Haihambo's debut solo exhibit rooted in culture and wildlife

Ohangwena-born visual artist Jeremiah Haihambo is using his debut Windhoek exhibition to sound the alarm on two threats he says are destroying Namibia's future: the killing of endangered wildlife and the loss of cultural identity.

‘Wildlife Is My Asset – Culture Is My Roots’ brings together works inspired by conservation and cultural preservation, two causes Haihambo says are deeply connected to his identity and upbringing.

"People are destroying the wildlife, specifically rhinos, pangolins and other species. People are killing the future," he said at the opening of his first solo exhibition at the Omba Gallery in Windhoek.

Haihambo said his cultural background has heavily influenced his work, with many pieces drawing inspiration from agriculture and traditional ways of life. "The motif behind the exhibition is an awareness campaign for my wildlife and culture," he said.

He said art provides a powerful platform to educate communities about protecting natural heritage and culture for future generations.

The artist also expressed concern about the gradual loss of cultural identity among young people, saying too many are abandoning their traditions in favour of modern trends and losing their connection to their roots.

"This is not good. People are distancing themselves from their culture and they lose their identity," he said.

Through ‘Wildlife Is My Asset – Culture Is My Roots’, Haihambo hopes to inspire greater appreciation for both Namibia's wildlife and its rich cultural heritage.