Winning national contest a shoe-in for Matikinca
● Innovative work earns NMU graduate an exhibition in Pretoria
After taking a simple idea and creating impactful symbolism, a Kwazakhele visual artist has set the stage in more ways than one, securing an exhibition in a national competition and graduating from Nelson Mandela University yesterday.
Nosiviwe Matikinca will host her first solo exhibition alongside the official Sasol New Signatures 2024 exhibition after claiming top honours and more than R100,000 last year for innovatively immortalising school shoes through ceramic slip-casting.
The annual competition has been celebrating unrestricted creativity and artistic exploration for 34 years, with the Gqeberha artist being the latest winner.
She will display her work in the exhibition titled UKUNGALINGANI KWEZEMFUNDO (Educational Inequality) at the Pretoria Art Museum.
She said she had been inspired to do the project after noticing a group of Kwazakhele primary schoolchildren wearing worn-out shoes.
The decision has bolstered the 23-year-old’s creative presence nationally.
“I had to turn down a few offers, because I want to first finish my exhibition,” she said.
“Then if they are interested we can work together.
“You get to meet new people, your social media presence will also pick up.
“It [the competition] really puts you on the map.
“I am nervous about my exhibition, but also excited.
“I never thought I would be doing this at this age.”
However, the young artist said this week she was more concerned about crossing the stage to collect her bachelor of visual arts degree.
“I am graduating on Thursday, I am still nervous about that,” she said ahead of yesterday’s ceremony.
“In big moments I am a crier,” she said. “I have been speaking with my reflection on the mirror that we are not going to cry and mess up my makeup on graduation.”
She said while her journey had not been easy, the support of family, friends and NMU had made it worthwhile.
“I feel we have the best lecturers and art school in the country.
“I cannot describe how supportive they are. They feel like family.
“Third year I had the highlight of winning the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition.
“I wanted to study further for my honours, but I do not have funding, so now I am producing work for Sasol.
“Preparations for my exhibition are going well, but for now I am focusing on graduation.
“Then I will continue to finalise my preparations for the exhibition that will be in September,” Matikinca said.
Sasol spokesperson Nozipho Mbatha said they were working in partnership with the Association of Arts Pretoria to bring SA’s artist talent to the fore.
“Sasol takes great pride in supporting emerging artists.
“It aligns with our values of supporting local talent and promoting creativity in our greater community.
“While winning is the ultimate goal, being selected as a finalist marks a significant milestone for any artist, and Sasol is thrilled to be part of this journey for many SA artists,” Mbatha said.
Association of Arts Pretoria director Pieter van Heerden said the effect of the competition extended far beyond the competition itself by creating a legacy of excellence in the arts.
“Inspiring future generations of artists to pursue their passion and strive for artistic greatness, Sasol New Signatures is not just a competition; it’s a community.
“It brings artists, art lovers and collectors together, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the art world,” Van Heerden said.
Entries for the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2024 will open soon, with a total of R135,000 cash prizes along with an exhibition up for grabs.
The winner, to be announced on September 4, will receive R100,000 and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum next year.
The runner-up will receive R25,000 and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10,000.
Entries for the competition may be submitted at one of several collection points across the country on June 4 and 5 from 10am-4pm.
In Gqeberha, artists may submit their work at Art on Target at 2 Target Kloof Road in Essexvale.
‘Inspiring future generations of artists to pursue their passion and strive for artistic greatness, Sasol New Signatures is not just a competition; it’ sa community’