30 years of art and heritage

Barclays Africa launched a celebratory commemorative book that pays tribute to the winners of the prestigious L’Atelier art competition since its inception in 1986.

Named Barclays L’Atelier – 30 Years of Introspection, the book features more than 40 artists and 200 pieces of artworks, and 30 years of artistic heritage.

“The book aptly depicts how, for the past 30 years, L’Atelier has nurtured, promoted and sponsored these artists’ works through the Absa Gallery as well as through art professionalism courses, mentorship programmes and international art residencies. We have seen so many of these artists become renowned both locally and internationally and it is with great pleasure that we celebrate their success and contribution to the art world with this book,” said Dr Paul Bayliss, Absa’s art and museum curator.

“L’Atelier is widely celebrated as an African art competition that has a far-reaching and sustainable impact on the careers of young artists. This is really important to us in view of Barclays Africa’s Shared Growth commitment which seeks to make a positive impact on the various communities in which we operate,” he added.

Once open only to South African artists, L’Atelier has now become a highly prestigious pan-African competition that has included young artists from Zambia, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Mauritius, Seychelles, Uganda and Tanzania in this year’s competition.

The book depicts some of the most momentous milestones on the African continent over the past three decades as seen through the eyes of various artists, many of whom were relatively unknown at the time.

“L’Atelier has been a catalyst for their [artists] success in the arts fraternity. The book documents how L’Atelier has served as a springboard for many successful art careers,” said Bayliss, adding that many of these artists were now imparting the skills and expertise they have been exposed to through L’Atelier, by tutoring and mentoring other young artists.

“Barclays L’Atelier – 30 Years of Introspection will become a real collector’s item. People from all walks of life, not just art connoisseurs, will find it inspirational,” stated Bayliss.

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