Hage

Namibia

"Mukwendje's artistry is rooted in storytelling, whether through painting, mixed media, or a fusion of various forms, aiming to translate emotions and narratives into visual forms."

MEET

Hage

Hage Mukwendje, born on 21 August 1990 in a rural village in northern Namibia, is a multifaceted visual artist based in Windhoek, Namibia. His journey in the art world began with his graduation from the College of the Arts (COTA), Windhoek, in 2011. Mukwendje's artistry is rooted in storytelling, whether through painting, mixed media, or a fusion of various forms, aiming to translate emotions and narratives into visual forms.

As a colorblind artist, Mukwendje faced unique challenges in finding his artistic voice. His initial years post-graduation were marked by an exploratory phase, experimenting with different styles and mediums. This search for a unique expression led him to develop a signature style that defies the conventional boundaries of visual perception.

Mukwendje's artistic development was significantly enhanced by his experiences in European artist residencies. His time at notable residencies like Akademie Schloss Solitude in 2021 exposed him to new styles, techniques, and cultural perspectives, deeply influencing his approach to art. These experiences allowed him to blend traditional Namibian elements with contemporary artistic expressions, creating a unique and recognizable style.

Today, Mukwendje is a renowned figure in the Namibian art scene and beyond. His work, known for its ability to engage and provoke thought, serves as a bridge connecting traditional and contemporary art forms. Through his creations, Mukwendje continues to challenge the norms of visual storytelling, striving to ignite a passion for the arts in a global audience. His art is not just a display of aesthetic beauty but a dialogue with the viewer, an exploration of identity, and a celebration of cultural diversity.

FROM OUR BLOGUE
54 ART FAIR EVENT

Bantu Collective introduces the 54 Art Fair to Geelong, celebrating the artistic heritage of Africa's 54 nations. The exhibition, running from April 1 to 25 at genU Gallery, showcases a blend of traditional and modern art forms, including installations and multimedia works. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural workshops, live music, and interactive experiences that highlight the continent's rich diversity.

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+234Art Fair

The +234Art Fair is back for its second edition, running from March 27th to 31st, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Center (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos. This year's theme, "Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art," aims to explore the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art. The fair will feature over 1,000 artworks from emerging and unrepresented Nigerian artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to local and international audiences.

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Top 5 Contemporary African Art Fairs

Contemporary African art is taking the world by storm, and these five must-attend fairs and biennales are at the heart of its rise. From the global powerhouse 1-54 to the electrifying ART X Lagos, and the prestigious Dak’Art Biennale, these events showcase the best of African artistic talent. Whether you’re a collector, curator, or art enthusiast, these fairs offer an immersive experience into the dynamic world of African creativity. Dive into the highlights, past record-breaking sales, and groundbreaking exhibitions that make these events unmissable.

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Pumangol | Thó Simões

As part of Brands with Art, Pumangol partnered with acclaimed Angolan street artist Thó Simões to create a unique fusion of industrial design and artistic expression. Simões painted five metal drums, drawing inspiration from Pumangol’s slogan Criar Boa Energia (Creating Good Energy). Using plants to symbolize pure energy and human figures to highlight his artistic signature, the project connects sustainability with the vibrancy of Angolan culture. The transformation was documented in a video that will accompany the exhibition, showcasing Pumangol’s commitment to the arts and its role in fostering cultural engagement.

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Art Center and Residency Project Begins in Maputo

A new Art Center and Artist Residency is taking shape in Maputo’s Dona Alice neighborhood. With 2,100m² of space, the center will include exhibition halls, artist residences, a digital library, and multi-use areas. Currently 30% complete, the self-funded project aims to train 300 artists annually, promote local art and crafts internationally, and contribute to Mozambique’s creative economy. Supported by the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, this initiative seeks to professionalize the art sector and provide sustainable income opportunities for artists.

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Black Lives Matter

In March 2025, Washington, D.C.’s Black Lives Matter Plaza saw the removal of its famous street mural, first commissioned in 2020 as a symbol of protest against racial injustice. The decision, influenced by congressional threats to cut federal funding, has reignited debates about the role of public art in activism. While some view it as a political concession, others see it as an opportunity for new artistic expressions in the city. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced plans to integrate the plaza into the "America 250" initiative, encouraging new murals that reflect ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

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Christie's London

On 5 March 2025, Christie's held its highly anticipated 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale and The Art of the Surreal Evening Sale, achieving a combined total of £130.2 million. The auctions highlighted the sustained demand for contemporary and surrealist art, with key sales including René Magritte’s La reconnaissance infinie (£10.3 million), Michael Andrews' School IV: Barracuda under Skipjack Tuna (£6 million), and Francis Bacon’s Portrait of Man with Glasses III (£6.6 million). With a strong 94% sell-through rate and global participation, the event reaffirmed Christie's influence in the international art market.

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