Klerksdorp Record, Potchefstroom - Entries for the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2024 have officially opened, and the Main Museum in Potchefstroom is this year added as a new collection point for art entered in the North West Province.
“This will give emerging artists from the greater North West Province an avenue to showcase their talent and underscores the competition’s commitment to developing and celebrating the visual arts in all parts of the country,” says Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures.
For 34 years, the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition has served as a symbol for unrestricted creativity and artistic exploration in the country’s visual arts community. This year the competition’s theme is “Articulate”.
It celebrates the universal human desire for self-expression and connection and wants to show how art can transcend barriers of language, culture, time, and background, allowing emerging artists to express their true selves and connect with others in infinite ways.
The judges are looking for artists who use unique styles and unconventional techniques that defy traditional boundaries and expectations. “We want each artist to uncover how art can transcend mediums, unite generations, and give visual utterance to complex themes by experimenting with various techniques and mediums,” says Sidogi.
Emerging artists who are 18 years or older, who have not yet held a solo exhibition (except for an exhibition which was held for academic purposes) may enter. Visit https://www.sasolsignatures.co.za/ to get all the information and the entry forms.
North West Province entries must be submitted at the Potchefstroom Museum (C/o Sol Plaatjie & Wolmarans Street) on June 4 and June 5 between 10:00 and 16:00. No entries will be received before or after these dates, or outside the hours. Art will be selected on July 6 and feedback sessions will take place at 15:00. Works not collected need to be collected by 16:00.
The winner of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will be announced on September 4.
The winner will receive R100 000 and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. 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 September 5 to November 3.
