JOSEPH Madisia's life journey and his evolution as an artist is in many ways intertwined with and symbolic of Namibia's recent history. Born in 1954 in Lüderitz, Madisia belongs to the generation that has witnessed the final stages of apartheid colonialism and the first decades of the country's Independence.His opportunities and artistic development were largely affected and influenced by external circumstances.Madisia and his artwork also made significant contributions to reclaiming Namibian culture that extended the accomplishments of his predecessor the late Muafangejo. Madisia believed in the humanitarian and spiritual power of art to evoke social change. He was never inspired by partisan politics, but by an inner creative energy to achieve unity and reconciliation and reshape black identity after apartheid. However, Madisia’s significant contributions to the Namibian art community did not end with his artwork or by being an exemplary role model for black youth; instead, his achievements as a teacher, board member, and art administrator must be considered for the role they played in reestablishing black culture and creating opportunity for younger artists. Madisia assumed the responsibility of augmenting art education opportunities for young blacks, improving art curriculum, and shaping art policy by sitting on boards for some of Namibia’s most important art institutions. This had a significant impact during this phase of Namibian development and beyond. Education1996 -1999 BA Fine Arts, UNAM (University of Namibia) BA Fine Arts.1983 Attend “ecc” Evening classesEmployment2011 Full time Visual Artist and Compilation Biography.2005 Director - National Art Gallery of Namibia.2001 Acting director - John Muafangejo Arts Centre. Katatura.Windhoek, Namibia.2000 Lecturer - Arts Management and Development.National government.1991 Art Workshop Coordinator - Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Windhoek1987 Media Technologist - Academy for Tertiary Education , Namibia1983 Reprographic and photographic staff - “Namib Advertising and Public Relations” advertising agency.1978 Senior Operator Instructor/Supervisor - Rossing Uranium Mine, SwakopmundGroup Exhibitions (International)2012 “Made in Africa – Towards Cultural Liberation” at Sandton Gallery, Nelson Mandela Square on 24 May.2009 “Dialogue among Civilizations” Art for Human Rights exhibition at University of Technology – Durban, South Africa.(catalogued)2004 “Generation of Namibian Printmakers” traveling ex