Two artists from the Helderberg have been named among the top 40 finalists for the highly anticipated 2025 Portrait Award.
The biennial awards showcase the boldest and most compelling portraiture in South Africa today. From oil to mixed media, realism to abstraction, these artists offer a striking snapshot of contemporary identity and talent.
The works of Somerset West resident Tessa Smit and Rene Snyman from Sir Lowry’s Pass will be on display at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery and Clay Museum in Durbanville, alongside those of the other finalists from Saturday 30 August to Wednesday 29 October.
The seventh edition of the Portrait Awards, held biennially since 2013, invites artists from across South Africa to submit original, two-dimensional portraits for a chance to secure a solo exhibition.
Donovan Mynhardt, curator at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, reflects on the selection process: “The judging process was incredibly meticulous, and what excited us most this year was the number of new mediums and approaches we saw.
“This year there was a noticeable increase in entries using drawings, embroidery, graphic-based techniques and even tattoo ink, all of which are truly pushing the boundaries of portraiture in exciting new ways.”
The 2025 Portrait Award judging panel of three experts, comprising prominent South Africans in the art space, each brought their unique perspectives to the selection process. The panel comprised Dr Dineke Orton, curator of the University of Johannesburg’s Art Gallery, contemporary artist Thonton Kabeya and respected critic Sean O’Toole
This year’s exhibition is set to offer a powerful exploration of contemporary South African portraiture and its evolving expressions. “I’m pleased with the choices the judges made this year. There’s a clear shift towards more modern and diverse approaches to portraiture,” Mynhardt noted.
The Portrait Award celebrates the art of portraiture, pushing the boundaries of the genre with new and innovative works. The top 40 finalists represent a broad spectrum of South African talent who hail from across the country.
“The quality of the submissions was incredibly high, showcasing both technical skill and emotional depth. I’m eager for audiences to experience these exceptional works.”
The winners will be announced on 29 August, when the overall winner will receive a share of R200 000 and the chance to host a solo exhibition at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery. The Portrait 100 exhibition, featuring 60 more portraits, will be on display at the Spier Arts Trust Union House in Cape Town from 30 August to 29 October.
