Laimi Mbangula

Laimi Mbangula was born in Eenhana, northernNamibia. Having graduated from the College ofthe Arts in 2016, Mbangula is currently furtheringher studies at the University of Namibia.Mbangula is at the beginning of what looks to bea very successful career. Her artistic practice hasformed out of her lived experience, oftenchoosing to work with motifs from the tools andutensils “we have always used in ourhomesteads and villages”.The artist’s sense of identity is deeply rooted inthese objects; “When I think about the factthat these items are becoming extinct I feeldistressed, and a sense of loss”. The laboriousprocess of cutting and printing stencils by handmeans that every textile piece or print thatMbangula creates is entirely unique and original.Mbangula’s textile practice has developed toinclude working with new and recycled rope andfabric to explore traditional basket weavingtechniques in a contemporary context. She hasparticipated in a number of group exhibitionssince 2013. ‘Inside the Room’ at StArt Art Galleryin September 2017 was Mbangula’s first soloexhibition.

‍