The first round of judging for the 2023 New Breed Art competition saw a total of 34 exceptional artworks chosen for inclusion in the eagerly awaited exhibition at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Reflecting the artistic talent in the Free State, artworks were chosen from 97 entries.
The exhibition will officially open on Thursday, 12 October, and will coincide with a vote by the public to decide on the winners and a recipient of the Public’s 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 official website newbreedart.co.za. The public plays an important role in determining the winner of the award.
The panel of judges comprises distinguished artists and curators who played a key role in the selection of the 34 exceptional artworks. Respected judges include Ruzy Rusike, Nandipha Mntambo, and Isabelle Grobler. They 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,” she said.
Grobler echoed the sentiments, adding: “It’s inspiring to see so many different and diverse voices, approaches, and mediums.”
The competition is an initiative of PH Attorneys and is run in association with Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the Free State Art Collective, and the Art Bank of South Africa.
