The art, design and photography division of the Nelspruit Eisteddfod saw 614 submitted artworks this year.
The platform gives young artists the opportunity to be creative and innovative, and develop their artistic techniques. The submissions were adjudicated by six local artists, art studio owners and art educators over a period of three weeks.
The theme for 2023 was ‘In my world…’, which brought forth some stunning representations of our Lowveld children’s worlds.
“We are very excited to display 135 of this year’s top artworks at our annual Nelspruit Eisteddfod gala event at the Mbombela Civic Centre on September 15,” said Eugené Wait, the organiser of this division.
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“One of our favourite artworks for this year belongs to Zelé Nel, an 11-year-old girl, one of a boy/girl twins. Zelé had a premature birth and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia).
“To help her move easier and get around at home and school, she uses a wheelchair. She receives occupational and physiotherapy weekly, where she diligently and faithfully practises to walk. Finding activities to do in a wheelchair is challenging, so Zelé loves going to art classes and learning to work with different mediums and about different styles and artists.
“The challenges she faces in life – being independent in things like getting dressed, using the restroom, knowing where her body is in space, taking medication three times per day – vanish when she draws and paints with Tannie Hilke. The confidence and freedom she takes from art and colours make her world a better place,” said Wait.
