The artworks have been submitted, and the judges have cast their votes as the highly anticipated Bank Windhoek Triennial readies for exhibition on 18 August.
Returning after a considerable hiatus, the prestigious contemporary art competition invited visual artists from all over the country to engage with the theme ‘Namibia’s Identity: The Linework of a Country’s Contours and Wealth’.
Over a year after the call-out which included outreach sessions at Omuthiya, Opuwo, Oshakati, Eenhana, Tsumeb, and Okahao, the adjudication period has come to an end.
This year’s judges are acclaimed multidisciplinary artists Lungiswa Gqunta (South Africa) and Tuli Mekondjo (Namibia), distinguished art scholars and educators André du Pisani and Nashilongweshipwe Mushaandja and head judge Rapheal Chikukwa.
Chikukwa is a celebrated curator, as well as the executive director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
“Together with Bank Windhoek, the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the adjudication process for the 2025/2026 Bank Windhoek Triennial Competition,” NAGN says in a press statement.
“The NAGN extends its sincere appreciation to all participating artists for the exceptional quality, creativity and diversity of the works submitted. The adjudication process reflects the triennial’s ongoing dedication to recognising and celebrating excellence in Namibian contemporary visual arts.”
The Bank Windhoek Triennial takes place every three years. This year’s winner will receive a N$50 000 cash prize, as well as a solo exhibition at the NAGN.
The second prize is N$35 000, and the third award is a sum of N$25 000. In addition to the cash prizes, the NAGN will assist the top three winners in the development of their creative careers. Previous overall winners include Saima Iita (2020/2021), Isabel Katjavivi (2017) and Findano Shikonda (2014). For more information, follow the NAGN online.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
