Cota Students Get Creative in ‘Art Splash’ The shadows of the contract labour system and the pros and cons of social media are just some of themes being explored in ‘Art Splash’, the annual College of the Arts (Cota) student exhibition currently on display at the Namibian Arts Association (NAA) as well as at the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN). Featuring paintings, drawings, prints, textiles, ceramics, photography, mixed media and jewellery by Cota’s second and third-year visual art and design students, ‘Art Splash’ serves as an introduction to a new generation of creatives. At the NAA, the works on display are a selection from a long-running initiative titled ‘Okomboni’ (compound in Oshiwambo), initiated by educator and photographer Kristin Capp. Currently curated by the NAA’s Actofel Ilovu, the selection contrasts archival images of a former migrant worker compound with contemporary photographs of the Katutura Community Arts Centre (KCAC). “The students were tasked with documenting what’s left of the okomboni at the Katutura Community Arts Centre while considering what the former compound means to the community now,” says Ilovu. “Students also had to go into the community and find people who were part of the okomboni and engage with them.” In addition to images of the tunnels that run from the KCAC all the way to the Old Breweries and the boiler room which once generated steam to cook for the inhabitants of the hostel, ‘Okomboni’ also features photographic portraits of former residents by the late John Liebenberg. “It’s important to support the students but it’s also important to come and learn the history of Namibia,” says Ilovu of the showing and its subject matter. Down the street at the NAGN, the students’ work is bright with exploration. Juliana Fredericks employs recycled plastic bottles to produce elaborate and elegant jewellery. The talented Luka Ndivayele uses oil paint to create arresting portraits on diverse canvases and Johannes Johannes’ earthenware mask seems destined to take pride of place in an African-themed lodge, home or restaurant. Ceramics by Vivian Rhoman and Mandume Kapofi are also of note in their assured rendering and neat finishes while Sharifa Angose’s print titled ‘Connecting Communities’ deftly celebrates the community-building aspect of social media. Carmen Naris’ abstract and intense charcoal on paper drawings titled ‘Worries’ and ‘I’m Falling Apart’ are a personal introduction to the artist’s inner world while Michael Shiliwoye explores local culture in his oil pastel ‘Olufuko’. Described as showcasing “the future of Namibian art”, ‘Art Splash’ is curated by the NAA and the NAGN, who offer the students perhaps their first experience of exhibiting professionally. “The work that the students make, and the College of the Arts is known for this, is technically on point. The execution is always well done. The feedback they get from their lecturers is focused on honing that in,” says NAGN chief-curator Ndeenda Shivute-Nakapunda. “‘Art Splash’ is an opportunity for budding collectors to get a piece from an artist who could go on to be our next Muafangejo and, because it’s student work, the work is really affordable,” Shivute-Nakapunda says. “It’s also a chance to support young artists and give them the motivation they need to continue.” ‘Art Splash’ will be on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia and the Namibian Arts Association until 7 June. – martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com The post Cota Students Get Creative in ‘Art Splash’ appeared first on The Namibian.

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