This page shows an artwork by Namibian artist Ndinomholo Ndilula that formed part of the exhibition ‘Finding Memories: an everyday archive of Independence’ which took place online in February 2021. This exhibition was an activation within the Everyday Archive of Independence, which is a digital space for the everyday, family photos and personal memories. Official narratives and photo-journalism from this time in Namibian history often focused on capturing the pain and suffering of this era. While these narratives play an important role in helping us remember the past they also tell only part of the story.
Ndinomholo Ndilula’s reflections on the everyday archive of Independence are ones that highlight the tensions of autonomy in an archive and the complications that come from blending private and public space. While it can be an effective strategy to challenge hegemonic narratives of history, sharing intimate stories and images can be a source of discomfort. Ndilula’s collaborative reading of the African Union Convention on cyber security and personal data protection highlights the significance of what the artist calls “digital autonomy”. Ndilula’s contribution to the archive also takes the form of this open access document that he intends to update and modify as time progresses.
The public reading/performance of “Struggle Sharing: a reading of the African Union Convention on cyber security and personal data protection” that took place via zoom on the 11 Feb 2021.
“Circa ’96/’97 with my older brother Ndino. Barcelona Flats
📸: Papa”
“I was excited of my new little joy. I have been saying, is this my own. So cute, vulnerable and entirely depended on me. I loved every moment. I competed with my lecturers, kindergarten teachers to have time with you. During the day you were at kindergarten, weekend you were with my teachers, ndee oshili ohandi handuka ashike. That was love of my little comrade.”
