WINDHOEK-The new and amazing artworks by Namibian own cardboard print artist, Actofel Ilovu, entitled Bring in the Shade, currently on view at the Franco National Cultural Centre (FNCC) Restaurant La bonne Table, are totally striking and eye-catching.
Visiting the exhibition in the restaurant recently, I was thrilled by the creativity of Ilovu’s artworks, especially the way he mixed his paintings and colours together in one cardboard. One of the artworks that gives out a real impression is the one titled Smoked on the Paper. The artwork is made out of used materials such as empty containers of milk, newspaper, box paper and different materials. The exhibition portrays things that happened in the past. Ilovu presents lino prints, card board prints and collages while also experimenting with smoke and burnt paper. His new approach is inspired by an accident as a child which left serious burn marks on his arm. “As a kid I used to hate these scars”, says Ilovu, “but now that I have grown as an artist, I have fallen in love with them,” he adds. Art lovers still have the opportunity to view Ilovu’s artworks until November 12.
Ilovu grew up in Ondangwa and started studying Visual Arts and New Media at the John Muafangejo Art Centre in 2006. Since 2007 he has been part of the Young Achievers, a group of motivated youths who regularly come together to discuss their visions, dreams and goals. He is currently doing his Visual Arts Diploma at the University of Namibia (Unam).