WINDHOEK– This year’s Premier Award in the Bank Windhoek National Ceramics Biennale goes to Mariki Grobler, the Most Promising Beginner is Elke le Roux, Uschi Ahrens gets the New Signature Award and the People Choice is Bestsie van Rensburg.
In the category of Wheelwork the first prize goes to Jacqui Jansen van Vuuren, second Sarie Maritz and John Hunter in the third place. In the Handwork Category the first prize goes to Sharon Flewellen, second Lesley Crawford and Lucia Tjituka takes the third prize.
Mariki Grobler took the first prize in the Sculpture Category followed by Tafadzwa Mitchell Gatsi and Christiane Hilbert in the third place. In Rural category there is Angelina Simushi Masale in the first place then Emelda Sinvula in the Second followed by Florencial Mwiya in the third place.
Catherine Brennon, one of the judge says it was a delight to see the different innovative and creative works from all potters and ceramists. “I have not met many of the makers of these pots but I believe there is much we could deduct about them from their works. Core characteristics reveal themselves in pots. We are actually making ourselves and we cannot escape who we are in our pots. They help us confront ourselves, which is why working with clay is so therapeutic. Humours, sensitivity, sloppiness, meticulousness and spontaneity are all there is to be seen,” says Brennon.
Thirty five entries were received, with 189 pots and ceramics entered and only 153 works are being showcased at the ongoing exhibition that started on October 3 and ends on October 30 at the National Art Gallery of Namibia.