WINDHOEK, Sept. 2 — The Potters Association of Namibia (PAN), along with its main sponsor, Capricorn Private Wealth, and the National Arts Gallery of Namibia, recently announced the category winners of Namibia’s 10th National Ceramics Biennale. With 32 years of experience in pottery, Jacqui Jansen van Vuuren was announced as the Premier Award winner. Mitchell Gatsi won the People’s Choice Award, while Margo Timm walked away as a Promising Beginner.
The Wheelwork category went to Genie Albrecht, with Carola Lorck and Betsie van Rensburg taking the second and third prizes, respectively. Anita Steyn, Uschi Ramakhutla and Sharon Flewellen won the top three spots in the Handwork category. The first and second Sculpture prizes went to Mitchell Gatsi, while Filemon Kapolo won third place. Eliana Bainga scooped up the first and second prizes in the Rural category, while Emelda Sinvula won the third prize. Andrea Horsthemke, Uschi Hallwachs and Charlene Vorster were announced as the top three in the New signature award category.
With entries received from novice and experienced potters across the country; from the most rural parts in the Zambezi Region to professional studios in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Keetmanshoop, Rosh Pinah and Lüderitz, the opening evening was a showcase of spectacular pottery, judged and curated by Anthony Shapiro, renowned South African ceramicist and pottery teacher and Professor Hercules Viljoen, distinguished Namibian artist, and former lecturer at the University of Namibia.
Capricorn Private Wealth’s Executive Officer, Fouché Brand, said there are many similarities between Pottery and Capricorn Private Wealth. “Pottery represents true art. It is unique; it takes immense artistry and holds its value because it is one of a kind. Our offering is unique in the Namibian market; we believe each of our clients is unique. We trust we can protect and grow the financial value of our clients,” he said.
Organised by the Potters’ Association of Namibia, this exhibition includes original pieces from Namibian potters and ceramicists from the most rural parts of the Caprivi to Urban studios in Windhoek, from the beginners to the experienced, from the enthusiasts to the professionals, all alongside each other. “I applaud the Potters’ Association of Namibia for their commitment to take on the responsibility of organising this event again. I trust that the art fraternity and its allies will enjoy and appreciate the work on display at the exhibition,” concluded Brand.
Van Vuuren and Gatsi encouraged all pottery enthusiasts to come in numbers and experience Namibian pottery at its best. The exhibition runs until Friday, 16 September 2022, and all artworks are for sale. For more information on pottery, please contact PAN at potters.namibia@gmail.com or visit their website, www.pan.iway.na.
