Held annually, in proud partnership with the Association of Arts Pretoria, this prestigious art competition is the longest-running of its kind in South Africa. The competition is open to all South African visual artists who are 18 years and older and who have not yet held a solo exhibition. Artists can submit their artworks in all artistic mediums – painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video and installations.
Sasol New Signatures shines the spotlight on South African artistic talent and creates opportunities to showcase undiscovered artists. This competition has over the years provided a platform for unknown artists to break into the mainstream. “If you are an artist who is looking for a career in the art arena, have the talent and the drive and the vision for a solo exhibition – this is the competition for you! It gives you an opportunity to have your work seen, not only by the judges but also by the art-loving public. You just never know who is watching” said National Chairperson, Dr Pfunzo Sidogi.
Contemporary, innovative and emerging artists with winning aspirations, who are willing to go beyond their imagination, are invited to submit their artworks at one of several collection points around the country on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 June for judging and selection for the Sasol New Signatures exhibition 2022. A completed entry form and supporting documentation must be submitted along with the artworks.
The overall 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. All selected entries will be that will be exhibited at the Pretoria Art Museum and featured in the prestigious exhibition catalogue.
Regional judges will be looking closely at the artistic concept, the use of materials as well as artworks that make a strong statement and exude a superior quality of craftsmanship and technical skill and most importantly are display ready.
Entrants are urged to read the entry form thoroughly, view the Information Video and visit the Sasol New Signatures blog for tips and advice on presentation, pricing and making sure your entries are ready for the judges.
For more information on the competition, collection points, blogs and to view the Information Video: www.sasolsignatures.co.za
Collection points for artists’ work:
- Bloemfontein
Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein
Tel: 051 447 9609
- Cape Town
AVA (Association for Visual Arts Gallery), 35 Church Street, Cape Town
Tel: 021 424 7436
- Durban
KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban
Tel: 031 277 1705
- Polokwane
The Polokwane Art Museum, Library Gardens, corner Grobler & Hans van Rensburg Street, Polokwane
Tel: 015 290 2579/8
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth):
NMU Bird Street Gallery – Nelson Mandela University, Bird Street Campus, 20 Bird Street, Central, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Tel: 041 504 3293
- Pretoria
Pretoria Art Museum, corner Francis Baard (previously Schoeman) and Wessels Streets, Arcadia Park, Pretoria
Tel: 012 358 6750
- Johannesburg
FADA Building, Department of Visual Arts, University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 559 1117.
Please note that all entrants submitting work at FADA will be required to present a COVID-19 vaccination card, a digital vaccination card or a picture of their vaccination card clearly indicating Name & ID number on entering the campus. If unvaccinated, entrants may also present a negative Covid-19 test (48 hours or less). This requirement is NOT a policy of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition. It is a requirement for anyone wishing to enter the University of Johannesburg premises).
Featured Image: Merit – Kgodisho Moloto
