For 2025, the chosen concept for the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards (BWDLAs) is “the sun and its light”.
The Namibian sun is, perhaps, the most distinctive and definitive feature of the country—it defines the climate, the attendant weather patterns, the duration and harshness of the seasons, and the dramatic and distinctive landscapes. In days past it played a crucial role in the migratory patterns of the indigenous communities that continue to call it home. The sun’s place on the national flag and the coat of arms is also a testament to its intrinsic role in the country’s political and national identity.
Designed by Alexandra Dunaiski’s, the commissioned concept artist for 2025, this year’s logo combines literature, reading, and illumination in one harmonious, bright, and captivating image.
In many ways, the logo represents how Doek, Bank Windhoek, and Namibian literary artists continue to carry literature and its positive effects to storytellers and lovers of storytelling to Namibia, Africa, and the world.
Alexandra Dunaiski’s statement on the design of the 2025 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards logo:
“I wanted to create something colourful with bold and striking colours that reflect the strong presence of light in Namibia. Integrating the idea of an open book was, of course, necessary because the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards are centred on reading and writing. But the open book also suggests something more: sharing knowledge with a community and, in some way, improving it or enlightening it. I think the BWDLAs do this for Namibian literary artists—they provide a platform for storytellers from Namibia to share their work with each other and the country. The awards reward storytellers for practising and honing their craft and are an opportunity for the community to come together and share knowledge and common human experiences through stories. I was encouraged to make the logo as bright as possible because Namibia is a bright country, even at the darkest times.
The sun also represents Doek’s motto and the wisdom which makes great storytelling possible: hope and optimism in spite of present difficulties—always, we are told by the best writers and stories, that no darkness lasts forever, that the light and lighter, kinder, peaceful days are on the way.”
Using this concept, six trophies shall be designed by Saima Iita, this year’s commissioned trophy designer. The trophies for the BWDLAs are an artistic interpretation of the concept and will result in a physical manifestation which speaks to Namibia’s history, peoples, cultures, and geographies. Four trophies will be given to the category winners, one to Bank Windhoek, and one shall be kept by Doek. Every ten years, a retrospective exhibition of all the various awards shall be held to showcase these special pieces of art.