• By Hilja Shikongo

Namibia’s creatives are stepping onto the continental spotlight as two local artists prepare to showcase their work at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this month.

Jo Rogge and Lynette Musikubili will represent Namibia at the prestigious event, with support from RMB Namibia and The Project Room, which is a local arts gallery.

Both artists bring unique approaches to storytelling through art. With a background in painting, drawing and printmaking, their participation marks decades of commitment to art and community work.

Musikubili, a textile artist from the Zambezi Region, draws on her cultural roots to explore the lived experiences of young Namibian women. She returns to the fair with a new series of sculptural textile works. On the other hand, Rogge, a multidisciplinary artist and co-founder of the John Muafangejo Art Centre, will present work that reflects on the fragility of identity in today’s cultural landscape.

Through their work, Rogge and Musikubili will offer fairgoers a glimpse into Namibia’s artistic narrative one shaped by heritage, memory and identity.

The RMB Latitudes Art Fair, running from May 23 to 25, is famous for bringing together artists and exhibitors from across Africa, providing a platform for meaningful artistic exchange. At a recent event in Windhoek, RMB Namibia officially handed over the sponsorship to The Project Room. 

Speaking at the handover ceremony, RMB Namibia’s Group Communications Manager, Kirsty Watermeyer, said the sponsorship is a powerful affirmation that the company believes, art matters, and Namibian stories deserve global stages.

Watermeyer described the partnership as more than corporate support.  “We are incredibly proud that RMB Namibia can play a role in enabling this opportunity, not just as a sponsor, but as a partner in celebrating Namibian artists,” Watermeyer reitareted.

The Project Room’s founder, Frieda Lühl, welcomed RMB Namibia’s support, calling it essential to their mission of promoting Namibian artists beyond national borders.  “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,” Lühl said.