Sheehama frames culture and identity in new showcase

Namibian artist Fillipus Sheehama is encouraging young people to document their own histories and culture through creative expression, following the opening of his mixed-media exhibition An Assemblage of Eentsi & Related Holders at the Namibian Arts Association in Windhoek.

The exhibition opened on Thursday, 22 October, and runs until 6 November.

It features mixed-media works that invite audiences to engage with cultural heritage and consider the stories behind the materials used.

Speaking at the opening, Sheehama highlighted the importance of artists using their work to contribute to society by documenting Namibian culture and history.

“What I noticed is that this is the part of the exhibition that studio practice can bring to society,” he said. Sheehama explained that art provides an opportunity for people to explore their cultural backgrounds and record what they want future generations to know about their communities.

“It’s about writing and exploring our own culture and also trying to leverage and write what we want to pass on, not wait for other people to come and write on our behalf,” he said.

Exploring untold stories

Documenting local experiences is important for artists because the way history is recorded can influence how future generations understand their identity and heritage.

“This is an opportunity, especially for young people, to start exactly writing what you thought is right for you,” Sheehama said.

His message places young people at the centre of preserving Namibia’s cultural history. Through writing, research and artistic expression they can record their experiences and contribute their own perspectives to the country's history.

Sheehama also stressed that there is still much to learn about Namibia’s heritage. He encouraged people to explore their backgrounds, conduct research and document knowledge that could otherwise remain unrecorded. “We have so much that needs to be explored and researched,” he said.

He believes this work is important in building a foundation for education and ensuring that cultural knowledge is not lost for future generations.

The exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to engage with Sheehama’s creative work and reflect on the themes presented. He also invited attendees to participate by sharing their thoughts on the exhibition through a feedback process during his address. This allows visitors to contribute their perspectives and creates an opportunity for the artist to hear how audiences respond to his work.

Our stories, our responsibility

The exhibition is hosted by the Namibian Arts Association, which provides a platform for local artists to present their work and engage with the public.

Its exhibitions contribute to the visibility of Namibian artists and encourage conversations around local creative practice.

Sheehama's exhibition comes with a clear message: Namibians should take responsibility for recording their own stories, particularly those that reflect their culture, experiences and identity.

By encouraging young people to research and document their heritage, Sheehama hopes to inspire greater participation in preserving local knowledge.

An Assemblage of Eentsi & Related Holders remains on display at the Namibian Arts Association, located at 122 Robert Mugabe Avenue in Windhoek, until 6 November. Visitors can view the exhibition and engage with the ideas presented through Sheehama’s mixed-media work.