Discover the profound work of Namaqualand artist Ulric Roberts as he embarks on a creative journey that explores heritage, identity, and landscape through his first museum exhibition
Ulric ‘Namasun’ Roberts, the 2025 William Humphreys Art Gallery Artist-in-Residence. Image courtesy of the artist.
The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) announces Ulric Roberts, known as Namasun, as its 2025 Artist-in-Residence. A talented visual artist from the Northern Cape, Roberts’ work is deeply influenced by Namaqualand’s cultural and natural landscapes, where heritage, storytelling, and the land are integral to his creative expression.
Born in 1976, Roberts grew up in Macassar in the Western Cape before reconnecting with his Namaqualand roots in the early 2000s. His artistic journey began in childhood and was further shaped by formal training at the Andrew Owen School of Art in Somerset West, where he specialised in oil painting. Drawing inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s expressive use of colour and texture, Roberts’ practice has evolved through mentorship from renowned South African artist Dr Conrad Theys.
Roberts’ work celebrates the beauty of Namaqualand, from its dramatic granite mountains and quiver trees to the vibrant wildflowers and ancient petroglyphs of the Orange River. His distinctive use of pointillism and orbs serves as a visual representation of both the natural environment and indigenous storytelling traditions. His second solo exhibition, ‘Introspection/Introspeksie’, introduced the artist’s spiritual and artistic connection to his heritage, marking his debut under the name “Namasun.”
In addition to his practice, Roberts has actively participated in several community art initiatives, such as the Kai Kai Mosaic Project in Port Nolloth and the Steinkopf-Richtersveld Arts and Craft Project. His work has been featured in prominent exhibitions, including ‘Soul of Africa’ at the Development Bank of Southern Africa and ‘Evolution of Indigenous Art’ at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town. Roberts’ paintings have also been showcased on the New Contrast Literary Journal covers, further solidifying his role as a storyteller through art.
WHAG’s Artist-in-Residence program provides a platform for artists to further their creative practices while engaging with the local community. This year, the program saw a significant increase in applications, reflecting the growing interest in its impact. Roberts’ residency began on 24 February 2025, where he is creating new works that explore themes of heritage, identity, and landscape.
As part of the residency, Roberts will host public workshops and an exhibition, which will open on 27 March 2025. This solo exhibition marks an important milestone, as it will be his first museum exhibition and the first of its kind in his home province.
Chepape Makgato, Chief Curator at WHAG, shares, “Ulric Roberts’ work offers a meaningful dialogue between heritage and contemporary artistic expression. His ability to weave history, landscape, and personal identity makes him an invaluable addition to our Artist-in-Residence program. This exhibition will focus on memory and walking, where Namasun honors his late father and connects to his ancestors. We are eager to see how his residency will inspire the community and the broader artistic landscape.”
The William Humphreys Art Gallery invites art lovers, scholars, and the public to engage with Roberts during his residency, which runs from 24 February to 31 March 2025, and to visit his exhibition, open until May 2025.
For more information regarding the opening reception on 27 March 2025 at 18h00 for 18h30, RSVP by contacting Malikah Meyer at malikah@whag.co.za
