Artists reimagine Namibia’s future through sound and art

The project draws from Solarpunk – a creative movement that emerged in the late 2000s as a response to dystopian science fiction. Unlike traditional science fiction, Solarpunk presents optimistic, community-centred futures powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The genre combines imaginative design with storytelling, often incorporating soundscapes, architecture and visuals to illustrate future possibilities.

Namibia’s project focuses on its unique solar and wind potential. By using art to explore the intersection between local culture and green technology, the organisers hope to encourage Namibians to see themselves as active participants in building a sustainable future.

Namibian visual artist Vitjitua Ndjiharine and Spanish artist Rocío Asensi were selected in April 2025 to lead the project. Their work will include structures, paintings and audio recordings, which will form part of a travelling exhibition. The pieces will first be created during a three-week residency in Swakopmund before being displayed at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek.

“What excites me most about this project and theme is thinking about the ways in which Solarpunk values are already embodied within our social consciousness,” Ndjiharine said. “Aspects such as communal and pastoral living, connection to the land, farming and gardening, crafting and creating are all part and parcel of everyday living in Namibia.”

Asensi added: “My goal is to offer a new vision, one that bridges tradition and innovation, fosters collaboration between diverse communities and territories, and foregrounds the country’s natural richness.”

The inclusion of sound is expected to play a significant role in the exhibition, helping to immerse audiences in imagined futures. These sound elements will form part of the storytelling, reflecting the rhythms of Namibian landscapes, communities and renewable energy environments.

The Solarpunk initiative is one of 10 projects chosen from 47 applications for funding under the 2024 EUNIC Cluster Fund. It aims to build local ownership over renewable energy narratives and expand conversations around Namibia’s role in addressing global climate change.

Following the exhibition, a series of public workshops and a Future Summit are planned to deepen engagement with the Solarpunk concept. The workshops will be hosted by the participating artists and are intended to encourage further creative exploration among Namibian communities.

Local support is being provided by The Project Room, a Namibian art gallery founded in 2016. The organisation is assisting with logistics, including material sourcing, artwork transport and accommodation.

Through a blend of sound, storytelling and art, Solarpunk: A Story of Sand and Energy invites Namibians to imagine a future shaped not by fear of climate disaster, but by innovation, community and sustainable design.