UNAM’S visual artists display their work
Celebrating diversity
While the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Visual Arts Graduates Exhibition: Class of 2022 forms part of the seniors’ practical assessment for their final year grade, it also celebrates the diverse disciplines through an amalgamated display of artistry and technique – setting the scene to introduce the newly graduated artists into the sector.The exhibition which opened last week, showcases the work of 13 artists and forms part of the practical assessment for the final-year Diploma and Bachelor’s (Hon.) degree students. The presentation is an artistic display of work themed by creative expression, ceramic studies, textiles studies and arts for advertising.
While addressing social themes such as the effect of Covid-19, trauma, self-harm based on personal feelings, cultural and emotional identity, the exhibitors were challenged to think critically and produce work that creates engagement and dialogue with the audience.
Visitors will also be privy to their creative processes, from conceptualisation to practice and implementation.
Co-curated by UNAM’s Visual Arts Department and the National Arts Gallery of Namibia (NAGN), the collective efforts towards furthering visual arts and crafts in the country remain the focal point. Much like the gallery’s mission to encourage the formation of a national, regional and global consciousness of the value of visual arts and crafts, UNAM has embraced arts as an essential part of education, acknowledging its Visual Arts Department’s contribution towards the development of visual culture in Namibia.
This exhibition again endorses the effects of visual art education helping students understand fundamental skills like reading and writing, as well as the ability to communicate better. Furthermore, visual arts is an essential component of the human experience, helping to understand local history and culture, as well as the lives and experiences of others in a manner that cannot be achieved otherwise.
The collection can be viewed in the NAGN Main Gallery and Foyer from until 21 January 2023.