Local artist wins big at art competition
“I believed even if I didn’t win the actual prize, it should at least bring hope to someone who would read the story that inspired the painting,” says Khoza.
KwaThema – Sizwe Khoza was crowned winner of the annual national Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards for his artwork. The ceremony was held at Coen Scholtz Recreational Centre on Saturday.
He walked away with R100 000, a trophy and a certificate for his hard work.
The annual competition, which caters for artists of all ages, producing various artworks, saw a total of over 368 entries submitted. Khoza’s artwork stood out from the rest.
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The victorious 25-year-old’s art piece titled Hold your head as high as you can depicts the challenges of a young man who has to assume the position of being an adult at an early age due to difficult situations in his household.
Khoza uses lino/monotype and etching print as a medium of telling his story.
He says he was going through a lot in his life when he started working on this art piece.
“I believed this work is different. Even the effort I invested in it was multiplied because I believed in it.
“I believed even if I didn’t win the actual prize, it should at least bring hope to someone who would read the story that inspired the painting,” says Khoza.
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The prize money amounted to R300 000. Other prize winners were as follows: Ekurhuleni prize went to Charles Mamerobela from Alberton for his work titled Power Struggle with prize money of R65 000.
The Lizamore and Associates Solo Exhibition & Mentorship prize, a prize given in association with Lizamore and Associates Gallery, was awarded to Oliver Mayhew.
The prize includes a six-month mentorship programme, which will result in the selected artist having a solo show at the gallery.
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