Staff Reporter
THE National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) this week launched “The Source” solo exhibition by the Congolese Namibian-based artist, Tity Kalala Tshilumba, who celebrates the role of women, mothers and children.
Tshilumba was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Province of Katanga. He acquired his Art Diploma from the Academic Dec Beaux-art / College of Arts in Lubumbashi. He currently resides in Namibia as a practicing artist and has participated in 29 group exhibitions and three solo exhibitions.
Consisting of a series of paintings, the exhibition is a commentary on gender-based violence (GBV), opposing this epidemic which at times still resounds in a culture of silence.
THE SOURCE: Some scenes from Tity Kalala Tshilumba’s art exhibition. Photos: Zorena Jantze. 
THE SOURCE: Some scenes from Tity Kalala Tshilumba’s art exhibition. Photos: Zorena Jantze. 
THE SOURCE: Some scenes from Tity Kalala Tshilumba’s art exhibition. Photos: Zorena Jantze. 
THE SOURCE: Some scenes from Tity Kalala Tshilumba’s art exhibition. Photos: Zorena Jantze. 
THE SOURCE: Some scenes from Tity Kalala Tshilumba’s art exhibition. Photos: Zorena Jantze. 
THE SOURCE: Some scenes from Tity Kalala Tshilumba’s art exhibition. Photos: Zorena Jantze.
While human rights violations are committed against men as well as women, this collection of work seeks to amplify the value of woman and children in society; women as the right-handed personality in families and children the source of joy.
This display encourages a dialogue of finding the true source of relationships and existence, and seeks to explore the epitome of a woman, of love. Simultaneously pursuing this discourse whilst countless numbers of violent outbursts are reported on a daily basis, the unequal distribution of power and inability to guarantee the protection of rights are underscored.
Bringing women to the forefront, Tshilumba’s work mirrors his thoughts on the value of women, recognizing their potential to positively influence society, but also hinges on men as the protectors of society.
His paintings are an acknowledgement of their key role as the recreator, disciplinarian and caregiver. The exhibition further sustains that no gender is superior to the other, upholding that we experience a greater sense of harmony and fulfilment when masculine and feminine qualities align.
Tshilumba’s works are inspired by daily life, giving the viewer a glimpse into contemporary Namibian society. The artist has chosen a positive approach in challenging society’s concept of the devaluation of women, urging us not to stray from the source.
The artist has exhibited nationally and internationally in museums such as the Würth Museum in Germany and the Museum of Africa Art in Serbia. He has attended various art workshops including Tulipamwe, the B2 Gold Project, as well as having worked on various large-scale mural paintings. His work can be seen in the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Land Reform as well as the Office of the Auditor General. The Source is his fourth solo exhibition.
