Cultural preservation, employment creation and the impact of a dedicated founder are at the centre of a new exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Namibia (Nagn).
Titled ‘Roots and Resilience: Celebrating the Legacy of the Omba Arts Trust’, the showcase honours the work of the trust as well as its founding director, Karin Le Roux. Le Roux left the post last year, welcoming Isabel Katjavivi to the helm as Omba Arts Trust director.
For over three decades, the Omba Arts Trust has engaged with communities in rural Namibia, empowering local artisans to transform elements of their cultural heritage into decorative and functional works of art and craft such as textiles, lino prints, paintings, wall hangings and woven baskets.
In ‘Roots and Resilience’, the impact of this work on communities at Drimiopsis, Donkerbos, and on the Masambo weavers is presented in a series of statements dotted throughout the Nagn’s lower gallery.
“The work that we do is our San culture and, with Omba’s help, we do not forget our culture,” says Sofia Abusema in an impact statement printed on the gallery wall. Abusema is a member of Omba’s Art Trust’s ‘Hand in Hand’ project at Drimiopsis.
“We are women who live on a resettlement farm, far away from town, where life is difficult. There are no jobs to give us an income. It is just Omba that holds us together,” says April Britz
Britz is a ‘Hand in Hand’ group leader. The artist’s embroidery incorporates petroglyphs and traditional patterns that speak to her San heritage as she transforms the craft of ostrich eggshell bead-making into fascinating, monochromatic linen wall hangings.
“We care for our children and our families from Omba’s money. Omba is the only project at Drimiopsis that is [still] there. Today, I have a house,” says Britz.
Katrina Kous, another artist from Drimiopsis, also celebrates Omba Art Trust’s impact through a featured statement.
“I do not have a husband. I have raised my four children with the money I received from Omba,” Kous says. “ I say thank you that you are still with us.”
Over the last three decades, under Le Roux’s leadership, Omba Arts Trust has supported over 600 artisans from nine regions, particularly from marginalised San communities.
“The exhibition showcases an array of crafts, from intricately woven baskets to contemporary San art and textiles that blend traditional methods with modern design,” says Omba Arts Trust in a press statement.
“Each piece on display embodies the artisans’ stories, resilience, and artistry while highlighting the transformative impact of fair-trade practices on their lives,” Omba Arts Trust says.
“Through its commitment to cultural preservation, Omba Arts Trust has revitalised endangered traditions such as ostrich eggshell bead-making and basket-weaving. These crafts not only preserve cultural identity but also empower artisans, especially women, to achieve financial independence, provide for their families, and assume leadership roles within their communities.”
Uplifting, celebratory and for sale, ‘Roots and Resilience: Celebrating the Legacy of the Omba Arts’ will be on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia’s lower gallery until 1 March.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
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