Staff Reporter
POTTERY enthusiasts will have an opportunity to appreciate the locally produced award-winning pieces that featured in the Pottery Association of Namibia’s (PAN) 10th National Ceramics Biennale, where Jacqui Jansen Van Vuuren received the Premier Award, while Mitchell Gatsi received the People’s Choice award.
Gatsi also won the first and second Sculptor prize, while Filemon Kapolo took third place.
Genie Albrecht, Carola Lorck and Betsie van Rensburg were announced as the first, second and third winners respectively of the Wheelwork category. Anita Steyn, Uschi Ramakhutla and Sharon Flewellen won the top three spots in the Handwork category.
Eliina Bainga won first and second prize in the Rural Category, while Emelda Sinvula won the third place. Andrea Horsthemke, Uschi Hallwachs and Charlene Vorster walked away with the top three prizes in the New signature award category and Margo Timm was awarded as a Promising Beginner.
The event received entries from various places in Namibia, including rural towns in Zambezi as well as entries from professional studios in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Keetmanshoop, Rosh Pinah and Lüderitz. The pieces were judged and curated by Anthony Shapiro, a renowned South African ceramicist and pottery teacher, and Professor Hercules Viljoen, a distinguished Namibian artist and former lecturer at the University of Namibia (UNAM).
The potters’ work will be showcased at an exhibition that will run from 16 September and all artworks are for sale. Van Vuuren and Gatsi thus encouraged all pottery enthusiasts to come in numbers and experience Namibian pottery at its best. PAN organised the event with its main sponsor, Capricorn Private Wealth.
“I applaud the Potters’ Association of Namibia for their commitment to take on the responsibility of organising this event again. I trust that the art fraternity and its allies will enjoy and appreciate the work on display at the exhibition,” the Executive Officer of Capricorn Private Wealth, Fouché Brand, said.
Those who are keen to learn more about the event and pottery in general are encouraged to contact PAN at potters.namibia@gmail.com or to visit their website at www.pan.iway.na.
“Pottery represents true art. It is unique; it takes immense artistry and holds its value because it is one of a kind. Our offering is unique in the Namibian market; we believe each of our clients is unique. We trust we can protect and grow the financial value of our clients,” Brand added.
