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Must-See: AVAMP 2013 Exhibition @ NAGN

In the lower gallery of the NAGN (National Art Gallery of Namibia), genuinely my favourite part of NAGN because it looks and feels like a modern art gallery (great lighting included), artworks are currently on display as part of the AVAMP Graphic Art exhibition.

The AVAMP exhibition (July 2013 - February 2014) in association with the Arts Association Heritage Trust, is truly a great collection of carefully selected fine works of art. Below are two images of an artwork on display by artist Jo Rogge, and it caught my eye immediately, from across the room.



Each artwork is properly labeled with a short bio of the artist.

The AVAMP exhibition opened on the evening of the 18th of July in the lower gallery and the enthusiasm  of NAGN director, Hercules Viljoen, was infectious. As usual, Hercules was impeccably dressed in a cotton shirt, tailored jacket, formal trousers and shoes. Standing in the centre of the lower gallery, surrounded by arresting pieces of great art, Viljoen and new PR manager, Selma Kaulinge, introduced a fairly large, diverse crowd of art aficionados to the graphic artists, many of whom are no longer among us but left their beautiful marks on canvas.

Selma Kaulinge, the new PR manager for the NAGN, wore a red, knit dress, showing off her amazing legs, a gorgeous vintage extra-long gold chain, contrasting with a rather large hounds-tooth printed jacket. The jacket aside, her red dress certainly drew attention, complimented with matching red lipstick and softly shaded eyes. A simply cut, single tone, tailored jacket would have worked wonders, Selma. Her appearance, speech and introduction, were very good, overall. Pictured below: Ms. Selma Kaulinge.


Also at the exhibition, Namibian art legend, Papa Shikongeni, who insisted I photograph him next to his artworks. If Rastafarian is a style (of some sort), and we're all aware Mr. Shikongeni is an artist (meaning, 'he's different'), and THE artist on the Namibian landscape no less, that said his dress up for the opening of the AVAMP exhibition was disappointing. Perhaps a clean, ironed shirt with a jacket, a decent pair of shoes and clean, styled hair, next time? This look is sooo early 90's, makes the wearer look scruffy and unwashed. Impressions and presentation really counts. If I hadn't recognised his face, I would have avoided Papa altogether.


Take time to see the moving and beautiful pieces of art in the lower gallery of the NAGN (open Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 17:00)? A quick walk-through for the first day is recommended to appreciate the variety, colours and composition of the display, followed by a more detailed study of each piece during lunch thereafter. It's definitely a must-see!


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