As industries change and develop, establishing oneself as a leader in any space takes a lot of consistent and active work. Initiatives like the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2024 create more opportunities of local talent, so we took the opportunity to chat to explore Sasol New Signatures 2024 with Cate Terblanche, Art Curator, Sasol Art Collection and find out more about Sasol’s commitments within the art space.
1. How has the fine arts spaces changed over the last 34 years?
34 years, especially in South Africa, is a significant amount of time. During this time South Africa saw the end of apartheid and the birth of a rainbow nation, we saw a new millennium, the widespread introduction of computers, the internet and social media, and much more. All of these factors influenced the way we view and consume art in their own way.
One of the most radical changes occurring in the artworld came about with the COVID pandemic. For a very dark moment it seemed as if the end of art was imminent (once again). While other creative forms/practices seemed to transition to the online world without too much difficulty, the visual arts struggled despite the visual nature of its product. Many galleries closed their doors, corporate and private collections were sold, art publications dwindled, competitions were cancelled and social events were clamped down…the artworld as we knew it had taken a big knock. Online galleries seemed to be a good alternative for a while, but there is still a preference for viewing art in person, with most galleries now having an online presence in addition to their physical space.
While the artworld is slowly recovering from the effects of the pandemic, the challenges remain. Probably the most significant current challenge is that of AI, and how artists will deal with it, remains to be seen. At the heart of AI is the issue of creativity, which some artists see as a threat, a cop out, or even unethical, while others see AI as nothing more than a tool, in the same way the camera and film now function.
2. We’ve seen major players supporting young artists over the years, what makes Sasol’s contribution unique?
Firstly, Sasol has been sponsoring the Sasol New Signatures competition since 1990, which is an indication of Sasol’s commitment to the Arts. In a world where art competitions come and go, continued sponsorships of this length and nature are very unique.
Secondly, our support of the winning artist goes beyond the mere financial gain of prize money. The winning artist is given an opportunity to present a solo exhibition in the following year. Solo exhibitions are generally very difficult to secure, and for most emerging artists a distant dream. The addition of a solo exhibition to one’s CV is a definite indication of a career milestone for artists. During the preparation time for the solo, the winner is also supported and mentored by several members of the organizing team to ensure that they are able to deal with the various challenges they have to face as professional artists.
Thirdly, our vision is also to provide resources to emerging artists to help them on their way. Many of the entrants find the artworld rather overwhelming and we aim to support these artists by creating entry level resources to help navigate the artworld and provide easy-to-access, practical advice for all. These resources take the form of online information sessions where the Sasol New Signatures chairperson, Pfunzo Sidogi and myself discuss a variety of topics relating to art in general, as well as accompanying information leaflets and blogs.
3. What kind of work is being produced locally that is catching the eye of the global community?
It is really heartwarming to see so many of the artists associated with the Sasol New Signatures art competition break into the overseas markets. It is difficult to identify a type of work popular with the global community, as it is a rather broad question, and there are so many factors to consider. But the fact remains, that many of the artists listed in the yearly catalogue as previous winners, have featured in international exhibitions.
If we take international exhibitions as a guide, indications are that South African artists are more in demand. Just a few examples include Mohau Modisakeng, the overall winner in 2011, along with Candice Breitz, who received a merit award in 1992, who both represented South Africa at the 57th International Art Exhibition la Biennale di Venezia in 2017.
Lebohang Khanye, overall winner in 2017, has had several solo exhibitions in South Africa, Europe and the USA since winning. Stenjwa Luthuli, the runner up in 2017, known for his intricately painted relief carvings, has similarly had several international solo and group exhibitions as well.
Of course, solo exhibitions aren’t the only indication of how South African art is faring overseas. One has to consider several other factors such as gallery representation, sales, auctions, residencies, etc.
4. Why is it important to cultivate local artists, and how sustainable is this creative career path?
A career in the Arts is probably the most challenging of all careers. It is not for the faint of heart! Many who have attempted to make a living from art, have given up and started a new venture, away from the artworld. Very few artists are able to work fulltime at their craft, and many have to juggle a variety of other parttime jobs such as teaching, to make ends meet. That being said, artists have a very unique role to fulfill in society, they record our voices, our stories, our cultures, they are innovators and protestors, they reflect and document who we are as a society.
5. What other sustainable opportunities does Sasol cultivate for the arts community?
Every year with the competition debrief, we look at new opportunities and practical ways in which we can support the art community. It is a fluid approach in which we try so find workable solutions to issues that we dealt with during the year. Each year we try to offer an additional resource and a new avenue to support our art community in the areas we identified in the debrief.
We are very aware of the logistical issues facing artists not based in the regional submission areas, and this will remain a challenge due to the vastness of our country. This year we added a new submission point in North West, which will hopefully attract a lot of interest from the artistic community in that area.
6. How are we bringing the younger generation, marginalised, or uneducated communities back into galleries or exposing them to the works of young artists, and this is also cultivating an appreciation and market for the artists?
This is a rather important aspect that needs more attention. Most art galleries and institutions are situated in large cities, thereby excluding anyone living in the outlying areas. Unfortunately, it is a logistical problem which is not easily solved. Social media plays a massive role here, as this is one way to reach a wider audience, and online resources are incredibly useful to those artists without access to galleries or teaching institutions. But nothing replaces the experience of being in a gallery and viewing the artworks in person. Both the Pretoria Art Museum and the Sasol Art Gallery in Sandton welcome visitors.
The Pretoria Art Museum holds regular walk abouts of the Sasol New Signatures exhibition for schools. Group bookings can be made by emailing the Education Officer at art.museum@tshwane.gov.za
The Sasol Art Collection, as well as the regular exhibitions held in the Sasol Art Gallery in Sandton, are also available for viewing by the public, groups and individuals are welcome to visit by appointment. Viewing appointments can be made by emailing art@sasol.com
Our artists are also some of our biggest ambassadors. The publicity they receive through the competition turns them into local heroes, with a very loyal following. Their love of art and knowledge is shared in a way that inspires and motivates other aspiring artists. They become role models and their success stories are followed by many.
7. How can the every-man support young artists?
Of course every artist needs to sell their work to make a living, and buying original artworks from local artists is the obvious way. One aspect of the Sasol New Signatures competition is that all artworks have to be available for sale, with the artist receiving their set price. For those in the know, the competition is THE place to pick up artworks by future stars while their works are still affordable.
But not everyone has spare cash to spend on art, so support can still be shown by attending art events, openings, walk abouts and following artists, galleries and other art institutions on social media. The role of social media in promoting an artist’s career cannot be overestimated.
