9th National Ceramics Biennale at the NAGN

Blue bubbles, undulates, shimmers and shines at the ninth National Ceramics Biennale.

A thread of colour popping in pieces by Rosi Stevenson, Fanie Terblanche and Sarie Maritz, blue seems the standout hue in the Potters’ Association of Namibia’s (PAN) biannual event aimed at ensuring the art of pottery remains alive and growing in the country.

Presenting Uschi Bauer’s glimmering birds, Deborah McCarthy’s stylish receptacles, Mariki Grobler’s pebble series, Lucia Tjituka’s geometric patterned bowls, Annabelle Venter’s signature safaris, Jacqui Jansen van Vuuren’s striking soda-fired tea sets as well as Mitchell Gatsi’s sculptured African fantasies, the exhibition features bowls, vases, urns, serving trays, sculpture and a prolific gallery of tea bowls by Genie Albrechts.

Quirkily abstract in work by Clementina van der Walt, sweetly floral in vases and serving dishes by Estee Cuff and somewhat palaeolithic in offerings by Clemens Goliath, the exhibition gets cheerful in a vivid yellow day bowl by Belinda Pretorius and intrigues in Heike Mayer’s tall story box.

An exhibition as well as a competition, the ninth National Ceramics Biennale additionally honours – amongst others – first-prize winners Rosa Julia Smit for ‘Endangered’ (sculpture), Wakunvambo Sinvula for rural coil handwork, Jacqui Jansen van Vuuren for her crystal glaze series (wheelwork) while Sylvester Tjinotjiua wins most promising beginner, Mitchell Gatsi is the people’s choice award winner, Rosi Stevenson earns the accolade of new signature and John Hunter once again receives the premier award and the first prize for handwork.

Diverting, eclectic and presented in celebration of PAN’s 32nd year, this juried public exhibition recognises potters who specialise in working with clay from all over the country and will be on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia until 20 September.