The kids who wander into Definition: Art are each amid a minor escape.
A brother and sister stray from their back-to-school shopping at Maerua Mall to put a foot or two into the dynamic new arts space in Windhoek, eyes widening at paintings by Nambowa Malua, Cecilia Smith and at a television screen flashing ‘Zima Blue’.
Giovanni (15), who dodges a relative to duck into the art experience, says he’s never seen anything like it – and that’s part of Definition: Art creator Emmanuel Enkara’s plan.
“I created this space because there was no other place like this and I couldn’t find commonality at the places I normally go to in Windhoek,” says Enkara, who presides over the colourful pop-up enlivened by a selection of contemporary art, a minimalist mural, creative stations and a games table.
“Definition: Art is an interactive art experience in which I chose to combine all the elements of art in one space through the displaying and selling of artwork, while offering an interactive experience through various activities each day.”
Situated in a bustling bit of Maerua Mall, Definition: Art is a tad blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, but its general location is intentional.
“Starting in Maerua Mall was kind of a metaphor of what society is,” says Enkara.
“The mall is buy and sell, but here at Definition: Art you can actually have a tangible experience with art. We sell art, but we also offer painting sessions where both adults and children can learn and express themselves. We have Spoken Word and Couples’ Quiz Night, which are art and entertainment. We also have a movie night where we partner with Ster-Kinekor and select films that provoke emotions in response to artistry, directing and acting.”
Open during mall hours and with a revolving calendar of events, including music lessons, poetry, philosophy, improv and literature evenings, as well as an open night for any kind of artist each Friday, Definition: Art is a place where art is not static or simply hung on walls, but is meant to come alive in the space, propelled by those who make use of it.
“I’m trying to awaken that creative side within people while bringing art into Namibian households. People can either pick up a contemporary art piece, or friends and family can learn or appreciate an art form in the space.” says Enkara, whose goal is reflected in a young father and his three-year-old daughter who amble in and paint contentedly at a creative station.
“No disrespect, but we are a very adolescent country,” says Enkara of the low estimation of art and artists in Namibia.
“Our mindset is very adolescent. Things like art are normally appreciated by old states, old countries, so our identity within art is still something we are trying to find. The pieces we are showcasing right now are a true reflection of each artist and their culture.”
Currently displaying decorative hanging textiles by Laimi Mbangula, bespoke African pewter art by Cecilia Smith, paintings and mixed media works by Nambowa Malua, Elizabeth Shinana, Hage Nasheotwalwa, Michelle Isaak, Kaitlin Mouton and Alison Musodza, Definition: Art’s gallery space is presented in tandem with a monthly art auction.
Each artwork is sold with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist, and entrance to the auction is free, as is a glass of wine.
An ambitious arts promoter who will soon make his National Theatre of Namibia debut as a playwright and theatre director with a sci-fi thriller titled ‘The Unknown Synonym’, Enkara is bright-eyed as he considers the endgame of concepts such as Definition: Art and his ENK Institute for Public Art, which will unveil four murals in the central business district later this year.
“I want people to appreciate art more and to appreciate the artist more. If I continue to present artworks and the industry of art in a different way, I think more people will be inclined to get involved and purchase art, which is also helping the artist,” says Enkara, who encourages budding local artists to get in touch with Definition: Art should they wish to display and sell their work.
“The endgame for me is colour,” he says.
“I see Namibia as an open canvas. Art is a three-letter word, but it’s infinite.”
Definition: Art is currently situated at Maerua Mall (opposite Mr Price Sport) and is open daily during mall hours.
For more information follow Definition: Art on Instagram and Facebook.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; marthamukaiwa.com
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