The art of remembering

Art, memory and the moments that shape usA photo. A letter. A card. An object that instantly takes you back — to a person, a place, a moment you never want to forget. That's what memorabilia is: treasures we keep because they hold a piece of our history. The Latin word memorabilia means "things worth remembering", while in Dutch it's denkenwaardigheden — literally, "thought-worthy things." This idea lies at the heart of Pedro Vorster's latest exhibition, Memorabilia, opening today in the upper gallery of the National Art Gallery of Namibia. A celebrated Namibian poet, photographer, writer and award-winning visual artist, Pedro is presenting a collection of 33 works — mostly oil paintings and photographic prints — all under his remember theme. But Memorabilia is more than just an art show. Alongside his paintings, Pedro is sharing deeply personal items, including heirlooms from his childhood. Each piece is, as he puts it, "a magical event" from his years of artistic inspiration. The exhibition blends four central themes — people, landscapes, technology and mystical symbolism — and explores the complex relationship between them. Some works are brand new; others are older creations reimagined for this show. "Each work has guided my hand and my thoughts," Pedro says, "and has been crucial in my progress in art." His human figures often carry strong feminist undertones, sometimes portrayed erotically. One striking painting shows a man, frozen in time, about to stab his bride with a spear — a symbolic act giving her her lover's heart. Her posture and expression speak of defiance and regret, a commentary on the deep issues within intimate relationships, and a reminder of Namibia's ongoing struggle with gender-based violence. Pedro's love of the Namibian landscape also shines through, especially in the abstract shapes of rock formations and mountains. "The core meaning of my name, Pedro, comes from Petra, Latin for rock," he says. "The first artists in our country used rock surfaces as a veil between reality and a spiritual world. I try to explore beyond that curtain." The title Memorabilia reflects how unique objects gain value through their connection to people and moments that shaped history. Among the three personal items Pedro has included in the exhibition is a historic fundraising certificate worth N$1.7 million. Pedro's career is as varied as it is impressive. A former civil project manager, he has won multiple awards for painting and photography, including first prize in the Bank Windhoek Triennial Competition's photography category in 2011. He has written art columns for the Windhoek Observer and The Namibian, with his travelogues regularly published in Republikein. His 2012 satire book Headfull remains a fan favourite. His works are held in the permanent collections of the National Art Gallery, the Namibian government, the World Bank in Seattle, and private collections in Italy, Germany, Wales, Scotland, Japan, and Namibia. Memorabilia is on display until 6 September. – [email protected] photo. A letter. A card. An object that instantly takes you back — to a person, a place, a moment you never want to forget. That's what memorabilia is: treasures we keep because they hold a piece of our history. The Latin word memorabilia means "things worth remembering", while in Dutch it's denkenwaardigheden — literally, "thought-worthy things." This idea lies at the heart of Pedro Vorster's latest exhibition, Memorabilia, opening today in the upper gallery of the National Art Gallery of Namibia. A celebrated Namibian poet, photographer, writer and award-winning visual artist, Pedro is presenting a collection of 33 works — mostly oil paintings and photographic prints — all under his remember theme. But Memorabilia is more than just an art show. Alongside his paintings, Pedro is sharing deeply personal items, including heirlooms from his childhood. Each piece is, as he puts it, "a magical event" from his years of artistic inspiration. The exhibition blends four central themes — people, landscapes, technology and mystical symbolism — and explores the complex relationship between them. Some works are brand new; others are older creations reimagined for this show. "Each work has guided my hand and my thoughts," Pedro says, "and has been crucial in my progress in art." His human figures often carry strong feminist undertones, sometimes portrayed erotically. One striking painting shows a man, frozen in time, about to stab his bride with a spear — a symbolic act giving her her lover's heart. Her posture and expression speak of defiance and regret, a commentary on the deep issues within intimate relationships, and a reminder of Namibia's ongoing struggle with gender-based violence. Pedro's love of the Namibian landscape also shines through, especially in the abstract shapes of rock formations and mountains. "The core meaning of my name, Pedro, comes from Petra, Latin for rock," he says. "The first artists in our country used rock surfaces as a veil between reality and a spiritual world. I try to explore beyond that curtain." The title Memorabilia reflects how unique objects gain value through their connection to people and moments that shaped history. Among the three personal items Pedro has included in the exhibition is a historic fundraising certificate worth N$1.7 million. Pedro's career is as varied as it is impressive. A former civil project manager, he has won multiple awards for painting and photography, including first prize in the Bank Windhoek Triennial Competition's photography category in 2011. He has written art columns for the Windhoek Observer and The Namibian, with his travelogues regularly published in Republikein. His 2012 satire book Headfull remains a fan favourite. His works are held in the permanent collections of the National Art Gallery, the Namibian government, the World Bank in Seattle, and private collections in Italy, Germany, Wales, Scotland, Japan, and Namibia. Memorabilia is on display until 6 September. – [email protected]