The art of innovation - do you have what it takes to be Sasol’s New Signature in art?
Entries officially opened for the annual Sasol New Signatures art competition in May. This is South Africa’s longest-running competition of its kind and has become a platform for unknown artists to break into the mainstream art stage.
This annual competition is open to all South African artists over 18 years who have not yet held a solo exhibition. Artists who have held a solo exhibition for academic purposes (a Master’s degree exhibition) are allowed to enter. Artists can submit up to two artworks in all artistic mediums. The competition does NOT prescribe a theme to entrants. Artists are welcome to submit artworks that engage with any topic, narrative, theme, concern, issue of their choosing.
Sasol New Signatures chairperson, Pfunzo Sidogi said: “Art competitions like the Sasol New Signatures are critical enablers for not only incentivising emerging artists, but also for giving these artists access to the mainstream art market. We have seen how artists who participate in this competition go on to exhibit and promote their artworks at other prominent industry showcases like local - and at times, international - art fairs and mega-exhibitions/biennales”.
Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the Information Session Roadshow could not take place around South Africa. Chairperson Sidogi hosted an online discussion on the ins and outs of the Sasol New Signatures competition for entrants to watch and understand the submission process.
To view the full Info Session video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7l30YFO-vo or read the Info Sessions Unpacked blog on the website: www.sasolsignatures.co.za/blog/sasol-new-signatures-information-session-unpacked.
Contemporary, innovative and emerging artists with winning aspirations are invited to submit their artworks at one of several collection points around the country between September 7 and 8, 2021, from 10h00 and 16h00 at the KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban.
Other collection points include.
-Cape Town: Art B Gallery,
Library Centre, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville, Cape Town
-Johannesburg: FADA Building, Department of Visual Arts, University of
Johannesburg, Bunting Road Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
-Polokwane: The Polokwane Art Museum, Library Gardens, corner Grobler
& Hans van Rensburg Street, Polokwane
-Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Bird Street Gallery - Nelson Mandela
University, Bird Street Campus, 20 Bird Street, Central
-Pretoria: Pretoria Art Museum,
corner Francis Baard (previously Schoeman) and Wessels Streets, Arcadia Park,
Pretoria
The winner of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will be announced on November 10, 2021. The winner will receive R100,000 and a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition. The runner-up will receive R25,000 and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10,000. The winning works will also be displayed at the Pretoria Art Museum from November 11, 2021, to January 9, 2022. The runner up will receive R25,000 and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10,000.
Sidogi concluded: “Due to the generous sponsorship from Sasol and logistical support from Stuttaford Van Lines, it literally does not cost anything to enter this competition. Sasol New Signatures gives entrants an amazing opportunity to participate in a national art competition, get recognised as an artist to watch and if selected to be included in the catalogue which can be added to your artist CV”.
For more information on the competition, Information Sessions and drop off points visit www.sasolsignatures.co.za
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