Visual artists imitate life with masterpieces
The NAGN and Bank Windhoek collaboration is the fifth consecutive sponsorship, and to date, the bank has ploughed over N$1.1 million into the project as part of its continued commitment to Namibian art.
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WINDHOEK
There are many ways of telling stories. One of the most compelling ways is through visual arts.
On Thursday, 22 April, the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) in Windhoek was filled with artists from all walks of life for the launch of the Bank Windhoek Triennial 2020, an exhibition that showcases the diversity of art produced by Namibian artists.
A total of 491 submissions was received, of which 233 are from outside of Windhoek, and during the judging process, 152 entries in eight categories made it to the finals.
Saima Iita's 'Women Feelings in the 20th Century', a metal sculpture illustrating a woman breaking free from chains, earned him the overall winner spot.
Iita shared that the objective of his artwork is to raise awareness on the dictatorial powers that have kept women in bondage for a long time.
Iita’s ‘A Heart Sense’ also won the three-dimensional category. The metal work portrays a human torso with a large golden heart protruding from it.
"These are my first awards. I am now confident that I can do more," Iita, who dreams of owning an arts foundation to inspire the Namibian youth, said.
Environmental impact
Meanwhile, Ismael Shivute's '3 000 Divided By 24' creation won the two-dimensional category. The artwork consists of 3 000 aerosol can tops flattened and stitched together into a wall installation, and draws attention to the environmental impact of aerosols on the ozone layer.
"If one person uses two spray cans in a month, that equates to 24 in a year. This work is the result of 125 people's empty spray cans," he said.
The contemporary customary art category went to Anastacia Karenga with her piece 'Heart Shape, Trust, Sharing', while Ina-Maria Shikongo scooped the textile art category with her submission 'George Floyd'.
“I wove this creation in the colours of the United States flag. It highlights the continuing injustice that young African Americans are experiencing in the States," she said.
Veteran visual artist Ndasuunje ‘Papa’ Shikongeni won second place with his work named 'Fishrot Greediness.'
“I challenged myself to explore other mediums. And the result is a tripod installation showcasing the plight for the exploitation of Namibia's resources by its leaders," he said.
Committed to the arts
An NAGN initiative in collaboration with Bank Windhoek, the event marks the fifth consecutive sponsorship, and to date, the bank has ploughed over N$1.1 million into the project.
"In our continued commitment to the support of the arts in Namibia, we place great value on this partnership," Bank Windhoek's head of corporate social investments, sponsorship and events, Bronwyn Moody, said.
Iita said the recognition and platform motivated his artistic development.
“With this win, I now know that I can enthuse others to achieve their best,” he said.
“We can market our country and create jobs because of this initiative. Arts is the solution to creating something new; changing lives.”
Hosted at the NAGN gallery in Windhoek, the exhibition will be open free of charge until Saturday, 31 July. All artwork sales are for the artist’s benefit.
WINDHOEK
There are many ways of telling stories. One of the most compelling ways is through visual arts.
On Thursday, 22 April, the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) in Windhoek was filled with artists from all walks of life for the launch of the Bank Windhoek Triennial 2020, an exhibition that showcases the diversity of art produced by Namibian artists.
A total of 491 submissions was received, of which 233 are from outside of Windhoek, and during the judging process, 152 entries in eight categories made it to the finals.
Saima Iita's 'Women Feelings in the 20th Century', a metal sculpture illustrating a woman breaking free from chains, earned him the overall winner spot.
Iita shared that the objective of his artwork is to raise awareness on the dictatorial powers that have kept women in bondage for a long time.
Iita’s ‘A Heart Sense’ also won the three-dimensional category. The metal work portrays a human torso with a large golden heart protruding from it.
"These are my first awards. I am now confident that I can do more," Iita, who dreams of owning an arts foundation to inspire the Namibian youth, said.
Environmental impact
Meanwhile, Ismael Shivute's '3 000 Divided By 24' creation won the two-dimensional category. The artwork consists of 3 000 aerosol can tops flattened and stitched together into a wall installation, and draws attention to the environmental impact of aerosols on the ozone layer.
"If one person uses two spray cans in a month, that equates to 24 in a year. This work is the result of 125 people's empty spray cans," he said.
The contemporary customary art category went to Anastacia Karenga with her piece 'Heart Shape, Trust, Sharing', while Ina-Maria Shikongo scooped the textile art category with her submission 'George Floyd'.
“I wove this creation in the colours of the United States flag. It highlights the continuing injustice that young African Americans are experiencing in the States," she said.
Veteran visual artist Ndasuunje ‘Papa’ Shikongeni won second place with his work named 'Fishrot Greediness.'
“I challenged myself to explore other mediums. And the result is a tripod installation showcasing the plight for the exploitation of Namibia's resources by its leaders," he said.
Committed to the arts
An NAGN initiative in collaboration with Bank Windhoek, the event marks the fifth consecutive sponsorship, and to date, the bank has ploughed over N$1.1 million into the project.
"In our continued commitment to the support of the arts in Namibia, we place great value on this partnership," Bank Windhoek's head of corporate social investments, sponsorship and events, Bronwyn Moody, said.
Iita said the recognition and platform motivated his artistic development.
“With this win, I now know that I can enthuse others to achieve their best,” he said.
“We can market our country and create jobs because of this initiative. Arts is the solution to creating something new; changing lives.”
Hosted at the NAGN gallery in Windhoek, the exhibition will be open free of charge until Saturday, 31 July. All artwork sales are for the artist’s benefit.
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