Petrus Amuthenu

The Watcher, Petrus Amuthenu, linoleum block print on brown paper

2021

A master printmaker, Petrus Amuthenu also uses pencil, charcoal, spray-paint, tipex, oil paint, watercolour and printing ink, combined with a variety of different techniques to create his works. Amuthenu’s artworks draw on pop-culture and related motifs. A mix of urban and noticeably Namibian motifs, invites a local, young audience to relate and respond to his visual social commentary. Emanating from his background in printmaking, Amuthenu’s mark making is often highly detailed and dynamic and this translates into his paintings. His works can often be seen as murals all around Namibia as well as on paper and canvas. Petrus Amuthenu was born in Swakopmund and grew up in northern Namibia in Uukwaludhi. In 2002 a chance encounter with the late artist Samuel Mbingilo at the Katutura Community Art Centre gave Amuthenu his first introduction to the Namibian art world. In 2015, Amuthenu held his first solo exhibition ‘Urban style / Kasi style’ at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC). The exhibition ‘Freeing My Mind’ followed at the National Art Gallery of Namibia in 2016. In 2017, the artist held his third solo exhibition ‘My Heritage’ at the FNCC. As well as his solo exhibitions, the artist has participated in various group shows locally and internationally. Collections: National Art Gallery of Namibia, Collection of the government of the Republic of Namibia, Museum Würth (Germany), Tulipamwe International Artists Workshop Collection (Namibia), Art Ceduna (Australia), European Union Delegation (Namibia), Private Collections: The Netherlands, Germany, Namibia, South Africa