The practice of Germain Ngoma (b. 1953, Zimbabwe, raised in Zambia) finds its starting point in discarded and found materials, by-products of everyday consumption in a global perspective. In a constant alchemy-like process of research and exploration, he uses these materials – bearers of fragmentary information from society and culture – to challenge our unconscious, ingrained perceptions, and to invite new, reverberating associations of ideas.

Trained as a foundry technician before leaving Zambia, in 1983 Ngoma became the first Black student to attend Norway’s National Art Academy (today the Oslo National Academy of the Arts – KhiO). Immediately after completing his studies in 1988, he started working in a full-time position at the Academy as foreman to the sculpture and casting workshop, and nurtured thirty-three generations of art students until a workshop injury in 2021. Ngoma also held an important role in the exchange between Oslo and Lusaka, as co-founder of the Art Academy Without Walls (1996-2006) – with the aim to build a fine art academy suited to the cultural and financial landscape of Zambia. His sculptures are available to many in public spaces thanks to commissions by KORO – Art in Public Space Norway.

Ngoma takes part in the June Exhibition 2026, titled Shifting Coordinates.