Two Namibians win at international arts competition

Two Namibians won awards at the African Women in Art Awards (AWAA) where the winners were announced on 15 January.

The AWAA is a women’s development and empowerment organisation.

In December, the Organisation called on African women, including Namibians, to submit their artwork for the awards, a visual art competition that celebrates the creativity of women artists from sub-Saharan Africa.

These awards give female artists a platform to showcase their work globally and gain international recognition.

In the category for emerging artists under sculpture, Namibian Ainji Epifania walked away with the sculpture prize while Maria Mbereshu walked away with a special prize in the same category.

The emerging artists category was a celebration of fresh perspectives and innovative techniques that push artistic boundaries.

The annual visual arts competition not only highlights the extraordinary talents of these artists but also plays a vital role in fostering their careers and promoting African cultural narratives globally.

This year, the competition centred around the evocative theme of ‘Mother Africa’

Artists were encouraged to delve into the essence of African identity and heritage, capturing the nurturing spirit that defines the continent, and inviting reflections on familial bonds, cultural histories, and the resilience that characterises the African woman’s experience.

AWAA and Her Voice Foundation founder Yanina Dubeykovskaya says the selection of finalists and winners is the beginning of the organisation’s journey to elevate talented female artists from Africa.

“Our foundation will implement a programme to support and promote these women
throughout the year. I am certain that the AWAA Award and all of our foundation’s initiatives will provide opportunities for women to create art and
sustain their artistic careers,” says Dubeykovskaya.