Elisia Nghidishange

Aquiet observer of the world, Elisia Nghidishange is shaping a distinctive artistic language for herself. Since obtaining a Diploma in Visual Arts from the College of the Arts in Windhoek (2017), Nghidishange has carved out a path as both an artist and creative entrepreneur. Residing in her hometown of Eenhana in northern Namibia, the artist navigates rural and domestic landscapes and communities, which inform her artistic practice as she examines the tension between tradition and modernity.

Working across printmaking, sculpture and mixed media, her art draws inspiration from the rhythms of rural life and social dynamics, as well as the textures of the natural world. Her most recent repertoire navigates themes of shifting gender roles and the evolving aspirations of wealth and success in contemporary society. Time stretches and focus sharpens in solitude as she experiments freely in her studio, reworking sketches and pushing her ideas into physical form. Nghidishange explains that working with her hands deepens her connection to the materials, which she describes as active collaborators, allowing their natural characteristics to influence the outcome of each piece. Rooted in material memory and place, Nghidishange adds, “I have always been inspired by the materials that have been part of my life since childhood.” Her eclectic style combines traditional pottery, weaving and contemporary art practices, including motifs drawn from the human figure, cow horns and ostrich eggshell beads. Through form, texture and meaning, these small details become the architecture of her visual language.

Her latest body of work examines the benefits and potential drawbacks of human connections by exploring our relationships with one another and with the objects that surround us. Reflecting on the potential disconnection caused by technology and the example of someone choosing to spend their time on the internet rather than engaging with their family, Nghidishange says, “There are some addictive connections that we have learned to depend on, which may in fact result in disconnection.” House of Connection was an ambitious presentation of mixed media sculptures and reliefs that use a combination of ceramics, welded metal, woven fabric and found objects. The exhibition also included a series of colourful linocuts and an interactive large-scale installation. Nghidishange’s fifth solo exhibition, House of Connection, was held at the National Art Gallery of Namibia in collaboration with StArt Art Gallery (2024).

Beyond the walls of her studio, her broader commitment is to share her knowledge and foster a sense of artistic continuity and education within the Eenhana community. As the founder of E-Tunga Studio in 2021, Nghidishange offers a creative space for emerging artists where she nurtures the value of creating, teaching and telling stories through material. The studio operates as a pottery studio, manufacturing modern and traditional pots while offering free basic art training through workshops. Nghidishange is thrilled that the studio is being embraced by people from the local community and surrounding areas. However, operating in a remote area can have its challenges. “It is fascinating and overwhelming at the same time. I have always known that implementing an art studio would be a good idea, but I didn’t know the demand would be greater than the available facilities.”

From being awarded the second prize for Sculpture at the 2020 Bank Windhoek Triennial (2021) to having her works featured in local and international collections, Nghidishange’s artistic achievements are a testament to her artistry and personal expression. As she looks ahead to creating a new body of work for her next solo exhibition, Elisia Nghidishange remains grounded, thoughtful and deliberate in her process, always in conversation with the materials she holds in her hands.