Launch of ‘House of Connection’ a solo exhibition by Elisia Nghidishange

PRESS RELEASE

Re: Launch of ‘House of Connection’ a solo exhibition by Elisia Nghidishange
Opening: 10 October 2024, 6pm
Location: The National Art Gallery of Namibia
Address: Corner of Robert Mugabe Avenue and John Meinert street, Windhoek
Duration: 11 October - 02 November 2024

The National Art Gallery of Namibia and StArt Art Gallery are pleased to announce the launch of Namibian printmaker and sculptor, Elisia Nghidishange’s latest solo exhibition titled House of Connection. 

House of Connection opens in Windhoek at the National Art Gallery of Namibia on Thursday 10 October at 6PM. The event is open to all who wish to attend.

This latest body of work consists of an ambitious presentation of sculptures, reliefs and lino prints. Nghidishange’s mixed media sculptures and reliefs use a combination of ceramics, welded metal, woven fabric and found objects. Through her work Nghidishange explores the intricate web of human connections, examining the profound benefits and potential pitfalls of our relationships with one another and with the objects that surround us. Nghidishange invites viewers to reflect on the significance of connections in our lives.

The exhibition will also highlight the role of objects in shaping our relationships, exploring the ways in which technology, for example, can both connect and disconnect us. Nghidishange writes:

“As an artist I believe connections play a very significant role in a human’s life. They give us the freedom to express ourselves, whether by touching or speaking. I look at the world as the house of different connections, which sometimes make us feel great and sometimes push us beyond our normality without us realising the effects they may have on ourselves or other people. There are some addictive connections that we have learned to depend on, which may in fact result in disconnection.”

Nghidishange is a keen observer of the world, and as with previous exhibitions, this body of work reflects on the social dynamics that she sees around her. When reflecting on the potential disconnection caused by technology and the example of someone choosing to spend their time on the internet rather than engaging with their families she says; “Loneliness can make one very sensitive, and when you feel disconnected you will try to find peace somewhere else. One might also turn to the internet or to calling a friend or even going to drink, all of which will affect the living situation in a household.”

This diverse and complicated exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on their connections with each other and the objects they choose to allow into their lives.

More about the artist:

Elisia Nghidishange (b. 1981) was born in Eenhana in northern Namibia. This printmaker, sculptor and mixed media artist graduated from the College of the Arts in Windhoek in 2016. Nghidishange has taken part in various group exhibitions locally, and in 2017 she opened her first solo exhibition titled ‘The Cost of Wealth’ at the Goethe-Institut, Windhoek. Of her artistic process, Nghidishange explains, “I have always used and been inspired by the materials that have been part of my life since childhood.” In 2019, Nghidishange completed her first artist residency in Rapperswil, Switzerland where she held her second solo exhibition called ‘The Change Of…. Eendume Movakwahepo Shendjeni’. Nghidishange held her third solo exhibition ‘Insight of Intrusive Women’ at the National Art Gallery of Namibia in July 2020. In 2021, Nghidishange was awarded 2nd Prize for Sculpture at the 2020 Bank Windhoek Triennial. In 2022 Nghidishange held her forth solo exhibition at the Namibian Arts Association titled ‘Ehafo’.

The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 10 October - 02 November, Mon 14:00-17:00, Tues-Fri 8:00-17:00, Sat 09:00-14:00.

You can access images for use by pressing Here

All images can be credited to StArt Art Gallery and Elisia Nghidishange.

ENDS

Contact:
Helen Harris
Curator: StArt Art Gallery
info@startartgallery.com
+264813376582

Beau-Ann Ferris
NAGN Manager: Marketing and Communications
mcm@nagn.org.na
+264812009497