Did you know: Unknown islands off Africa
March 20, 2013Maria Nepembe – Namibian model
March 20, 2013Text and photographs(s) Marita van Rooyen
The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) is a state-owned institution acting as a cultural as well as an artistic instrument. Our main focus is to establish a systematic programme that provides the optimal methodology for informing and inspiring the general public about visual and cultural arts in the country. All Namibians should be able to interpret and appreciate the arts. It is therefore the task of the NAGN to involve locals and visitors by giving them full access to our galleries and Permanent Collections, and to stage wide-ranging exhibitions throughout the year.
Hercules Viljoen, Director of the NAGN
Former Professor and Head of Department in Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Namibia, Hercules Viljoen was recently appointed as the new director of Namibia’s National Art Gallery. A man with a vision and an unequivocal mission, he and his team are planning great things for the Namibian arts scene.
In recent months Hercules has picked up on a different vibe at the national institution. “The NAGN has become more vibrant. Increasing numbers of feet are walking through our doors. We are looking for ways to make the Gallery more relevant to the communities out there. We aim to enrich and uplift them through the arts.”
“Following Independence the Namibian arts scene experienced a hiatus, but then in 1994, with the launch of the Tulipamwe Project, new life was blown into local art makers. Tulipamwe means ‘we are together’. It was aimed at sharing art with all Namibians. A spirit of creativeness was developed and fresh young talent was expanded to include the previously disadvantaged. You could say it was a Namibian renaissance!” Hercules hopes to relaunch the Tulipamwe Project some time in the near future.
So who inspires the NAGN’s new hero? “Except for my mother?” he asks with a smile. “Artists who succeed to work with ideas in a clever and innovative way. And those who have artistic appeal!”
He names contemporary South African artist William Kentridge and local art legend John Muafangejo. “I honour Muafangejo for his spirit, contagious enthusiasm, discipline, and hard work despite having minimal resources.”
This year, visitors to the NAGN can expect several surprises in the form of exhibitions. The focus will remain on providing a platform for local artists, but with a touch of inspiration from abroad. Refurbishment and improvement of the building with its exhibition spaces are also on the cards.
The National Art Gallery of Namibia is located at the corner of John Meinert Street and Robert Mugabe Avenue. It houses a vibrant Gallery Shop with a wide variety of locally produced art and craft items.
This article was originally published in the March 2013 Flamingo magazine (Air Namibia's in-flight magazine).
