Art remains vital at the Pretoria Art Gallery
Pretoria artists won merit awards in Sasol New Signatures art competition.
Art remains a vital life force at the Pretoria Art Gallery as the gallery recently hosted the New Signatures competition.
Sasol has been the sponsor of the competition, which was established by the Association of Arts Pretoria in the late 1960s, for 32 years.
“Sasol is honoured to play a role in providing opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work,” said Sasol spokesperson Elton Fortuin.
“This year we had an unprecedented number of entries, which reinforces the need for a platform such as this. It also highlights the depth of talent and creativity across South African society.”
Pfunzo Sidogi, the chairperson of the competition, said: “This year, we received over a thousand entries, the highest number of submissions in the competition’s long history.
“We were particularly encouraged by the number of entries from artists who did not attain formal university art education.
“This speaks volumes of the creative energy and passion to produce art that exists in all quarters of the country. We must provide platforms for this creativity to be seen and celebrated,” Sidogi said.
Pretoria’s own Herman Pretorius won a merit award for his prints and computer installation.
“The judges were impressed by the artistic vision evident in some submissions. My appreciation goes to all the judges who served on the various panels. Their professionalism, exceptional knowledge and experience are evident in the calibre of artworks that made it into the catalogue.
“But the biggest acknowledgement goes to every artist who entered. Their commitment to art making is priceless. The incredible turnout of entrants bodes well for the vitality of art in South Africa,” added Sidogi.
Fortuin congratulated all the winners as well as those whose works were selected for the exhibition.
“We wish them all the best for the future.”
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