Taking back the hood Tity Tshilumba''s contribution to the Namibian art scene has been coloured by his passion for everyday life and stories. His main focus comes back to his keen interest in depicting scenes from the world around him, especially landscapes, animals, people and everyday objects. The Daily Life exhibition by Tity focuses on the daily lives of Namibians, drawing from his experiences in both rural and urban areas. Tity''s inspiration for the exhibition comes from the stories that he hears on a daily basis. “I got very interested in what do on a day to day [basis] and I decided dedicate my exhibition to that,” he says. One of Tity''s favourite drawings at the exhibition is that which is titled “Life with Granny”. Tity explains “It''s with regard to a common practice in Namibia. It''s something I''ve always heard around about how people send their children to the north or villages whilst they stay in the city. My worry is that it is happening way too much and parenting is not just about sending a few dollars here and there for the child you know. In the drawing the child in uniform is showing granny their homework, but granny only knows how to ensure that the child is fed and has a roof to sleep under.”
Tity says on average it takes him a week to complete a drawing, which is something he can do in his sleep, having 18 years of experience. He started working on his artworks last year November when the exhibition was approved by National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) and continued until five days before his exhibition.
The turnout for “The Daily Life” exhibition thus far has been great according to Tity, but he hopes more people will turn up. “I always find people here and I have also sold some. Hopefully most of them will be gone before Saturday,” says Tity. Alternatively Tity will have to take the paintings elsewhere to be sold.
Tity encourages other artists to be patient as the industry is tough due to the size of the population and mostly depends on tourists. “We always get the same faces at exhibitions; it''s rare and hard to find new people. Locals need to put in an effort to support us. Make time to find out what''s happening at the FNCC or the NAGN,” he concludes.
June Shimuoshili