Each year, the Sasol New Signatures art competition raises the bar from previous competitions and this year, notable improvements were seen from the works submitted. Artists have experimented with new media and multiple modes of expression to convey messages showing true innovation, lifting the quality of work received.

For the past 24 years, Sasol in partnership with the Association of Arts Pretoria has played an influential role in unearthing artistic talent in South Africa through the New Signatures competition. The competition allows entrants to enter the world of extraordinary artistry while also giving them the platform to make their artistic signatures known.

Over the years, the competition has not only grown in popularity but also in prestige as the quality of submitted works continues to significantly improve.

“This year, we also saw an increase in submissions that reflect people’s personal experiences and bring pertinent social, economic, political and psychological issues to the fore.  With the awards ceremony steadily approaching, the judges have their work cut out for them as they chose the winning piece from a pool of 97 artworks,” explained Peter Binsbergen National Chairperson of the Sasol New Signatures selection panel.

“The New Signatures art competition aims to inspire creativity among emerging artists, while simultaneously increasing South Africa’s appreciation for the arts. We encourage all finalists to continue to extend their craft, and contribute towards the improvement of the state of art in South Africa,” said Richard Hughes, Sasol’s Sponsorship Manager.

This year, close to 450 entries was received and 97 were shortlisted for final judging, increasing from last year’s 88.

Binsbergen attributed this increase to the fact that artists have taken note of the high standard set, and understand that submitted works need to be of an exceptional standard to compete with the incredible pool of emerging artists in our country.

The overall winner will receive R60 000 and the opportunity to showcase a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Arts Museum next year. The runner up and five merit award recipients will receive R20 000 and R 5 000 respectively.

Winners will be announced on 28 August 2013 at the Pretoria Art Museum and the Sasol New Signatures art competition Exhibition will be open to the public from 29 August -13 October 2013. Also exhibiting during this period, for the first time to South African art lovers is Ingrid Bolton, winner of the 2012 Sasol New Signatures art competition.

For more information, contact the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100.

Ends

Issued by:

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager

Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;

alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication

Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;

jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com