Orange Farm 1974

John Muafangejo created the linocut "Orange Farm," filled with intricate scenes of community and labor. Muafangejo’s works often reflect his experiences growing up in Namibia under South African occupation and apartheid. "Orange Farm" offers a glimpse into the lives of Black laborers. The act of harvesting oranges, under the oppressive political conditions, becomes both a symbol of work and a testament to the resilience and collective identity of the people. The contrast between the figures harvesting the oranges, the vehicles transporting them, and the figures at the bottom, suggests the different roles within the community. Muafangejo's style, with its stark black and white contrasts, makes a powerful statement. The artist captures the communal spirit but also speaks to the inequalities inherent in the labor system. It's a personal reflection on the social structures that shaped his world. "Orange Farm" acts as a visual record, a narrative of a community navigating complex social and political realities, inviting us to reflect on the human stories embedded within historical contexts.