The Sasol New Signatures Art Competition, the longest-running competition of its kind in South Africa, is back, offering emerging artists a platform to showcase their talent and gain exposure within the art ecosystem. Open to all South African visual artists over 18 years who have not yet held a solo exhibition, this competition is a exciting opportunity for artists to get noticed.
Building on the success of the online tutorial sessions in 2023, the Chairperson of the competition, Pfunzo Sidogi, and Sasol Art Curator, Cate Terblanche, will be hosting four more sessions in 2024. These sessions aim to assist prospective entrants in preparing their submissions, addressing common questions, and highlighting key areas of improvement noted by past judges. By providing valuable insights and guidance, these sessions aim to ensure that submitted works are competition-ready and meet the high standard required for selection in the final exhibition and catalogue.
“We strongly encourage all entrants to take advantage of these information sessions, including those from 2023, and to download the supporting factsheets from the website,” said Sidogi. “These resources will not only enhance their chances in this competition but will also benefit them as they progress in their artistic careers.”
The 2024 information session videos will be aired once a week on Wednesdays, starting from 8 May 2024 and can be accessed on Sasol and the Association of Arts Pretoria’s Facebook pages and the Sasol New Signatures website. Artists are encouraged to tune in to gain valuable insights and improve their chances of success in the competition.
Session 1: What’s new this year? – 8 May
An overview of changes to the competition rules, submission points and types of art which can be submitted, including the use of AI.
Session 2: Copyright and the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition – 15 May
Guest speaker Jenny Pienaar from Adams & Adams Attorneys will discuss the importance of understanding the copyright law for artists.
Session 3: Why wasn’t my work selected? – 22 May
This session focusses on feedback from last year’s competition, with specific emphasis on reasons why works are disqualified.
Session 4: What makes a winning work? – 29 May
In the last session, we look at some of the artworks by previous winners and discuss why they were successful.
The videos, including those from 2023, will be available for ongoing viewing on the Sasol New Signatures YouTube channel which can be located at www.sasolsignatures.co.za .
Artworks can be submitted at one of several collection points around the country on Tuesday, 4 June and Wednesday, 5 June from 10h00 to 16h00. A completed entry form and supporting documentation must be submitted along with the artworks.
The winner of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will receive R100 000 and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition. The runner up will receive R25 000, and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10 000. Approximately 100 artworks will be selected to be featured in the official Sasol New Signatures catalogue for 2024 and be included in an exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum from Thursday, 5 September to Sunday, 3 November 2024.
Follow Sasol ( https://www.facebook.com/SasolLTD) and the Association of Arts Pretoria (https://www.facebook.com/pretoriaartsassociation ) on Facebook.
The following topics were covered in 2023:
- General conditions – Why enter? Who can enter? Type of works including visual art and performance art. Dates and selection points.
- Understanding the entry form
- Preparing your art – Delivery of art, framing, displaying art, signing work and the Pretoria Art Museum’s hanging system.
- Supporting documentation: CV’s, Biographies, Synopsis, etc.
- What makes a winning work? – Judging process and what the judges look for, previous winners and their works.
