The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia has for the first time collaborated on the Pamwe Project of Visual Arts at the Omba Gallery.
At least five visual artists showcased their very expressive work on cardboard print and linocut. Linocut is a printmaking technique in which a sheet of linoleum is used for a relief surface and one cannot go without noting that cardboard printing originated in Namibia.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. David Amukoto, the event organizer highlighted that this exhibition is aimed at sharing ideas and expressions of talented and creative artists. “The presence of creativity showcased here today is the route of culture modernized experiments of our subject, and is seen as a critical change of healing minds and on our environment to enhance our accountability.” These experienced artists are from the John Mufangeyo Arts School and the College of the Arts
“Thank you to the EIF for providing us with the necessary support to help make this exhibition a reality and for realizing the importance of art, artists and creativity “said Amukoto.
The Fund and its sponsorship committee responded to this call after a presentation was made and the viewing of artwork was well scrutinized. Some of these work presented depicts climate change and relatable images of nature. We all know too well about the struggles and dire financial situation COVID-19 has left most sectors in, but mostly how it has severely affected the arts and entertainment industry. It is for this reason that the Fund made a financial commitment that is aimed at supporting these visual artists and this exhibition. These positive monuments remind us about the value and power of creativity and therefore encourage other corporate companies to help weather this storm support such dedicated initiatives for individual artists, collective admiration for arts and the expressions it represents.
According to the Shireen Thude, the Manager and Director of the Omba Gallery, “art is not necessarily a recognised profession in Namibia and that is further demonstrated by budgetary allocation towards the industry art and more specifically the creative sector in general” said Thude. She also stressed the importance of paying an artist what he or she is worth, because of the time, talent and creativity invested into pieces and encouraged people to come out in numbers to support these Namibian artists and the Omba Gallery. “We are a section 21 company, and don’t get money or funding from anywhere, making it very hard for us and these artists. Thude is also calling on corporates to support artists “imagine how amazing it would be to have artwork from Namibian artists hanging in your company’s foyers or offices? “she added.
The Omba Gallery is the most visited gallery in Namibia and this marked the first exhibition of the year at the gallery. The exhibition is titled “Ongano the Presence of Creativities” and will be open to the public for viewing from 1- 30 March 2021.The Omba Gallery is situated at the Namibia Craft Centre in Windhoek.
