Njalikwa Chongwe

Njalikwa Chongwe is a ceramic artist based in South Fremantle. His Zambian father and Australian mother met while his father was studying at the University of Western Australia and he was born in Sydney in 1966.

Njalikwa’s interest in ceramic art developed during his early years in Zambia surrounded by a rich collection of African art and craft, and hands on experiences with local artists. His family was immersed in traditional and modern art and craft techniques.

He was educated in Zambia and Western Australia and by the age of 14 was already showing an interest in clay. Njalikwa traces his ceramic talents to his great grandmother, Wajipha, a traditional Ngoni potter. After completing a diploma in Studio Ceramics in 1988 he and his wife Jacqueline Rodrigues opened Zinongo Gallery/Studio in South Fremantle.

Njalikwa returns regularly to Zambia to renew his connections with his artistic roots, essential, he explains, to the continuing evolution of his work. Njalikwa produces a wide range of ceramics pieces, he explores a range of forms and styles which make his work hard to compartmentalise.

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Image courtesy of Njalikwa Chongwe. Photography by Trilokesh Chanmugam.