Durban - Full-time Durban artist Mondli Mbhele has been announced as the winner of the 2022 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition.
Mbhele, 28, walks away with a cash prize of R100 000 and an opportunity to have a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2023.
Mbhele won the coveted title for his work titled Iphasi nesiphesheli, which is part of a bigger series titled Umlando uyaziphinda, which means “history repeats itself”.
The series of mixed-media works is inspired by various iconic events from South Africa’s history.
In his winning work, Mbhele explores the dynamics of protests in contemporary South Africa. The brightly coloured collage is a snapshot of an ominous moment in a protest wherein a person is lying lifeless on the ground, yet no one seems alarmed.
Mbhele said it was the first time he entered the competition.
“I have been working for six years with a collective of young Durban-based artists that promotes hard work and solidarity amongst fellow artists -the Amasosha Art Movement.
“During Covid-19, I built my studio at home in Cato Manor. I have been working in my studio, creating a body of work because, as a full -time practising artist, it is a must for me to create.”
He said the artwork he submitted was inspired by South African historical events that share ideas with events that have happened since 28 years of democracy in South Africa.
“This artwork was inspired by Sharpeville's 21 March 1960 anti- pass law event and the 2020 Covid-19 events/laws regarding vaccination cards and face masks. I saw that both of these share the same ideas.”
Sasol has been the sponsor of the New Signatures competition for 32 years, which was established by the Association of Arts Pretoria in the late 1960’s.
“For emerging artists, the challenge remains the same: breaking into a very competitive, ever-evolving field. Sasol is honoured to play a role in providing opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work,” said Elton Fortuin, Sasol Vice President: Group Communications and Brand Management.
Pfunzo Sidogi, chairperson of the Sasol New Signatures Competition, said: “This year, we received over 1 000 entries from the seven regional judging rounds, the highest number of submissions in the competition’s long history.”