Oranjemund’s industry, its invitation and charms are reflected in a collection of 12 large-scale public artworks commissioned by the OMDis Town Transform Agency’s Art Can Transform project.
Known primarily as a closed coastal mining town, Oranjemund is amidst a renaissance in which it aims to diversify its economy beyond mining, pivot towards sustainability and welcome visitors through investment in its tourism sector.
The Art Can Transform project forms part of this revival strategy and harnesses the talent of Oranjemund-based artists Aurelia Sieberhagen, Charne Witbooi and Annis Schlechter, who joined Windhoek artists Tity Tshilumba, Petrus Amuthenu, Frans Uunona, Nicky Marais, Elisia Nghidishange, Saima Iita, Ismael Shivute and Hercules Viljoen in creating the large-scale murals and sculptures adding a new dimension to the picturesque town.
“The artworks have definitely livened up a town that has a clear ‘mining’ stamp on its design and colours,” says OMDis sustainability specialist Ronel van der Merwe.
“Since the town opened up to the rest of the world, and with residents able to own property, a different identity is slowly but surely emerging. This project has just changed the game and accelerated this transformation process. Visitors will be able to do an art tour of the town and immerse themselves in the rich history of Oranjemund.”
Recurring themes of the artworks are Oranjemund’s diamond mining history, its promising future, the opening of the town as well as its rich national heritage given its location in Tsau //Khaeb National Park. The collection also includes an installation in the newly renovated museum which tells the story of the Bom Jesus shipwreck.
“This is probably the only town in Namibia that has had a specific intervention of this nature and scale to make the town unique,” says Van der Merwe.
“Visitors and old Oranjemunders will be treated to larger-than-life art of the finest quality, the best Namibia has to offer. The art is relatable and tells an amazing story of a town undergoing change to normalise and blossom.”
The diverse choice of artists selected by former National Art Gallery of Namibia director Hercules Viljoen and sculptor Ismael Shivute spent up to a month at Oranjemund creating the pieces and were charmed by the town’s wide open spaces, friendly people and inspiring locations.
“I tell you we couldn’t even select because there are just so many nice empty spaces for public art,” says Shivute, who created a three-metre oryx sculpture out of car parts because oryx are a common sight around town.
“The professionalism of all these artists was just remarkable, meeting their deadlines without exception, without relinquishing an ounce of quality,” says Viljoen, who will be creating a black light installation for the museum.
“Art and culture attract tourism, which, in concurrence with focused initiatives such as restaurants, accommodation establishments, markets, festivals and cultural events, stimulate economic activity and positive energy,” he says.
“The inspirational effect of art and culture on tourism has been proven around the world. Athens, Cairo, Luxor, Rome, Florence, Dakar and Paris are only a few shining examples. Once a unique identity has been established and positive feedback is being spread nationally and internationally by previous visitors, a town could become an irresistible magnet to tourists and investors.”
According to Marais, who created three murals concerned with the theme of “opening up”, the artworks may also revive the town for longtime residents.
“Many passersby told us how happy they were that Oranjemund was being ‘beautified’ and one even said she was happy it was being ‘modernised’,” says Marais. “It would be really fantastic if this caught on across the country. Thank you to OMDis for having the vision to support this project.”
The OMDis Town Transform Agency’s vision is one that extends beyond this initiative and ideas for an art exhibition, theatre renovation, and artist retreat are all emerging as a result of the Art Can Transform project.
“Oranjemund is a fully open town. No more permits, no more restrictions,” says Van der Merwe of the newly art-adorned town famed for being off limits.
“Everybody is welcome.”
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
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