A Celebration of African Art: The Absa L’Atelier 2024 Winners Announced!
It’s More Than Just Art, It’s a Story
The Absa L’Atelier art competition is more than just a contest; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to emerging talent and the discovery of inspiration in the visual arts. Each year, the competition, in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), helps young visual artists from 12 African countries to grow their art careers and gain recognition. This prestigious competition, one of the leading Pan-African art competitions, has helped shape the careers of young African artists for 38 years!
The Absa L’Atelier is a journey of resilience and creativity, and the artists who participate embody the power of African storytelling through their work. The competition emphasizes Absa’s commitment to being an active force for good by supporting emerging artists who tell uniquely African stories and empowering Africa’s tomorrow.
We are particularly proud of our 38-year partnership with Absa in the Absa L’Atelier — a true testament to the power of partnerships. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and agency for the visual arts, showcasing the courage, vision, and commitment needed to build sustainable and inclusive societies,
Dr. Samuel B. A. Isaacs, President of SANAVA,
A Jubilant Night of Celebration!
The winners of the Absa L’Atelier 2024 were announced on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at a vibrant celebration held at the Kromdraai Impact Hub in Gauteng, South Africa. The event marked another successful year for the esteemed competition and a particularly significant one, as it marked the 20th anniversary of the Gerard Sekoto Award!
Honoring Artistic Integrity: The Gerard Sekoto Award
Named after the renowned South African artist Gerard Sekoto, this prestigious award is presented to a South African artist between 25 and 35 who consistently demonstrates exceptional integrity in their work. The French Embassy in South Africa, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), Absa, and SANAVA collaborate to make this award possible. The recipient of the 2024 Gerard Sekoto Award is Lusanda Ndita! Ndita joins a distinguished lineage of past winners, dating back to 2004, who have all gone on to achieve significant success in their artistic endeavors.
For two decades, the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, and the French Institute of South Africa have had the privilege of supporting the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award,
His excellency David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Malawi and Lesotho
Here are some of the past recipients of this prestigious award:
- Billie Zangewa
- Lawrence Lemaoana
- Nomusa Makhubu
- Nina Barnet
- Retha Fergurson
- Nyaniso Lindi
- Bongumenzi Ngobese
- Isabel Mertz
- Bambo Sibiya
- Mongezi Ncaphayi
- Mbavhalelo Nekhavhambe
- Natalie Moore
- Matete Motubatse
- Banele Khoza
- Philiswa Lila
- Phoka Nyokong
- Abongile Sidzumo
- Malebogo Molokoane
These talented artists have all contributed to the rich tapestry of African art and serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists across the continent.
Through the Absa L’Atelier, we celebrate not only the incredible talent of these artists but also the personal stories of resilience and creativity that they bring to their work,
Dr Paul Bayliss, Art and Museum Curator at Absa.
A 20-Year Partnership in the Cultural Field
The French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, and the French Institute of South Africa have supported the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award for two decades. This partnership, the longest-running partnership between the French Embassy and the private sector in South Africa, recognizes the challenges faced by artists along their artistic journey. The award provides essential support, encouraging artists to push creative boundaries and grow their practice.
Ambassadors of African Art: The 2024 Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors
The Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors for 2024 are:
- Ezra Appiah (Ghana)
- Kutlwano Monyai (South Africa)
- Moses Oyeleye (Nigeria)
These talented individuals were chosen from a pool of exceptional artists who participated in the competition. Each ambassador will receive:
- A prestigious international residency
- Masterclasses
- Mentoring
- The opportunity to exhibit their artwork on a global stage
These prizes demonstrate the Absa L’Atelier art competition’s vital role in shaping the careers of young African artists.
Looking Forward: The Absa L’Atelier 2025
The Absa L’Atelier 2025 competition will open on April 1, 2025! For those inspired by this year’s winners, the competition is an incredible opportunity to gain recognition and take your artwork to a wider audience. Aspiring artists can visit the competition page on the Absa L’Atelier website to learn more about eligibility and submission guidelines. You can also follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #AbsaLAtelier.
The Absa L’Atelier art competition is a testament to the power of art to inspire. Art that connects and creates a brighter future for Africa. Congratulations to all the winners and participants of this year’s competition.
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