Africa-Press – Namibia. DESPITE the challenges of another pandemic year, the College of the Arts returns with ‘New Beginnings’, their annual showcase of graduate work currently on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia.
Now in its 11th iteration since the inaugural show in 2009, the group exhibition challenges graduates to present their work to a broader audience while emphasising the results of their scholarship and research. The showcase also officially introduces graduates to the art viewing public and situates them in the wider arts community.
This year’s exhibition features the work of 11 graduates as well as College of the Arts (Cota) alumni. Though the offering is relatively limited, graduates such as Taanyanda Matheus are focused and metaphorical. Matheus considers the crisis of Covid-19 in a large, central installation depicting a bird nest trap littered with a chip packet and a mask, while another pays tribute to those who died as a result of the coronavirus.
“I use a trap as a symbol because most of us feel trapped. We feel like we cannot do all the things that we want to do because wherever we’re going, Covid is being mentioned. Covid is there,” says Matheus who uses the litter and mask to suggest social events. The trap the artist fashions is one he has often seen used in the north of the country.
“We normally use those traps to catch birds. We put them in their nests and the traps catch them. When we’re going to work, to events and when we need to come together with our family members, I feel like we are trapped. Covid is there to get us. If we’re on our own, we feel like we are safe. But when we’re not doing anything, we cannot eat.”
Matheus installation takes centre stage in an exhibition that considers the pandemic, culture, the genocide, fraying mental states and daily life, but also triumphs in technique in work by Michelle Isaak.
In a series of 2D pieces, Isaak employs cardboard boxes to build a colourful, conical city and to consider a contour rhythm. Work by Bewise Tjonga is also impressive, as the late artist considers the intimate and the aspirational with regard to LGBTQI+ love and romance in skilful linoleum block prints titled ‘I’m Gay and Is Okay’ and ‘Just Married’.
Justifiably a little lighter on work and truly remarkable offerings than previous years, ‘New Beginnings’ hits some high notes in ‘Covered’ by James Hango, watercolours and textiles by Lahiah Musimani, ceramic and metal sculptures by Jade Tune, mixed media by Eliaser Nghitomoka and Lee Murangi as well as in paintings by Petrina Mathews.
Considering the post-graduation future, Matheus – whose work is one of the standouts among this year’s cohort – is ambitious.
“Graduating is an exciting achievement for me, we went through this process that most have to pass through to make it in life,” he says.
“But to be graduated is not the only thing because still we have to face the world out there. For now, it’s about what I’m doing after graduation. What is it that I’m doing to make sure that art is being seen out there?”
Matheus – who studied visual arts and mixed media at Cota – is painting a mural at the local lounge The Catch, and has work upcoming as part of ENK’s Windhoek Mural Project.
‘New Beginnings’ will be on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia until 6 November.
– [email protected]; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
