Windhoek — An exciting art exhibition, showcasing the artwork and music of one of Namibia's foremost artists and musicians, Ndasuunje Shikongeni aka Papa, opened in Studio 77 in Windhoek this week.

Together with his artwork, Papa also launched his latest CD titled 'Aathigona'.

The exhibition was opened by Namibian business personality Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, who informed patrons that Papa was an internationally renowned artist, who spent his early days as part of the struggle for Namibia's freedom and independence.

Papa's foundation, as a visual artist, started with drawing, but he developed extensive experience in working with wood and papier maché.

He is also experienced in sculpting and developed a niche for himself in printmaking, using a variety of techniques such as linoleum, paper and cardboard. Papa is well-known for his pioneering work in cardboard technique, which has gained significant popularity among Namibia's art fraternity.

After being mentored by Namibian artist, Joseph Madisia, while working together at home, Papa was motivated to transfer his skills and extend his precious talent and passion to young Namibians through teaching and coaching.

Art and music are very vivid and effective ways of expressing a people's way of life and traditions. Papa's masterpieces have reflected peace, harmony, hard work, discipline and respect, which are the pinnacles of Namibian culture.

He has a very subtle, but effective way of pointing out the dangers of such social ills like alcoholism. Papa's art truly "washes away the dust of everyday life" as Pablo Picasso once said.

Papa's art was showcased along with his new CD. This shows that apart from being an accomplished artist in Namibia, Papa has exhibited and sold his works both locally and internationally.

The artist has won a number of awards. He was the overall winner of the Youth Expo Business Merit Award in 1997. In addition, he was awarded a bronze medal in Graphics at the International Artists Master Class Workshop in St Petersburg in Russia in 1997, as well as the High Merit Award in Graphic Printmaking at the /Ae//Gams Cultural Festival in 2006.

Today his artworks are sought-after by art lovers and can be found in private homes and businesses. His works are on display at Namibian embassies in various countries and can also be seen on the premises of companies and institutions such as NamWater, Namcol, Bank of Namibia, the University of Namibia as well as the Supreme Court of Namibia.

Papa's music appeals to a wide spectrum of society and Namibians of all ages will enjoy his spiritual music delivered in Papa's powerful voice. The 31 art pieces currently on display such as cardboard, his forte, and ink on paper, are excellent investments. This exhibition by Papa Shikongeni the artist, the musician, the teacher, the freedom fighter and the man, should not be missed by anybody interested in serious works of art.

The exhibition opening included performances by the Ondjodjo Cultural Group from Oshana, which will perform, with Papa, at the Namibian pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo later this month. The exhibition runs until August 31.