The poetry of existence

Margaret Courtney-Clarke’s Dust on the Wind exhibited in Austria

Venturing across borders and welcoming Namibian-bred talent, the Francisco Carolinum art museum in Linz, Austria, opened its doors to a transformative experience from 21 March. Margaret Courtney-Clarke’s Dust on the Wind exhibition is a soul-stirring journey through the lens of a visionary photographer, and is a remarkable advocacy for Namibian talent to European audiences.

The exhibition serves as a poignant invitation extended by Courtney-Clarke, a multi-award-winning artist, to delve into realms often overlooked yet profoundly impactful. Drawing from over four decades of work across African landscapes, the essence of Dust on the Wind lies in its ability to challenge preconceived notions and inspire a renaissance of thought.

Initially unveiling glimpses of her exploration into the creative realms of indigenous African women, the exhibition elegantly transitions to the terrain of Namibia, Courtney-Clarke’s birthplace. Here, her acclaimed publication Cry Sadness from the Coming Rain echoes the resilience and challenges intertwined with the fabric of Namibian life.

Eschewing the clichéd imagery of untouched wilderness, Courtney-Clarke captures the stark realities faced by communities navigating the arid landscapes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts. Through her lens, viewers are confronted with narratives that echo the trials of environmental degradation, intensified by the relentless grip of climate change and extractive industries.

Caged, a compelling ongoing project within the exhibition, is a poignant reflection on the encroaching boundaries that redefine Namibia’s natural and human landscapes. Fences and pens that once seemed innocuous now serve as poignant symbols of confinement and disruption, embodying the broader socio-political complexities shaping the region.

At the core of Courtney-Clarke’s artistic journey lies a profound commitment to amplify the voices of the marginalised and to shed light on socio-political injustices. Her images transcend documentation; they become vessels of empowerment, resilience and hope. Through her lens, ordinary lives are rendered extraordinary, inviting viewers to reexamine their perspectives and embrace the poetry inherent in existence.

Curated by Virginia MacKenny, Dust on the Wind is a testament to the power of art to provoke, enlighten and redefine our collective narrative. As visitors traverse through Courtney-Clarke’s captivating visual world, they are invited to witness the beauty and complexity of human existence, resonating with echoes of endurance, wonder and a renewed sense of empathy.