Berlin Welcomes ‘Home of Mine’ Photo Exhibition

The bustling heart of Berlin’s art scene recently played host to the much-anticipated opening of the photo exhibition ‘Home of Mine’ at the Fotogalerie Friedrichshain.

Former Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda graced the event with his presence, marking a remarkable continuation of the exhibition’s journey from its initial showcase in Windhoek.

The exhibition, which serves as the culmination of a three-week-long Reframe Photography Workshop held in Windhoek in 2022, was once again met with a warm and enthusiastic audience.

Just like at Windhoek’s Cafe Prestige last year, the Berlin gallery had a healthy number of attendees, showcasing the timeless allure of visual storytelling.

Funded by the mayor of Berlin, the staging of ‘Home of Mine’ in the German capital mirrors the artistic vision brought to life by the dedicated facilitators, Julia Runge, Lisa Ossenbrink and Hildegard Titus, who tirelessly worked to bring this extraordinary photography project to fruition through a workshop.

During the original opening, Ossenbrink fondly reminisced about the tremendous effort that went into preparing the workshop. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of all involved, the event flowed smoothly, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the captivating world of the photographs.

Th heart of the exhibition lies in the works of 14 talented participants, who embarked on a creative journey centered around the theme ‘Home of Mine’.

This theme encouraged them to explore both abstract and literal interpretations, and their resulting photographs encompassed a wide spectrum of subjects.

The eclectic collection of images captures the essence of youth culture, the concept of safe spaces, the intricacies of identity and the pursuit of economic freedom in both Windhoek and its surrounding areas.

Each photograph, whether it portrays a poignant portrait, a breathtaking landscape, the vibrant local markets, or the bustling street views, is a reflection of the artist’s personal connection to the theme.

Participat Elago Akwaake captured a compelling narrative through his thought-provoking series titled ‘Home is a Drag’. His photographs shine a spotlight on the vibrant and courageous queer and gender diverse Namibian community, shedding light on their resilience in the face of adversity.

‘Home is a Drag’ unveils the flourishing drag scene in Namibia, a community where individuals demonstrate both the art of performance and the profound political message it carries.

This poignant portrayal takes on even greater significance in a country where same-sex sexual activity is prohibited, putting the performers at Drag Night Namibia at risk every time they step onto the stage.

Other exhibitors are Janet Mwatongw, our very own Martha Mukaiwa, Esther N Kambonde, Steven De Beer, Sheugnei Cloete, Rachel Sakeus, Natache Sylvia lilonga, Laimi Hawala, Saara lita, Shili Munyama and Olivia Nghaamwa.

These photographs, along with the entire collection, will remain on display for the public to enjoy until 20 October.

This series clearly demonstrates that art knows no borders and ‘Home of Mine’ offers a glimpse into the diverse narratives that shape our world.

• Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer, YouTuber and social commentator from Windhoek, Namibia. Email her at annehambuda@gmail.com or follow her online for more.