If (black) walls could talk

While colour affects mood, going over to the dark side might not be such a negative construct as formerly thought, especially when it comes to creating a backdrop for framing artworks in all shapes and sizes. On the contrary, black walls bring out a moodier aesthetic that makes the surroundings pop, build a deep and dramatic narrative, and never fails to make a statement.

The duo behind Windhoek’s only black-walled gallery, The Project Room, brings their own unique flair and distinctive imprint to the local exhibition space. Designed out of the need to provide an intimate environment for Namibian art and artists, The Project Room in its original format was established by Frieda Lühl in 2016. Fast-forward six years and the space not only changed location and its stage from the traditional white to a more daring black, but also onboarded co-creative Laschandré Coetzee. “I always thought we were the perfect match,” says Lühl. “As friends, we’ve had many discussions about the projects we wanted to do together and the impact we wished to create, and somewhere along the line, it became a shared vision.” At the start of 2022, they took the plunge together and turned over a new leaf for The Project Room. Coetzee adds that it wasn’t an easy start and required long planning sessions and a good dose of physical labour. “We worked tirelessly to get the groundwork done, developing a new strategy, finding a more suitable venue, and agreeing on what we can offer and accommodate.”

The very first event to grace the space was a private preview of internationally acclaimed Namibian artist Tuli Mekondjo’s exhibition Oudjuu wo makipa etu / The burdens of our bones, which went on to feature at Hales Gallery in New York. The screening included an intimate cleansing ceremony, which literally wiped the slate and set the scene for a new start.

subsequent exhibition has contributed to growing our gallery from strength to strength,” says Coetzee.

In terms of accessibility and interest in fine arts, the pair agrees that the concept is not often on the radar of many locals, as it is largely considered a luxury. “But, people tend to forget that galleries offer a public place where you can freely look at art in all its forms, and it won’t cost you a thing!” The Project Room has a well-established reputation as one of these welcoming venues, and the new location adds to its distinctive charm. “This space is just so different, not only from the previous one, but also in terms of what else is out there for creatives, and our community has expanded and diversified in ways we almost couldn’t have imagined.”

Frieda Lühl, Laschandré Coetzee

As in the past, the main focus remains on providing an exhibition platform for local artists, but there is a strong emphasis on presenting an innovative place for collaboration, as well as hosting private events, “as long as people remain respectful of what’s on our walls”. And of course, remain open to think beyond the boundaries and colours of the traditional gallery.

The Project Room is located at Lazarette Square, 30 Julius Nyerere Street, and forms part of a collective of vibrant shops and trendy spaces, including a barber shop, craft brewery, tattoo parlour and design studio. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 1pm. Find out more about past exhibitions and future events at www.theprojectroom.com.na.

Marita van Rooyen

The Project Room - Namibia www.theprojectroom.com.na

Photography: The Project Room & Willem Vrey