By Kleopas Nghikefelwa /
A young, dynamic Namibian artist, Hage Mukwendje, is exhibiting some of his artworks at the National Art Gallery of Namibia from 3 October to 1 November 2025.
This exhibition is a unique reflection of the experiences and personal feelings of the artist, who was born and grew up in Okalongo, Ombadja, in northern Namibia, so that his childhood memories of nostalgia are visible in the paintings, as he keeps remembering where he comes from, and what he went through, for him to be where he is today.
The main and big painting on display is a portrait of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, painted in the same technic as the one of an African hero, Nelson Mandela, which portrays his installation in Qunu, South Africa.
I believe that this exhibition has said it all about contemporary Namibian society in which 80% of the population is children and youth, majority live with their parents in shacks and the poverty caused by Namibia’s unequal distribution of wealth which is rooted in colonial trades and financial or economic policies.
But in all the paintings, faces of the people are smiling, happy and show good hope for the future.
I urge newspapers and media to come and document this exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Namibia.
In the photo: Some of Mukwendje’s paintings on display at the NAGN.
