Developed Vocabularies - ADP Group Exhibition

Developed Vocabularies: Five Namibian Artists Present New Work at NAA

The Namibian Arts Association's Artist Development Programme presents the work of five mid-career Namibian artists following three months of creative development, mentorship and artistic exploration.

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA — The Namibian Arts Association (NAA) will exhibit Developed Vocabularies, a group exhibition featuring five mid-career artists from its 2026 Artist Development Programme (ADP) Pilot. The exhibition officially opens on Thursday, 19 November 2026, at 18h30 and will be held at the Namibian Arts Association in Windhoek.

Developed Vocabularies shows how these five artists use painting, weaving, portraits, and other techniques to express their ideas. It asks a simple question: How does art speak without words?

The exhibition features Ryan Dillon De Wee, Epifania Aindji, Jakobina Nashikwele Gideon, Juliana B. Fredericks and Paulus Kanyanga, who have spent the past three months developing their creative practices through studio-based production, mentorship, experimentation and professional development.

The Artist Development Programme was established to address challenges artists face in accessing dedicated creative spaces, production resources, mentorship and opportunities for professional growth. Through structured studio practice, workshops and engagement with Namibia's artistic heritage, the programme provides artists with an environment in which to develop their work and strengthen their skills.

An important component of the programme is the mentorship provided by established creative practitioners such as Kim Modise, Barbara Böhlke, Hage Mukwendje and Haymich Oliver. Through individual and group sessions, the mentors have supported the artists in refining their ideas, exploring different techniques, receiving constructive feedback and developing their individual artistic approaches.

The programme also reflects NAA's three strategic pillars: Platform, Safeguard and Professionalise. It provides artists with opportunities to create and present their work, encourages engagement with Namibia's artistic heritage, and supports the development of skills needed to build sustainable professional careers.

Developed Vocabularies brings together the work produced during the programme and offers an opportunity to see how each artist has developed a distinct visual language through their choice of materials, techniques and creative processes.

The exhibition opening will bring together guests, participating artists, mentors and stakeholders for an evening of artistic engagement, exhibition viewing and cultural exchange.

Guests are invited to dress in Afro-Chic attire while embracing the spirit of “Carry Your Story”, combining elegant attire with one detail that reflects their heritage, culture, identity, memory, or personal story.

Exhibition information

Exhibition: Developed Vocabularies

Opening: Thursday, 19 November 2026

Time: 18h30

Venue: Namibian Arts Association, Windhoek

Opening attendance: By invitation

RSVP deadline: Friday, 13 November 2026

The Namibian Arts Association will share information about future public viewing opportunities through its official channels.

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