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Sasol New Signatures Art Competition announces 7 Finalists 2016 Article Image

Sasol New Signatures Art Competition announces 7 Finalists 2016

Posted on 25 August 2016

Final judging has been completed for the 27th Sasol New Signatures Art Competition with 100 artworks being shortlisted from around South Africa with seven selected as finalists for 2016.

The finalists are: Aneesa Loonat (Port Elizabeth); Mosa Anita Kaiser (Grahamstown); Matilda Engelblik (Pretoria); Paul Marais (Stellenbosch); Shaun James Francis (Johannesburg); Zane Wesley Lange (Port Elizabeth) And Zyma Amien (Cape Town).

Sasol New Signatures National Chairperson Peter Binsbergen said, "We have seen a definite rise in the quality of artworks submitted in 2016, which is extremely encouraging."

Themes noted in this year's entries portrayed environmental issues as well as gender disparity. "We have seen a move away from the more traditional mediums used in the artists works to experimental uses such as ceramics being reinvented in sculptural forms," said Binsbergen.

There has also been a number of exciting digital submissions in 2016 from across many of the regions, which has seen artists breaking new ground and further harnessing the moving image.

"I am extremely impressed with the variety of submissions this year, many mapping the artists' personal issues. The use of different mediums and craftsmanship is extremely exciting. The artists are pushing all sorts of boundaries in their works and concepts," said Cecile Loedolf, Art Curator at for Sasol and 2016 Sasol New Signatures judge.

"The work submitted this year was very fresh and orginal. The ways in which the artists used the materials they worked with showed a greater awareness of the current trends. The standout pieces had strong concepts, craftsmanship and overall presentation which all worked hand in hand, transforming the works into something special. I am very encouraged about the future of art and artists in South Africa," added Emma Willemse, artist and judge.

The winner of the Sasol New Signatures competition will be announced at a ceremony on 7 September 2016 after which the winning works will be displayed for a month at the Pretoria Art Museum. The winner will receive R 100 000 and a solo exhibition at next year's event, with the runner up winning R25 000. The five merit award winners will each receive R10 000.

Last year's Sasol New Signatures winner, Nelmarie du Preez will hold her solo exhibition entitled Loops of Relation...a Continuation alongside the 2016 finalists.

All 100 shorlisted artworks will be exhibited at the Pretoria Art Museum from 8 September - 9 October 2016 and all artworks are available for sale.