WINDHOEK-More than twenty pieces of artworks are currently on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN)’s Main Gallery to honour the works contributed by the late visual artist and cardboard printer, Christine Marais.
Marais lived in Namibia from 35 years until her death at the age of 77 in 2012. During this time she turned out to be one of the best known Namibian artists and contributed enormously to the public’s appreciation and understanding of the natural history of Namibia through her art and illustrations. Over the years, Marais became well known as a watercolourist and cardboard printer. In her work, she portrays many of the unique characteristics of the Namibian landscape. She painted creatures and plants that inhabit landscape as well as aspects of the historical pre-historical legacy of Namibia.
Her carefully painted, evocative artwork depict the fauna and flora as well as the geomorphology and fossil history of this fascinating country and continues to educate and delight Namibians forever. The works of Marais at the Gallery are drawn from personal collections of her work belonging to her family and friends, and are representative of many years of the artist’s prolific creative career. Works made by Marais as a young artists also hang with mature pieces, presenting the Namibian public with a unique opportunity to observe the artistic development of an important Namibian artist.
Watercolours, oil paintings, pen drawings and artworks translated into woven wool are also on display, as well as illustrations from her many books.
By Pinehas Nakaziko