14 NAMIB TIMES
14 NAMIB TIMES
7 AUGUST 2015
“Embracer” Ndasuunje “Papa” Shikongeni’s “Social Cohesion” Impresses Maria Davel-Wallis
Under the light of the Blue Moon, in the hue of the ‘holy fire called Oshinyanga in Oshiwambo’ the visitors to “Papa” Shikongeni’s latest exhibition at the Cosdef Arts and Crafts Centre in Swakopmund, absorbed the message he wanted to portray – that people should connect themselves to their ancestors and to nature. and craft in community development and today lectures at the College of the Arts. In this exhibition Papa comments on Namibian independence and the notion that it is built upon the spirit of national reconciliation and social cohesion, healing. This exhibition speaks of a socially cohesive society, namely a society that does not minimise the reality of diversity and complexity but that displays high degrees of collectivity, interconnectivity, interdependence, acceptance, inclusivity, equity, justice, fairness, mutuality and integration. It is important to note that social cohesion asks us, as Namibians, to engender a national culture that reduces within the Namibian community of citizens. This exhibition came into excistence with the full and effective participation of the community’s daily life, and citizens as active participants, to express the living conditions for all within the arts and culture. The goal is not to recreate or return to a past version of social relationships, which likely contributed directly or indirectly to the rise of many of the challenges that faced our society. “ Well-known international artist and veteran in photography, Tony
Photo by Maria Davel-Wallis
Jessica le Grange-Keyser told guests that working with Papa had been a pleasure. “Papa is an internationally and nationally recognised artist, storyteller, spiritual believer and leader in Namibia’s post-independence arts education and culture. He fought for his country’s independence from the late 1980’s to early 1990’s, but now uses art as a means of raising consciousness and liberating people’s minds. Papa’s skills in the visual arts are extensive. He has sculpted extensively in wood and papier-mâché, established innovative techniques in printmaking, using cardboard and painting ink on paper and linoleum, and also created a new technique using stretched zips on a frame.” She says Papa uses art to promote freedom of self-expression and individual spirituality, highlighting the importance of tradition and culture in sustainable and appropriate economic and social development. “He is committed to helping up-and-coming artists overcome the challenges involved in marketing themselves and their art internationally. As part of his mission, Papa teaches youth the importance of art
Artist Papa Shikongeni and Sustainability II
Figueira, opened the exhibition that will be open until 22 August. In his opening speech he said Papa had huge concerns about the future of the country and how we can heal it, by being more caring, more h uman. “To heal the nation we need to heal the minds, to make all of Namibia’s people respect each other – according to Papa all human beings are inherently good, but the good in humanity is sometimes distracted when fundamental dignity becomes challenged.” Sustainability II He referred to something that had happened that of the words the young noticed and rememmorning on the beach man remembered – bered by people.” while he and Papa were Papa made his day, and When namib times I watched and smiled, asked Papa to pose for flying a quadcopter. “A man who was work- seeing his magic work- a photo at the painting ing in one of the homes ing – Papa, a wise man, nearest to his heart, he nearby, came up to us, wanting to know how this flying camera works. So I watched Papa and the young man exchange thoughts, when suddenly our friend recognised Papa. Shikongeni, he said, you are Shikongeni. Hishishi Papa… and he went into song, remembering Nombili nombili (peace peace), a song that Papa recorded last year, that became very popular. ‘You have to respect human beings and our mothers, don’t rape them’, were some Papa Shikongeni and Tony Figueira
chose his work “Sustainability”. “Our grandchildren’s future must be based on health, peace and free spirit….we need to path a sustainable life for them, no matter what our skin colour, but sustainable life based on dignity and value of being.
Respect the Beauty of nature, your fellow beings, one people, one future… Namibia, do what we know is right, and be truthful and honest. We are the people of this beautiful Land of the Almighty. Take responsibility for tomorrow… There is nothing useless on this planet. ”