Prints
Prints were central to John Muafangejo’s art. Using bold black-and-white linocuts, he combined images and text to tell stories of Namibian life, history, and faith. The reproducible nature of prints helped his work reach wide audiences at home and abroad.
Hope and Optimism
John Muafangejo’s artwork “Hope and Optimism, In Spite of Present Difficulties” inspired a global art project and was used to celebrate Nelson Mandela, reflecting themes of resilience and unity during periods of struggle like the fight for Namibian independence and the anti-apartheid movement. The artwork’s universal message of staying optimistic amidst challenges made it relevant to contemporary struggles for justice and equality
Mother and Child
Mother and Child is a linocut by John Muafangejo that reflects one of his recurring themes; family and community. The print depicts a mother with her child, a subject that appears often in his work as part of his focus on everyday Namibian life. Like many of his pieces, it combines simple forms with bold contrasts to convey both intimacy and strength.
Judas Iscariot Betrayed Our Lord Jesus
This work is divided into two parts. On the right, a clean-shaven Judas is shown embracing Jesus while two bearded figures, with weapons in their hands and sheathed swords, look on. They must be part of the high priest’s entourage. Above are words from Luke’s Gospel (22:48). On the left Judas is shown hanging from a tree: three 1-rand notes (the currency of South Africa where the artist was born), the price of betrayal, can be seen below the foliage. The words on this side are non-biblical.
