RMB Namibia supports local artists at Joburg art fair

The 2025 RMB Latitudes Art Fair will welcome the work of Namibian artists Jo Rogge and Lynette Musukubili as it returns for its third edition at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 23 to 25 May.

Curated by local gallery The Project Room, Rogge and Musukubili’s selection of paintings and sculptural textiles will be on display with the support of RMB Namibia.

RMB Latitudes showcases artists and exhibitors from across Africa, transforming Shepstone Gardens into an immersive experience of African creativity. Sponsorship for the showing was officially handed over to The Project Room founder and curator Frieda Lühl at an event last week.

“We are proud to support the RMB Latitudes Art Fair because we believe that creativity drives progress. The same imagination that fuels great businesses also fuels great art,” said RMB Namibia’s group communications manager, Kirsty Watermeyer.

“Through our support of the arts in Namibia, we aim to create access, open doors, and elevate voices that deserve to be heard. Jo and Lynette are two such voices.”

While Rogge expands on their storied and celebrated career through a body of work concerned with the fragile nature of identity, Musukubili will be exhibiting a collection of crochet sculptures and wall hangings.

“My work draws inspiration from stories I heard from my grandmother about river and forest spirits, often speaking of lost souls, souls being captured or stolen to fulfil a certain purpose,” says Musukubili.

“I use these as a metaphor to explore personal themes of mental health, the feeling of being lost, the search for self, and the pursuit of inner peace. Additionally, my art speaks on the pressures of societal and family expectations.”

Returning to RMB Latitudes after a successful showing last year, Musukubili hopes to keep engaging new audiences.

“Opportunities like Latitudes are incredibly important for artists as they provide a platform for visibility, audience expansion, and sharing our unique stories and perspectives with a broader audience,” says Musukubili.

“The support from RMB is great. It provides crucial motivation for artists, making us feel seen and valued within the cultural space. It shines a light on emerging artists and significantly contributes to the growth and recognition of the arts in general.”

Celebrating The Project Room’s longtime collaboration with RMB Namibia, Lühl sees their sustained support as a boon to their small business.

“RMB has been at our side from the beginning, allowing us to focus on curating strong exhibitions and representing Namibian artists, without the financial pressure that often limits such vision,” says Lühl.

“As a small business, we are incredibly grateful to have found partners who share our goals and help us place Namibian art on the international stage.”

Describing Namibia’s presence at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair as “a powerful statement of the country’s artistic excellence”, Watermeyer highlighted RMB’s hopes for local art.

“With the support of RMB Namibia and The Project Room, and through the work of Jo Rogge and Lynette Musukubili, Namibian art will continue to inspire, challenge, and resonate across borders,” Watermeyer said.

“As RMB Latitudes promises a vibrant celebration of African creativity, RMB Namibia reaffirms its commitment to investing in the continent’s creative economy and the storytellers shaping its cultural legacy.”

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com

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