Tuli Mekondjo

In this exhibition, with its title in Oshiwambo, English and Finnish, Namibian artist Tuli Mekondjo focuses on social justice and spirituality as she examines the rise of Finnish Lutheran missionary-led Christianity in northern Namibia. In this process, Mekondjo asks broader, pressing questions about the relationships between colonialism, African spirituality and the need for healing among many African peoples, both on the continent and in the diaspora. The exhibition was presented in October 2025 by St James’s Church, Piccadilly in partnership with Guns & Rain, Johannesburg, and Hales, London and New York.

Mekondjo’s research on the rise of Christianity in Namibia began during her DAAD Fellowship in Berlin (2022-2023). She explores legacies of cultural loss and erasure in the context of colonisation, and the widespread acceptance of missionary-driven Christianity among her ancestors at Nakambale. The artist collects historical photographs—sourced from books, public and personal archives, and postcards—which she uses as a starting point for her works. Here, she draws on the archives of the Finnish Heritage Agency (FMS). The FMS began its mission in 1870 in German South West Africa (today's Namibia).

Tuli Mekondjo (b. 1982) is a self-taught artist, born in exile in Angola during Namibia’s Independence War. Mekondjo is primarily known for her mixed media and embroidered paintings, as well as her performance practice.  Mekondjo’s rigorous work is a pursuit to connect with and honour her Namibian heritage. Her work has been presented in dozens of exhibitions internationally, including at multiple museums and institutions globally. She lives and works in Windhoek, Namibia.

St James’s Church, Piccadilly was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and consecrated in 1684. After the bombing of 1940, the church was rebuilt, and has developed a reputation for being creative and inclusive, rooted in its Christian faith as part of the Anglican Communion but welcoming to people of all faiths and none. Curated by Revd Dr Ayla Lepine, Art in the Side Chapel expresses the power of creativity and faith, emphasising diverse perspectives by both emerging and established artists.

This exhibition was supported by Guns & Rain Johannesburg and Hales London.