Exploring history and freedom through photography

The embassy of Portugal in Namibia officially launched a photo exhibition titled 'These Stones Will Speak' at the Omashare Hotel in Rundu on Tuesday.The exhibition features the work of eight Namibian photographers – Delight Namene, Zabeth Philander, Phoenix Johannes, Rachel Sakeus, Liyambo Gabriel Iitembu, Papakhi Mburuu, Sage, and Tamarah Strauss – who attended a workshop titled 'Photography, History and Freedom: An Exploration of Historic Moments'.The November 2023 workshop, led by Portuguese photographer Carlos Barradas, aimed to delve into the role of photography in capturing historic moments and the meaning of freedom in contemporary society.Following its successful display at Windhoek's StArt Art Gallery and Sweet Side of Thingz Café from 2 May to 14 July, the exhibition has now moved to Rundu.Decolonisation process The workshop and exhibition were funded by Camões, IP, and the Institute for Cooperation and Language (Portuguese ministry of foreign affairs) and co-organised by the Portuguese embassy in Windhoek and StArt Art Gallery as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Portugal's Carnation Revolution, which took place on 25 April 1974.This revolution ended Portugal's 48-year dictatorship and initiated the decolonisation process in Portuguese-speaking African countries.Fleeting moments Speaking at the opening, deputy head of mission at the embassy Joana Vasconcelos explained that the exhibition’s title, 'These Stones Will Speak', was inspired by Kuhepa Tondju's poem 'Desert of Bones'."Like the stones in Tondju's poem, we are encouraged to view the photographs in this exhibition as inanimate objects that bear witness to the fleeting moments of our individual experiences and shared histories," she said.Vasconcelos added that the workshop, inspired by the photographic records of the Carnation revolution, offered participants a foundation for exploring the significance of historic moments. "As a result, this exhibition showcases eight distinct perspectives on the same theme."Reflecting on her experience, photographer Tamarah Strauss described the workshop as an "enlightening journey" that deepened her understanding of photography's power to capture memories and shape narratives."Exploring the National Archives of Namibia and witnessing images from before and during independence gave me new insights into Namibia's rich history, inspiring me to further explore themes of freedom and artistic expression in my work," she said.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Exploring history and freedom through photography

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-10

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Exploring history and freedom through photography

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-10

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