Laimi Mbangula (b. 1988) was born in Eenhana, northern Namibia. Having graduated from the College of the Arts in 2016, Mbangula is currently furthering her studies at the University of Namibia. Mbangula is at the beginning of what looks to be a very successful career. Her artistic practice has formed out of her lived experience, often choosing to work with motifs from the tools and utensils “we have always used in our homesteads and villages”.

The artist’s sense of identity is deeply rooted in these objects;  “When I think about the fact that these items are becoming extinct I feel distressed, and a sense of loss”.  The laborious process of cutting and printing stencils by hand means that every textile piece or print that Mbangula creates is entirely unique and original. 

Mbangula’s textile practice has developed to include working with new and recycled rope and fabric to explore traditional basket weaving techniques in a contemporary context. She has participated in a number of group exhibitions since 2013. ‘Inside the Room’ at StArt Art Gallery in September 2017 was Mbangula’s first solo exhibition.

Collections: National Art Gallery of Namibia, Private Collections: Namibia, South Africa