In celebration of World Wildlife Day, an exhibition of Namibian and Ugandan fauna by Joseph ‘Ntensibe opened at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) on Thursday.

It is being presented together with the Ricoveri Collection, in partnership with the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme (SWM) Community Conservancy Project.

Joseph ‘Ntensibe is a freelance Ugandan artist, born on 19 August 1954 in Masaka, and specialising in painting, sculpture and batiks. The exhibition is centred on the batiks that ‘Ntensibe created expressly for the Ricoveri Collection of African Art in the 1990s to represent Namibian and Ugandan wildlife. His batiks are treated as single works of art. Each one of them is unique and signed by the artist. 

‘Ntensibe’s work is inspired mainly by nature. He depicts it with love and deep understanding, and his landscapes and animals have often an almost magical appearance. This exhibition also gives an opportunity to all Namibians interested in art the opportunity to know and appreciate an artist who comes from another African country, and belongs to the rich cultural wealth and traditions of this wonderful continent. The works of art by ‘Ntensibe which will be the object of this exhibition are part of the ‘Ricoveri Collection of African Art’. This vast collection was put together by Marcello Ricoveri, a former Italian ambassador, and his wife Maria Cristina during their tours of duty in several African countries. It includes both traditional and contemporary art, and reflects their interest in African cultures and traditions and their love for Africa.

The exhibition closes on 11 March, and entrance is free.