‘Shebeen Queens’ to open at Café Prestige

‘Shebeen Queens’ is an intimate photo series by photographer Julia Runge that portrays the hardships and triumphs of women who own and run shebeens in Namibia and South Africa.“Running their businesses gives them the economic empowerment that allows them to support themselves, their families and gives them the freedom to determine their destinies,” Runge said.At the opening of the exhibition, five sheeben owners - Maria, Belinda, Rauna, Lilye and Aina - will also be in attendance to share their stories and experiences first-hand. Their surnames have been omitted to protect their identities.Artistic insightRunge was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1990. She lived in Namibia from 2010 to 2012 and has returned to visit the country often since. She obtained her photography degree in 2015 at the Ostkreuzschule in Berlin with the photo series ‘Basterland’, that delves into the traditions and culture of the Baster community in Rehoboth.Her work primarily focuses on social structures and culture, and sees her using natural and empathetic pictorial language to open an artistic insight into the subject.She has exhibited in Germany, China, France, Nigeria, Uganda, the United States of America, Switzerland, Italy, Malaysia, and Namibia.“‘Shebeen Queens’ is dedicated to all the women who won&#039;t be crushed by their circumstances and who have the courage and strength to uplift themselves and their communities,” the photographer said.The ‘Shebeen Queens&#039; photobook is available for purchase for N$500. This exhibition is possible thanks to the sponsorship of the embassy of the Republic of Germany in Windhoek and the Deutsch-Namibische Gesellschaft.For more about the artist and exhibition, contact Efano Efano Gallery at 081 778 6607, email efanoefanogallery@gmail.com or visit juliarunge.com.

‘Shebeen Queens’ to open at Café Prestige

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-01-02

Please login to leave a comment

‘Shebeen Queens’ to open at Café Prestige

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-01-02

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content