Mukwendje’s ‘Ounona’ exhibition on this weekend

Windhoek • Monique Adams

Namibian artist Hage Mukwendje hosts his very own exhibition at Livega restaurant this weekend.
Situated in Windhoek’s Eros suburb, the exhibition curated by Mutindi Jacobs, is scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 October.
Titled Ounona, which means ‘children’, Mukwendje said his art for this exhibition is inspired by children volunteering at local shelters and soup kitchens.
“I captured their emotions and how they live day by day and till this day, I am still fascinated with how children play and move around. It reminds me a lot of the way I grew up as a kid,” he said.

Visual celebration
Jacobs added that Mukwendje’s work is a visual celebration of children in a Namibian context and a celebration of their laughter, adding that she wants people to come and see that.
“His artwork is something you see and will be delighted by and I think we can all do with some laughter and delight with everything that’s going on.
“It all comes from the heart and everything he has painted tells a story. If that does not encourage people to come, then I don’t know what will,” she said.

Available for purchase
The exhibition will kickstart on Friday, 23 October, with a private viewing, and will be open to the public on 24 and 25 October. Entrance will be free.
“If you are interested in purchasing any of his artwork, the pricing will be there,” Jacobs said.
What Mukwendje deems his masterpiece will also be up for auction, and interested bidders can start bidding on Friday, with the winner set to be announced on Sunday.
Some of the proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the Kids Soup Kitchen in Ombili and Do It For The Kids in Okuryangava.