The Love is Approaching 1974

John Muafangejo made this linocut print titled 'The Love is Approaching' in 1974. The print depicts two figures amidst lush vegetation, accompanied by the cautionary text: "THE LOVE IS APPROACHING, But too much of any thing is Very dangerous." Muafangejo, working in Namibia during a period of intense social and political change, often used his art to reflect on the human condition. The phrase in this work has biblical connotations, and the choice of the word 'love' is used to examine the moral landscape of his time. Produced in the context of apartheid, the print’s visual language would have resonated with those experiencing social upheaval, reflecting the artist's commentary on moderation and caution in a society marked by excess and danger. Understanding Muafangejo’s work requires delving into Namibia's history, its social structures, and the institutional forces that shaped artistic expression. Researching mission archives, colonial records, and oral histories can reveal the complexities of his art. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art is deeply rooted in social and institutional contexts.