Talented visual artists in the Free State are encouraged to enter this year’s New Breed Art Competition which is offering R100 000 in prize money. Entries close on 17 September.
The competition is open to new and emerging Free State-based artists aged 18 years or older. Three workshops organised by the law firm Phatshoane Henney Attorneys and curated by the Free State Art Collective (FSAC) were held during August, with emphasis on mentorship and education.
These workshops educated participants on video art and photography with experts Louis Krüger and Evert Kleynhans, and explored video apps, aperture, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), storyboards, and artificial intelligence (AI). Krüger has expertise in video and digital media, honed by his work for a leading online streaming company.
Johandi du Plessis, a talented artist, researcher and fine arts lecturer at the University of the Free State (UFS), also shared some insight about video art.
Several artists shared their insight, experiences, and unique perspectives. Previous winners Neo Theku and Bongani Tshabalala also imparted their knowledge during the photography workshop. The latter is a self-taught and award-winning photographer, and uses his contemporary style to narrate the stories of African people, lending unique perspectives to the workshop.
In 2016, the law firm launched the competition with an ambitious vision to recognise and celebrate excellence and creativity in all its forms. It has helped unearth talented artists and enabled them to reshape their creative thinking.
The first prize is R50 000, R20 000 to the runner-up, and R10 000 each to two merit award winners. Another R10 000 will be given to the winner of the public choice award.
Last year Keabetswe Mosetlhe (22) became the first-ever Sign Language winner for her visual art that encourages communication with persons who are deaf. She won R50 000, and R10 000 for the Public Choice Award.
Interested artists can submit their artwork at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. More information is available at newbreedart.co.za.
