But who is this phenomenal man, the artist and the legacy he has left for us through his artwork?
Advocate Vekuii Rukoro, Group CEO of FNB Namibia Holdings Ltd, shed some light on the artist at the official launch of Muafangejo’s catalogue.
According to Rukoro, there were many reasons why Muafangejo was widely recognised as Namibia’s foremost art protagonist. Rukoro said that Muafangejo’s lifestyle and courage during the struggle for independence was portrayed in his works, which were displayed only in part at the exhibition, which is currently on at the NGN and also the works contained in the catalogue.
Rukoro said: “The tragedy is that his early death denied him the pleasure to experience Namibia’s independence, an outcome to which he made a significant contribution through his determined, lasting and significant critical and socio-political comments.
“He shaped the perceptions of an apartheid dominated society through his dignified humanity and his belief in the value and role of art as a means of recording the political, the personal and the social injustices and possibilities that prevailed nonetheless. He never wavered in his belief that love and compassion were more enduring than hate.
“Muafangejo’s work is, to a large extent, autobiographical and often accompanied with explanatory texts which interpret the graphic content in an emotive and humorous way. In personal interviews, Muafangejo explained that he mostly derived his inspiration and themes for his works from the interpretation of his personal feelings, experiences, radio news, songs and traditional music. His close connections to the Anglican Church, his love of Biblical stories and the pervading consciousness of the struggle of the black people living in a country divided by racism and the horror of the war, informed many of his works.
“John Ndevasia Muafangejo is a Namibian artist but he is more than that. He has made the most crucial contribution to contemporary African art. His works are known and appreciated both for their graphic quality and skill and for the authentic artistic expression, which reflect African culture and the racial conflicts of the African continent. His works will always stand as a testimony to his community and the times in which he lived.
“He remains a positive role model for young artists in Namibia and in Africa, because his art continues to celebrate African culture while it also strives for excellence through total commitment to art for its own sake. He did not hide behind life’s disadvantages or the colour of his skin. He lived life in the fullest way possible and used his skills to challenge what was wrong.
“Muafangejo will always be a pivotal figure in Namibian and African art history and his legacy as the first black Namibian artist to receive international acclaim remains an inspiration for many Namibians who are aspiring for a career in the arts.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the legacy of John Ndevasia Muafangejo, as an artist, and through his work, must remain two of the most significant elements in the history of the visual arts in Namibia.
Throughout his short and often difficult life, he openly expressed his doubts and joys with unselfish honesty.
He was equally concerned that there were no other young black Namibians following in his footsteps, who were making a living through their art. It was one of his dreams to be able to contribute to the teaching and education of young Namibians.
“Muafangejo refused to lose the hope of reconciliation. What an inspiration and role model to show that, with the correct mindset and determination, there is no reason not to reach greatness.”
Source: New Era, Newspaper for New Namibia
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