A remarkable body of new artworks by each of the four winners of the New Breed Art Competition 2018, are now on show in the foyer of Phatshoane Henney Attorneys’ offices in Markgraaff Street, Bloemfontein.
The exhibition comprises a total of 19 works in a variety of mediums by Nkululeko Nkebe (overall winner), Katlego Mogoera (runner-up and Public Choice Award winner), and Merit Award winners Petra Schutte and Xola Sello
This exhibition forms part of the prize offering of the annually held New Breed Art Competition – presented by Phatshoane Henney Attorneys in association with Oliewenhuis Art Museum - that is now in its fourth year, offering the artists the opportunity to showcase a broader body of their work in a formal exhibition environment and adding another layer of exposure for the winners.
Furthermore, in the run-up to the exhibition each artist was closely mentored by Pauline Gutter, well-know artist, and Karen Brusch, founder of the Free State Art Collective. And it shows – the development and growth these already talented artists have undergone, is clear for all to see.
Nkebe has not only produced three gigantic artworks in ballpoint pen, but has also produced three intricate bronze sculptures - each work highly conceptual in nature and in conversation with each other on issues surrounding race, gender and different cultures, and the divisions it causes.
Mogoera’s three striking digital prints on Dibond, feature the imploring gaze of Thandolwethu Gulwa who in 2016 joined a protest against institutional rape at Rhodes University. Her purpose with these evocative works is to honour women who have been abused and have never had their voices heard.
In strong contrast are Schutte’s immensely intricate and detailed drawings consisting of pigment ink, pastel and pencil on Fabriano. These drawings address complex concepts of us humans’ constant movement, migration, searching and longing.
Last, but certainly not least, are Sello’s variety of unique and truly original works. Showcasing his astounding versatility, are works created with ballpoint pen, Tipp-Ex and nails on wood on the one hand, combined with the finest etches which make up the other half of his works –all centring on the theme of ‘ugly beautiful.’ With these works, Xola attempts to show people that what people think is their weakness is quite often actually their strength.
At the exhibition opening on the 7th of August, Sam Moleko, director of Phatshoane Henney Attorneys and spokesperson for the New Breed Art Competition, remarked on the dedication each artist showed in putting together the exhibition. “For months on end, these talented artists have conceptualised, worked, prepared and created the exceptional body of artworks that you see here tonight. They have lost weight, explored new mediums, wrestled with their concepts, and slaved away at their creations to ensure that the winners who walked away from the competition last year, have now come back even bolder, stronger and more purposeful.”
All exhibited artworks are for sale, and more information can be found under the ‘exhibitions’ page at www.newbreedart.co.za.
The public is welcome to view the exhibition at our offices at 35 Markgraaff Street on weekdays between 08:00 and 17:00.The exhibition runs until the 23rd of August 2019.