vuleka
VULEKA COMPETITION TURNS 61
The winner of the Conrad Theys Award
Zach Taljaard
His work is titled: “A very, VERY Important Man”
Medium: Ceramic, Slip-cast porcelain, altered and glazed
Second prize was shared
Marinda Combrink
Title: “African Paradise’ Twin Brothers”
Medium: Oil painting
Andre Rose
Title: “Padkos”
Medium: Photograpic
A special prize donated by Kingsbridge Art for an artist under the age of 30
A Framing Voucher valued at R 5 000 was awarded to Zubunathi Filana for his work titled “Phenomenal Woman”
The other highly commended artists chosen by the judges were
Jan Christian Bolke
For his stunning embroidery work titled “Life”
Jenny Ehlers
With her oil painting titled “Vatican Security”
David Brunn Kramer
For his super-wood and photographic transfer work titled, "When the House was still a Home"
This year is the 61st competition at The Arts Association of Bellville.
Established under a different name in 1963, Vuleka, meaning “open” in isiXhosa, is the oldest continuous art competition in South Africa. The competition is open to all artists from Africa who has not yet held a solo exhibition. This important event is without a doubt the barometer for the future of art in our region.”
This will be the third year where adjudication is done in such a way that not even the three judges are aware of each other’s choices till the very end, assuring a fair and impartial process.
According to the historical records of Art.b, the competition has drawn entries from now prominent artists over the 60 years including William Kentridge, Sue Williamson, Christo Coetzee, Pippa Skotnes, Andries Gouws and many more. “This year’s competition drew 280 entries of which a selection of 50 finalists are displayed at the gallery as well as on our website, e-commerce platform.
The competition is unique since all mediums, including conceptual pieces come under the same scrutiny and are evaluated on an equal footing.
All entry fees are used towards the prize money.
This year the work is of an exceptionally high standard and the judges had a hard time eliminating artworks.
The Judges for Vuleka 2024
Zimasile Mjokozeli
LLB (UWC), Independent Art Consultant and Curator
Cindie Ah Ling
Principal of Peter Clark Art Centre
Theo Paul Vorster
Artist and Master Print Artist
