Kimberley, South Africa – The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) is proud to announce that Ulric Roberts, also known as Namasun, has been selected as the 2025 Artist-in-Residence. A remarkable Northern Cape-based visual artist, Roberts’ work is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural landscape of Namaqualand, embodying a profound connection to heritage, storytelling, and the land.

Ulric ‘Namasun’ Roberts in his studio. Photo Courtesy of the artist.

Born in 1976, Roberts grew up in Macassar in the Western Cape before returning to his Namaqualand roots in the early 2000s. His artistic journey began in childhood and was nurtured by his parents, leading him to formal training at the Andrew Owen School of Art in Somerset-West, where he specialised in oil painting. His expressive use of colour and texture draws inspiration from Vincent van Gogh’s expressionism, and his practice has been further shaped by the mentorship of the renowned South African artist Dr Conrad Theys.

Roberts’ work is a celebration of Namaqualand’s striking landscapes, from its granite mountains and quiver trees to its wildflowers and petroglyphs found along the Orange River. His signature incorporation of pointillism and orbs reflects both these natural elements and indigenous storytelling traditions. In his second solo exhibition, Introspection/Introspeksie, he introduced himself to the world as Namasun, a name that reflects his deep spiritual and artistic connection to his people and their histories.

Beyond his individual practice, Roberts has played a key role in several community-based art initiatives, including the Kai Kai Mosaic Project in Port Nolloth, the Steinkopf-Richtersveld Arts and Craft Project, and the Genadendal Women’s Day Artistic Workshop and Mural in collaboration with artist Sophie Peters. His work has been exhibited widely in prestigious exhibitions such as Soul of Africa (Development Bank of Southern Africa), Evolution of Indigenous Art (Iziko Museum Cape Town), and Contemporary Visions of Southern Africa (Pretoria Art Museum). His paintings have also been featured on the covers of the New Contrast Literary Journal, underscoring his position as a visual storyteller of historical and contemporary narratives.

WHAG’s Artist-in-Residence programme provides a platform for artistic development and cultural exchange, fostering creativity and engagement between artists and the community. This year, WHAG received an increased number of applications for the residency, marking a rise from the previous year and highlighting the growing interest in this programme. As the 2025 Artist-in-Residence, Roberts began his residency on 24 February 2025, creating new works inspired by his ongoing exploration of heritage, identity, and the landscape. His residency includes public engagements, workshops, and a solo exhibition at WHAG, which will open on 27 March 2025. This exhibition marks a significant milestone as Roberts’ first museum exhibition and the first of its kind in his home province.

Sophie’s Call, Oil on canvas  30 x 35 cm 2024

“Ulric Roberts’ work embodies a profound dialogue between heritage and contemporary artistic expression,” says Chepape Makgato, Chief Curator of WHAG. “His ability to weave together history, landscape, and personal identity makes him an invaluable addition to our Artist-in-Residence programme. This exhibition will be based on memory and walking, where Namasun pays homage to his late father, who taught him many things. Namasun uses the concept of walking to connect to the ground and with those who came before him. We are excited to see how his residency will inspire both the community and the broader artistic landscape.”

The William Humphreys Art Gallery invites art lovers, scholars, and the public to engage with Roberts’ residency, which will run from 24 February through to 31 March 2025, and his exhibition, which will be on view through to May 2025.

• For more information regarding the opening reception on 27 March 2025 at 18h00 for 18h30 please RSVP through contacting Malikah Meyer at malikah@whag.co.za