‘Bring in the light’ explores tradition

He drew his first master pieces in sand and exhibited them in numerous oshanas (salt pans) in northern Namibia, claims Actofel Ilovu. The young artist who hails from Ondangwa is now ready for his first solo exhibition which will be hosted by the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) Café.
Entitled ‘Bring in the Light’, this exhibition of lino prints is inspired by the artist’s traditional upbringing in northern Namibia.
“When I go home, I keep a ‘visual diary’. My art work is a means for me to share what I see with other people, especially with people who don’t usually experience my kind of world. I hope my art can be an eye opener for them,” said Ilovu.
Ilovu is a graphic design student at the College of the Arts and a chairperson of the membership based artist organisation, Visual Artists – Namibia.
In 2006, he started his studies at the John Muafangejo Art Centre and in 2007 joined the Young Achievers, a group of motivated youth who regularly come together to discuss their visions, dreams and goals. He later enrolled as a student at the College of the Arts where he is currently attending the “new media” course.
Ilovu was invited earlier this year by the cultural exchange project p.art.ners, Berlin/Windhoek to participate in a travelling group exhibition of young Namibian artists in Germany.
Some of his work was also featured at the acclaimed Bank Windhoek Triennale 2011.
Ilovu’s first solo exhibition opens on Monday, 14 November at 18:30 at the Café of the FNCC. The exhibition closes on the 2 December.