Artists push boundaries in competition
FINAL judging has been completed for the 27th Sasol New Signatures Art Competition, with 100 artworks being shortlisted from around South Africa, with seven selected as finalists for 2016.
The finalists are: Aneesa Loonat (PE), Mosa Anita Kaiser (Grahamstown), Matilda Engelblik (Pretoria), Paul Marais (Stellenbosch), Shaun James Francis (Joburg), Zane Wesley Lange (PE) and Zyma Amien (Cape Town).
Sasol New Signatures national chairman, Pieter Binsbergen, said: “We have seen a definite rise in the quality of artworks submitted in 2016, which is extremely encouraging.”
This year, nationwide Feedback Sessions were introduced which allowed artists submitting entries to have their work critiqued which is a valuable addition for emerging artists.
“The sessions have been extremely well received by all the artists. Sasol New Signatures is not just an art competition, it has also become an educational journey for emerging artists. This facilitated learning platform included discussions around pricing and how to approach galleries to sell works. It will see the standard of works submitted continue to get better and better,” continued Binsbergen.
Themes noted in this year’s entries portrayed environmental issues as well as gender disparity.
“We have seen a move away from the more traditional mediums used in the artists’ works to experimental uses such as ceramics being reinvented in sculptural forms,” said Binsbergen.
“It is very exciting to see how these boundaries are being pushed and whatever the medium used, most of the entrants had something in common: they combined their materials with innovative ideas to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.”
There have been many digital submissions from across many of the regions, which has seen artists break new ground and further harness the moving image.
“I am extremely impressed with the variety of submissions this year, many mapping the artists’ personal issues. The use of different mediums and craftsmanship is extremely exciting. The artists are pushing all sorts of boundaries in their works and concepts,” said Cecile Loedolf, art curator for Sasol and 2016 Sasol New Signatures judge.
Emma Willemse, artist and judge, added: “The work submitted this year was very fresh and original. The ways in which the artists used the materials they worked with showed a greater awareness of the current trends. The standout pieces had strong concepts, craftsmanship and overall presentation which all worked hand in hand, transforming the works into something special. I am very encouraged about the future of art and artists in South Africa.”
The winner of the competition will be announced at a ceremony tomorrow after which the winning works will be displayed for a month at the Pretoria Art Museum. The winner will receive R100 000 and a solo exhibition at next year’s event, with the runner-up winning R25 000. The five merit award winners will each receive R10 000.
Last year’s Sasol New Signatures winner, Nelmarie du Preez, will hold her solo exhibition entitled Loops of Relation… a Continuation alongside the 2016 finalists.
All 100 shortlisted artworks will be exhibited at the Pretoria Art Museum from Thursday until October 9 and all artworks are available for sale.
“These artworks offer a great opportunity for art collectors to purchase excellent works at great prices and at the start of these artists’ careers, many of whom go on to do great things,” concluded Binsbergen.
A series of exhibition walkabouts and an interactive talks programme will take place during the month-long exhibition.
Info: www.sasolsignatures.co.za; Twitter: #SasolNewSignatures. Pretoria Art Museum, cnr Francis Baard (Schoeman) and Wessels sts, Arcadia Park. Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays, public holidays). Adults R22, pensioners R11, pupils R5.