotions and stories.

What’s truly remarkable is despite being colour-blind, Mukwendje wields colour in a way that’s astoundingly unique and beautiful.

One of the most captivating aspects of Mukwendje’s art is his use of newspaper collages. What started as a practical necessity due to his colour blindness has now evolved into an integral storytelling device, adding layers of depth to his creations.

Given his unique perspective, where perceiving colour and contrast presents a challenge, black and white newspapers provide a safe canvas for his exploration. He then uses paint to infuse these collages with emotion and colours that complement his message.

But there’s a deeper symbolism at play here. In a world saturated with news, advertisements and images that shape our reality and emotions, newspapers become a time capsule of our past, present and future. These pages influence our identities and emotions, capturing the essence of the modern human experience.

Through his art, Mukwendje invites us to tune into these emotions, encouraging us to connect with others on a profound, human level. Laughter, tears, loneliness, or anger – these are emotions that we’ve all experienced. His work prompts us to ask fundamental questions: What lies at the core of these emotions? Why do we feel this way? How will this emotion drive our actions?

The images on display will pull you in. You’ll find yourself staring into that little boy’s eyes or wondering what the other little girl is thinking as she schemes to make money. There’s a story behind these portraits that is almost begging to be told.

For Mukwendje, art is about more than just aesthetics; it’s a means to narrate intricate stories and evoke deep emotions, but what truly sets his work apart is the emotional connection he forges with each piece. Using his hands, he pours his own soul and emotions into the canvas, making each painting a deeply personal and resonant experience.

“Through my art, I want to tell complex stories and feelings, and my signature style has been developed as a vehicle to embody this complexity,” he says.

Mukwendje’s artistic journey began when he graduated from the College of the Arts in Windhoek in 2011. This was a pivotal moment for him, especially considering his humble origins in a rural Namibian village.

He says his path to self-discovery was far from straightforward. He explored various styles and mediums before finding the distinctive style that has now become his signature.

Mukwendje’s mixed media approach, which marries paint and newspapers, serves as a powerful lens through which he dissects the intricate interplay between words and the stories of our lives. In a world that often feels overwhelming and complicated, his work captures the pure simplicity of raw emotions.

This universal human experience seems to be the essence of his work. It’s a powerful means of shining a light on the stories and emotions of individuals who are often marginalised, humanising them and bridging divides.

Mukwendje says his art is deeply rooted in Namibian culture and the people from its villages. Sadly, these cultures and individuals are often reduced to generic stereotypes in the Western world, and their unique experiences are often overlooked.

“This culture and we or these people are more often than not homogenised as generic African by the West, and not appreciated as its own unique experience,” he says.

Through this exhibition, Mukwendje showcased Namibian cultures and stories in a way that transcends cultural boundaries.

Regardless of our backgrounds, the emotions depicted in his art are universal and relatable, a reminder of our shared humanity.

Mukwendje’s journey as a colour-blind artist, crafting vibrant, emotionally charged portraits with newspaper collages, is a testament to the power of human creativity. His art reminds us that, in a world dominated by the relentless pace of information, purity of genuine emotion remains a force that can unite and heal.

Mukwendje’s work isn’t just art; it’s a profound expression of the human experience.

– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and commentator. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.

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