The winners of the 2023 New Breed Art Competition were officially revealed during a ceremony which took place on 9 November at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum.
According to the museum, the CEO of PH Attorneys and spokesperson for New Breed Art, Lesley Mokgoro, spoke about the strength of this year’s entries, noting the exceptional quality, innovation, and creativity displayed by the participating artists.
Lesego Motsiri is the Overall Winner of the 2023 New Breed Art Competition. His artwork titled Self Portrait, whose original, introspective, and engaging artwork secured the grand prize of R50 000 and national recognition.
“I am humbled and truly honoured to be awarded this prestigious award. I thank everyone who has supported me through my journey. You have pushed me to keep pushing on and have helped me keep my head above the waves. Thank you to the people of the Free State for accepting me and helping me grow. I can officially call myself a rose of this city. To the God Almighty that blessed me with this talent and life, all glory and honour to your Name Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you,” said Motsiri.
The museum said that Lesego entered his video artwork titled Self Portrait. “In deciding on the award, the judges were unanimous in their decision, indicating that this artwork was original, introspective and engaging. They commented on the intricacy of the thought process that had gone into the work and that it was definitely not something they had seen before and in their minds is the clear winner of this year’s competition.”
Other winners include:
- Public Choice Award: Thamsanqa Michael Mfuphi, whose work titled Inkunzi isematholeni captivated over 3200 votes, securing him the coveted title and a prize of R10 000.
- Merit Awards: Marcus Chigawa for his artwork titled, Kachingwe Tea Dispatch (R10 000 prize). Poloko (PK) Mohanoe for his artwork titled, Artistic Labour (R10 000 prize).
- Digital Art Award (new category): Linde Kriel for his interactive artwork titled Biting the Forbidden Fruit: A Digital Communion of Queer Redemption (R10 000 prize).
- Runner-up: Linde Kriel, recognised for the complexity, skill, and innovative bridging of mediums in his work, earning him a prize of R20 000.
The exhibition, featuring the works of Free State artists, is open for public viewing until 19 November.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
