Be|longing – an over-generational multimedia exhibition by Matilda, Sakari and Kirsti Löytty – opens tomorrow at the Namibian Arts Association.

The installations tie together experiences of living and working in and between Namibia and Finland. The project explores and experiments with what kind of new levels and meanings can be created with art that builds on the old. 

The exhibition artistically deals with belonging and longing, home and loss, constantly being on the move, and the dialogue between music and visual arts.

Through making art, the question arises whether cooperation can reach beyond the grave.

The exhibition presents original paintings and drawings done by the late Kirsti – Matilda’s grandmother, who lived and worked in Namibia in the 50s and 60s. She returned to Namibia later in her life, and reflected on Namibian sceneries and people in her art. 

Matilda lived her childhood in Namibia, and later did her BA and MA degrees through artistic research in the country. Her paintings and videos act as counterparts to Kirsti’s art.

The installations feature music composed and performed by musician and composer Dr Sakari Löytty, who was born in Namibia and has been living and working in the country for over 20 years. He has conducted research on northern Namibian traditional music, and worked together with many local musicians. His compositions are influenced by African acoustic guitar styles, as well as the folk and blues traditions, including Finnish folk music.