Santana unveils Nebula Infestation in striking debut exhibition
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday April 24, 2026 13:30
Titled Nebula Infestation, the three-week exhibition showcases a series of drawings built around a distinctive visual concept Santana has been developing since 2022, known as the 'Nebula Snake.' The motif appears across multiple pieces, acting as a symbolic thread that gives form to otherwise invisible emotional and psychological struggles. Speaking at the opening, Santana described the Nebula Snake as a personal tool for expression.
“This is essentially my totem or motif that I use to express turmoil, anxieties, and internal unrest. I wanted to depict how this inner turmoil exists beneath the human form, beneath the self,” he said. The exhibition features 12 framed artworks alongside four posters available for sale, offering a range of visual experiences. From small, highly detailed drawings to large, immersive compositions, the works invite viewers into an introspective journey rather than providing fixed interpretations. Santana’s approach blends expressive painting techniques with meticulous line work. “Stylistically, I was looking for a balance between an expressionistic style using brush and acrylic, and the intricate Nebula Snake rendered in fine line,” he explained. “I think I found a bit of that balance.” Santana said at its core, Nebula Infestation seeks to spark reflection and conversation around emotional experiences that are often difficult to articulate.
Santana emphasised the universality of hidden struggles in everyday life. “We often interact with one another daily without knowing what anyone is dealing with,” he said. “The exhibition is a way of illustrating the inner turbulence we all carry as human beings,” he added. Rather than focusing mainly on catering to commercial expectations, the exhibition encourages engagement with contemporary art as a platform for honest human expression. Santana hopes audiences will connect with the work on a deeper level and reflect on their own internal landscapes. “The aim is to bring out emotions that are hard to confront, whether personally or publicly,” he noted. Nebula Infestation runs for three weeks at Alliance Française, inviting art enthusiasts and the public alike to experience a thought-provoking exploration of the unseen forces shaping modern life.
By hosting this exhibition, Alliance Française de Gaborone continues to position itself as a platform for local creative voices that address contemporary issues. “We are committed to supporting artists who engage with real societal questions. This exhibition speaks directly to themes that resonate strongly with young people today, and highlights the role of art in creating dialogue and connection,” said Anne-Charlotte Monneret, Director of Alliance Française de Gaborone.