Going Once, Going Twice

Writer Martha Mukaiwa buys her first Namibian artwork at a Definition: Art auction in the capital city.

Nothing makes you sweat quite like flinging your bidding paddle in the air at your very first auction.

People stare. Your hands get a little clammy. The air gets twice as thick and there’s really no decent way to lower your bid in horror, yelling: “Good Lord, what have I done!”

Mingling after the Definition: Art auction at The Village Opera House two months ago, a woman dressed to the nines in a sleek Chinese cheongsam congratulates me on my purchase.

We’re sipping large glasses of the complimentary wine we scooped up at the door. A mad mix of Gorillaz, Timbaland, James Brown and Madonna trickles from the wide gallery door and two women stagger by balancing a large-scale painting by Nambowa Malua between them, presumably headed for the parking lot.

Roho Nyeusi

Alison Musodza

For auction host and owner of Definition: Art, Emmanuel Enkara, the event is one step of many towards an exciting expansion of local arts culture. The idea is that with each monthly auction, Namibians will get to experience art in a novel and revolving setting while getting to know the scene’s rising stars.

Three auctions in, Enkara and his team have sold 15 artworks and that’s no easy feat.

I know this because the reason why I flung my paddle in the air (my bank account screaming in protest) is not simply because the piece I purchased is a rare collaboration between Nambowa Malua and Hage Nasheotwalwa, nor because it’s called ‘Three Sisters’ which reminds me of my own but, frankly, because things were getting awkward.

“The house rests.”

Mekutu

Nambowa Malua

Fun fact: There are only so many times you can cringe through an auctioneer saying this before you send your paddle soaring towards bankruptcy. Thus, being the valiant, ice-breaking woman that I am, it’s no surprise that mine is the first bid of the day. Clammy hands and screaming bank accounts aside, the thing I’ve learnt

about auctions is that as soon as someone breaks the ice, it’s all gravy, baby.

The bids drizzle in.

People loosen up. They sip a little wine. They dial a quick *140*000# to wince at what’s in there but, eventually, they get into it.

Enkara, who offers some commentary about the pieces and introduces work by artists such as Cecilia Smith, Michelle Isaak, Elizabeth Shinana, Kaleb Haipinge and Alison Musodza, says the self-consciousness will get better.

“I won’t kid anybody, the act of bidding does make people shy,” he says. “I think consistency is the key which is why we have an auction every month-end. Ultimately, consistency will build a little more comfort and create a demand for these auctions.” Clearly, Enkara is in it for the long haul and his mission is to make art collectors of us all.

Three Sisters

Nambowa Malua and Hage Nasheotwalwa

And in the world this scrappy art dealer is diligently building, Namibians bid like they were born to do it. Office buildings, private homes, hotels and lodges are absolutely adorned with local art. Tourists make sure to plan their trips to hit the monthly auction and our local artists are able to make a tidy living from their talent. “I want people to appreciate art more and to appreciate the artist more,” Enkara says at Definition: Art’s Maerua Mall pop-up where my purchase is still on show.

I haven’t collected ‘Three Sisters’ just yet.

I’m still geeking about having bought anything at all. I’m still remembering the proud and lingering glory of becoming a Namibian art collector and I’m still grinning about being the bidder below those iconic words…

“Going once, going twice…SOLD!”

Emmanuel Enkara

Martha Mukaiwa is a columnist and writer based in Windhoek, Namibia, between short, spirited sojourns around the world. Her narrative nonfiction, personal essays, travel writing and short stories have appeared in Travel Africa, Quartz, Fields & Stations, Holiday, The Africa Report, Truthdig, Matador Network, Africa is a Country, The Mail & Guardian, The Namibian & The Kalahari Review. Martha is an honorary writing fellow at the University of Iowa. Read more at marthamukaiwa.com

Photography: Martha Mukaiwa