The first round of judging for the 2023 New Breed Art competition has culminated in the selection of 34 creatives’ work to feature in the eagerly awaited exhibition at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein.
Reflecting the artistic talent in the Free State, these works of art were chosen from 97 entries.
The exhibition officially opens on Thursday, 12 October, setting the stage for voting by the public to decide on the recipient of the public choice award.
Traditionally the accolade, with the additional prize money of R10 000, is presented to the artist who receives the most online votes on the competition’s website, newbreedart.co.za.
Aside from bragging rights, the competition offers prizes worth R100 000.
The panel of judges comprises distinguished artists and curators who played a key role in the selection of the 34 works. Respected judges include Ruzy Rusike, Nandipha Mntambo and Isabelle Grobler.
Each of these individuals brought their wealth of experience and discerning eye to this year’s judging.
Mntambo expressed her admiration for the submissions, stating: “A wonderful selection of works submitted. Inspiring to see all the talent our country and, more specifically, the Free State has cultivated.”
Grobler echoed the sentiments.
“It is inspiring to see so many different and diverse voices, approaches, and mediums.”
The competition is an initiative of Phatshoane Henney Attorneys and is run in association with Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the Free State Art Collective and the Art Bank of South Africa.
