Authentic to the core
Oh My Goodness! opens
“Oh, My Goodness!” – a joint exhibition by Heidi Louw and Elisia Nghidishange of E-Tunga Studio – opens at the Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie on Wednesday at 18:30.This two-woman powerhouse with vastly different backgrounds in so many creative facets has come together to create this collection.
Both these authentic, humble, and preferably “behind the scenes” individuals share insight into a world that is raw, real and unpretentious through their creative expression. No shiny, happy people, no bubble gum smiles and no fuss.
Heidi Louw lives to paint. Her works are a visual feast where expressions and situations waltz around the canvas accompanied by a chorus of exceptionally rare colour combinations and compositions. Her portraits are candid and real while serene.
Heidi’s technique is naturally defined by her uncommon brush strokes, her sense of colour and the particular way in which she portrays human beings.
And then there’s E-Tunga Studios, headed by the creative hands and mastermind of Elisia Nghidishange. Well-known and awarded as a mixed media sculptor and printmaker, Elisia opened E-Tunga Studios in Eembaxu in December 2021. The studio based in the Ohangwena Region, aims to provide art classes and workshops – a passion she shares with Heidi who also owned a teaching ceramics studio in Walvis Bay.
As a little girl, Elisia watched her mother create traditional pots for household activities and helped her to prepare the clay in return for clay to make her small pots. In this exhibition, Elisia is returning to her roots by exploring product development and designing for E-Tunga Studios.
E-Tunga Studio’s design signature is no fuss and no frills. Through the use of texture and natural colours, the objects are down to earth, raw and real; another trait she shares with Louw.
When asked why Elisia keeps going back to making objects from clay she says: “I love clay, but this is not just me loving clay. I have so much patience for it and I think it’s in my blood.”
Bringing these two artists together was like bringing a moth to the flame. Both have a level-headed and realistic approach to how they see their art. They love what they do rather than doing it for exposure, recognition, or fame.
“I am content and once a painting is finished and I have given it my all, I have reached the ultimate happiness. I am not sentimental about my art; I can let it go. It’s the process I thrive on not the end product,” Heidi says.
Elisia adds: “All I can say is that I will never stop to create, whether I see myself or my business somewhere or not, I don’t really care. As long as I can do what I love. I am happy.”
The gallery is located at 18 Bell Street. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 12:30 and by appointment.
The exhibition can be viewed until 8 October.