Netherlands-based Namibian artist Shishani Vranckx and visual artists, Namibian-based Peter Amuthenu and France-based Frank Jooste, will represent Namibia at the Africa Week celebrations at the UNESCO Head Office in Paris.
The UNESCO Africa Week celebrations taking place from 23-25 May, were initiated by UNESCO African Member States to mark the annual African Union (AU) celebrations of Africa Day.
A media statement issued by Namibian Ambassador to France and permanent delegate to UNESCO Albertus Aochamub on Friday, stated that Africa Week showcases the vibrant African cultural heritage annually in line with the annual AU Africa Day theme.
“It brings the continent’s 54 Member States’ musical and artistic expressions together with a Gala Evening and culinary cocktail serving various African cuisine.
A wide range of participants are expected from the UNESCO Member States, Secretariat, French public and private sectors as well as civil society,” the ambassador said.
Shishani is the co-founder, lead singer and composer of Namibian Tales established in 2015, an acoustic quintet exploring the musical heritage of Namibia.
With Namibian Tales, Shishani led a unique international project with UNESCO and the Museums Association of Namibia to preserve cultural heritage through archiving and producing new music in collaboration with the San communities in Namibia.
Amuthenu is a 21-year-old Namibian artist who lives in Windhoek. He embraces current pop culture with a mix of urban and Namibian motifs through printmaking, drawing (pencil and charcoal) and painting (spray paint, oil, watercolour and ink).
Meanwhile, Jooste hails from Lüderitz but lives and teaches art in France. He uses arts of Africa, the landscapes, cultures and symbols from which he draws inspiration.
His work is less figurative and has retained ethnic symbols, geometric figures and rock paintings. His paintings reflect abstractions inspired by memories of Africa.
The two artists will be exhibiting unique Namibian artistic drawings and paintings throughout the UNESCO Africa Week.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
