Papa reveals 'Optomist'

WINDHOEKSTAFF REPORTER Ndasuunje Shikongeni, popularly known as 'Papa', is an internationally-recognised visual artist, storyteller and leader in art education and culture. Shikongeni's latest exhibition, titled 'Optimist' will open at the National Art Gallery of Namibia on August 7. lt will be the artist's first exhibition at the venue in eight years. Over the past decade, Shikongeni's works, which depict different aspects of Namibian culture and tradition, have been showcased around the world. Since the early 1990s, Shikongeni has hosted 16 solo exhibitions and over 40 group exhibitions in countries including, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, London, The UK, Germany, Russia and Norway. Shikongeni has also lectured at John Muafangejo Art Centre, Rundu College of Education and Ongwediva College of Education. He has also been a visual art facilitator for the National Art Extension Programme with the College of the Arts. From 2002 to 2009, Papa was the centre director at the John Muafangejo Art Centre - Namibia's training ground for young artists in different disciplines. He continues to lecture at the College of the Arts. His latest exhibition will feature more than 30 artworks, which Shikongeni has created over the last two years. The works use mediums including cardboard block, ink on paper, as well as collages of mix media. Shikongeni credits the title of the exhibition to the hope he has for society, which he says is suffering many hardships. “I titled the exhibition 'Optimist', because even while living in Namibia's post-independence hardships, there are many positive things which bring hope and so I wanted to reflect on the positive things about our society.” 'Optimist' will open at 18:00 for 18:00 and entrance is free. The exhibition will run until September 6.