Tuli Mekondjo

Tuli Mekondjo ( b. 1982, Kwanza- Sul, Angola)  is a self-taught Namibian artist who is the recipient of the prestigious DAAD Artist-in Berlin Program in 2022. Mekondjo was shortlisted for the Norval Sovereign Africa art prize 2022/2023. Tuli Mekondjo works with mixed  media including embroidery, photo transfer, resin and mahangu ( millet) grain- a Namibian  food staple. Drawing on colonial  and  war-time  photographic  archives, Mekondjo’s practice  explores Namibian history and identity politics.

Drawing on histories of change, loss and submission- particularly  when it comes to women- she stitches between past and present. She pays homage to her forebears, fertility and continuity, whist commenting on gendered struggle, intergenerational trauma, and displacement. In many resent work, the artist positions  herself in dialogue  with her ancestors, directly acknowledging their pain, whilst referencing  multiple African folklore traditions. Spirituality is an increasingly important element in her work, and Mekondjo extends her textured media into performance.

Mekondjo has exhibited in multiple exhibitions and fairs, including museum shows, in Namibia, South Africa, Germany, Cote d’Ivoire, France , USA, Hong Kong, UK, Belgium and Portugal. Her works are held  in multiple international collections.