Foibe Amundaba is a Namibian artist whose exhibition, “Contrasting colours of a Namibian”, is on at the FNCC right now. Her work is a collection of breathtaking images where colour dances, yet a poignant and powerful message is felt. Contrasting colours of a Namibian, Foibe explains, “is a theme inspired by the mood and feelings of me as a Namibian artist.”
This exhibition demonstrates her fascination for colours and the way in which colour can tell a story. Colour is used to reflect on issues facing many Namibians such as housing concerns and how this is driving people to live in confined spaces. “Some of the works have an architectural direction which is influenced by a very dominating social issue; land.” This, she explains has resulted in “boxing people in concrete storey structures. I used colours to explore the emotions of an artist in these structures.”
“It is this energy that drives an artist to be passionate about the art, in the hope that some day it will be understood. Namibian artists are driven and that is a strong indication to where we are going.”
Talking about the landscape of an artist in Namibia, Foibe notes that being an artist in Namibia has its challenges, “a lot of people don’t understand art or the benefits of art.” She goes on to note that for example, many Namibian Artists have to struggle to get their art seen, supported and purchased. However this, Foibe says, is an opportunity for passion to thrive. “It is this energy that drives an artist to be passionate about the art, in the hope that some day it will be understood. Namibian Artists are driven and that is a strong indication to where we are going.”
Foibe studied at the John Muafangejo Arts Center and at the College of the Arts. She has participated in many group and solo exhibitions. Her project hopes to “inspire a stronger art support system, movement and more importantly an open dialogue into the different techniques of artistic methods, painting techniques and understanding the mastery of colour.” she notes.
“Art takes the mind, on a journey to the, sometimes, harsh realities of life. A nation without art perishes, fast.”
Art, to Foibe, is a mode of reflecting as well as an opportunity to grow and connect. “My opinion about art, is that every person must find their type of art because it is in all of us. Art takes the mind, on a journey to the, sometimes, harsh realities of life. A nation without art perishes, fast.” Says Foibe.
Find out more about Foibe’s exhibition,“Contrasting colours of a Namibian” by clicking here
For more of Foibe’s artwork, find her Facebook page by clicking here
Cover Image by Steffen List
Written by Kirsty Watermeyer