Flamingo - Art, Craft & Culture - A day in the life of Namibia... on Africa Day
Studio 77 and The Namibian newspaper joined forces to initiate what is to become an annual event in the Namibian arts and cultural scene – A Day in the Life of Namibia on Africa Day. Supported by generous sponsorships from the US Embassy and Leading Lodges of Africa, this photographic competition invites individuals from all walks of life to take part in capturing slices of life in Namibia during the period of 24 hours on Africa Day. Images entered were selected by a panel of independent judges, who chose the winner and runners-up.
This year saw an estimated 90 entries being submitted from all corners of the country, of which 48 made the judging panel's final choices, with a first prize, a Nikon DSLR to the value of N$ 5 000.00 funded by the United States Embassy, being awarded to Swakopmund's Christine Koch for her outstanding image entitled Going Places. Second prize, a weekend for two sponsored by Leading Lodges of Africa, went to Paolo Schneider for his rendition of Namibia's popular meat-eating tradition in Okapana ka Africa (Okapana for Africa). Renowned Namibian painter Sigi Kolbe took third place with her photograph of her young neighbour Helena.
First place: Photo taken at the Spitzkoppe with the kids from the local community. I wanted a black and white photograph and loved the opportunity to leave the blinkers made from old number plates as a focal point, and in colour. CHRISTINE KOCH
Second place: Okapana for Africa to me represented a day in the life of Namibia perfectly. It has become a fast-food industry of note, challenging even the well-established franchises in its organisation and popularity, and a meeting place for socialising, celebration and sharing the African way. On Monday 25 May it was no exception at the single quarters market in Katutura where this image was taken. PAOLO SCHNEIDER
Third place: This photograph of Helena was taken on 25 May 2009. Helena is our neighbour. The photograph was taken at my home using a simple wall as a backdrop. Africa Day is a celebration for all of Africa, but in particular for the children of Africa. Although Helena has a map of Africa on her dress, it is her amused look that draws the viewer in and challenges the world. It says: “I am here, I am now, I am Africa”. This is my photograph recognising Africa’s future, namely her children. SIGI KOLBE
Overall best portfolio: LUKAS AMAKALI
These two guys are fixing a car, making it ready to travel on Africa Day. Nowadays young men are focusing to have a career in mechanics and are still doing it on Africa Day.
The beauty of Africa is seen in the face of an African child on Africa Day. I chose to portray only half of a face of an African boy to cause curiosity in the viewer, who is left wondering what the other half looks like.
Judges’ honourable mention: My daughter Helen doing what she does in the bath... NICKY MARAIS
Christina Goliath, an adult ‘orphan’ enjoys The Namibian newspaper on Africa Day 2009. FRANCO MOSTERT
Celebrating Africa Day at the UN Plaza in Katutura. KATETA
The railway more travelled. I took a series of images at the Windhoek station, with and without trains. I find it fascinating that trains don’t sleep. Day and night Namibia’s trains carry cargo to and from places only the imagination can capture. Despite it being a national holiday, Windhoek’s railway yard remained a hub of activity. MARK NONKES
