All systems go for 2017 Triennial

WINDHOEK, Aug. 19 – After some 350 entries submitted their finest works in search of approval, only 70 artworks by 60 artists remain as finalists in The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) and Bank Windhoek Triennial exhibition.

A follow-up to the 2014 event, the Triennial is a nationwide arts exhibition and competition that occurs every three years, beginning in 2008, followed by 2011. This year, the 2017 edition is the fourth segment of the mammoth event and it officially opens on Friday, 1 September 2017 at 18h00 running until 28 October 2017.

Large-scale art exhibitions such as this happen all over the world in many different countries, and in this country, the aims are to celebrate visual art in Namibia and provide a platform for raising standards.

It is also an opportunity to engage in dialogue around cultural diversity within the society as well as promoting unity in celebrating diversity. All artists with Namibian citizenship, domicile or permanent residence were invited to apply to be part of this exhibition, and an adjudication panel of three local and two international judges made a selection of artworks for the exhibition and ultimately the prize-winners.

Quite simply, being chosen to exhibit at the Triennial and NAGN elevates the status of Namibian artists, while affording the selected a chance to claim cash prizes and ultimate prestige. There are four cash prizes that will be awarded to the most exceptional artworks based on a first to third-prize basis, while the fourth will recognise young talent in the form of a “most promising young artist” award – all of which will be announced at the opening.

“The competition and its resultant exhibition demonstrates that Namibian art is alive and well and evinces a vibrancy, passion and commitment to excellence that speaks loud and clear,” according to Judges Frauke Stegmann, Andrew Lamprecht, Maureen de Jager, Ervast Mtota and Zodidi Gaseb. – Sharma Mundingi

Photo Courtesy: Pevious winner Isai Aindongo: The Beauty of Nature