About

After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world. – Philip Pullman

Experimenting with photographic printing techniques of the past and apparatus of late, the artist creates visual documents that combine stories of old with realities of the present. Reminding of myths, legends and tales shared around the evening fire, her work calls for an ancient means of engagement, and a reconnection of roots. By returning to the origins of the storytelling medium, her work presents an almost-primitive alternative to the harsh conventional document that often represents everyday life.

Marita van Rooyen is a celebrated Namibian journalist, writer, photographer, environmental and social activist. A Chevening alumnus, she holds an MA in Documentary Photography from the University of South Wales, UK. She is based in Windhoek.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
2018: The elders called it medicine, Omba Gallery, Namibia
2015: insula Albionum, Novel Motors, Namibia
2015: Beauty in a Blade of Grass, Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Namibia
2014: A Play of Light, MA Documentary Photography Exhibition, Ffotogallery, UK
2011: Rants of the Red Room, Namibian Month of Photography, Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Namibia

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2017: StArt Salon Volume I, StArt Gallery, Namibia
2017: Roots and Wings, The Project Space, Namibia
2017: Conversations in Conservation, Omaruru Artist Trail, Namibia
2017: Bank Windhoek Triennial, National Art Gallery, Namibia
2016: Art Inside – A Government Art Project, National Art Gallery, Namibia
2015: Kemanguluko, Omba Gallery, Namibia
2015: Tulipamwe, National Art Gallery, Namibia
2015: To Tony, National Art Gallery, Namibia
2014: 50 Photos of Abandoned Spaces From Around the World, Feature Shoot (online)
2013: Unite to End Gender Based Violence, National Art Gallery, Namibia
2010: Kolmanskop, Kolmanskop Exhibition House, Namibia
2009: Perspectives3, Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Namibia

RESIDENCIES:
2015: Tulipamwe International Artist’s Workshop, Namibia
2014: Atelier Austmarka, Norway

PUBLICATIONS:
Feature Shoot, Travel News Namibia, Flamingo, The Sunday Times Travel Supplement.