John Muafangejo
Biography

John Ndevasia Muafangejo (1943–1987) was a Namibian printmaker, born at Etunda lo Nghadi in southern Angola within the Kwanyama community. He studied at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Art and Craft Centre at Rorke’s Drift in South Africa from 1967 to 1969. His life crossed the borders of present-day Namibia, Angola and South Africa.

Working primarily in linocut, Muafangejo developed a direct narrative style. He carved words into the image block, making text integral to the print’s rhythm and meaning. Christian references, Kwanyama history and political realities appear in a personal visual language distinct from the practices of Azaria Mbatha and Dan Rakgoathe.

After Rorke’s Drift he taught at Odibo and later settled in Windhoek. His prints reached international audiences, including the São Paulo Biennial in 1972 and the Brooklyn Museum in 1976. He remains central to the history of Namibian printmaking.