4 minute read
Fuelled by Curiosity
Through the Lens of Legacy: Nessy Hilifilwa's Journey in Photography
In the realm of artistry, where creativity intertwines with passion, Nessy Hilifilwa stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and mentorship. His journey as a photographer was moulded by renowned Namibian photographer, Tony Figueira, a luminary in Namibia's photography sphere. With profound gratitude, Nessy acknowledges, "I am today, because of Tony Figueira. He mentored and groomed me." Under Tony's guidance for six years, Nessy not only honed his technical skills but also gained invaluable lessons on the business facets of photography, laying the foundation for his future endeavours, where he today owns his own business together with his wife.
Fuelled by an innate curiosity for technology and a passion for visual storytelling, Nessy pursued Media Studies at the College of the Arts. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shares, "I majored in graphic design, which I believe has given me an advantage with my photography."
The symbiotic relationship between mentorship and opportunity manifested when Andrew Weir, a lecturer and friend of Tony Figueira, recognised Nessy's dedication and recommended him to assist Tony. Nessy explains that “Andrew saw my passion, I was one of the top students in my class.”
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in Nessy's life under Tony's mentorship. “I learnt so much from Tony. Today I often think about how fortunate I was to be mentored by one of the best photographers in this country. It moulded me and made me into the person that I am today.”
Tony Figueira's legacy reverberates through Nessy's work. Reflecting on Tony's influence, Nessy remarks that if he could speak to him today, he would say that he’s “really grateful to him to have made me the person that I am today. I think my work speaks for itself, and if he could see it, I know he'd be proud.”
Nessy’s favourite photography demonstrates how his heart remains tethered to the rugged terrain of Namibia, where he finds solace in capturing the untamed beauty of its landscapes. He has a fervent desire to showcase the splendour of his homeland.
...his heart remains tethered to the rugged terrain of Namibia, where he finds solace in capturing the untamed beauty of its landscapes.
As Tony Figueira used to teach, "photography is painting with light," says Nessy, who seeks to illuminate the beauty inherent in every moment. Through his photography, he hopes to inspire an appreciation in his audiences, “I hope that through my photography I can show the people that the world is beautiful.”
Nessy feels fortunate as a photographer, being the one who truly focuses on each moment to discover the perfect image within it. Nessy illustrates this through a recent incident when he was chosen to document the King of Belgium's visit to Namibia. While at the coast, he keenly observed a captivating interplay of colours in the sky. "That's the essence of my photography," he explains. "I immerse myself in the surroundings, noticing every detail. At that moment, I saw a beautiful array of blue and orange hues. I mentally framed the shot and captured the image."
Nessy is today seeing the world with his art. Notable moments include being selected to cover an oil and gas conference in Dakar, Senegal or when the image he took of Sven Thieme was blown up and displayed in New York Times Square on Thieme’s winning the “Top International Executive Chairman of the Year” award.
Nessy has cultivated an impressive reputation through his photography, a journey that unfolded gradually over time. "Building recognition takes patience and consistency," he emphasises. "Persistence is key; don't lose heart, as establishing a solid reputation requires time and dedication." With fifteen years in the field, Nessy attests that persistence pays off. "Consistency leads you to a place where you thrive, enabling you to create something truly magical." Through his lens, he extends an invitation to behold the beauty that envelops us, urging us to cherish each moment with wonder and appreciation.
