Hall of fame | Minnette Vári

From Merit Award Winner... to  Regional Judge

Minnette Vári was recognised by the Sasol New Signatures judges in 1990 and 1991 when she was awarded prestigious Merit Awards. The saying Life comes full circle is true in Vári’s case, as this year she took on the role of a regional judge in Johannesburg. With adjudicating formalities completed, we were fortunate to catch up with Vári and have a chat...

Did winning the competition assist in launching your career as an artist?

Yes, for sure! Winning a prestigious art prize certainly builds one’s confidence to strive for further success.

How important a platform is Sasol New Signatures?

I have a high regard for this competition. It is a marvellous opportunity to get your work noticed.

How many times did you enter the competition?

I entered the competition several times when I was an undergraduate and then when I was working towards my Master's degree. Our National Chairperson, Professor Pieter Binsbegen is often heard encouraging artists to be persistent and I concur with that view.

We have seen numerous women win this competition - why do you think that is?

Statistically, there are many more women who study fine art, so this in itself is not that strange. It’s a numbers game. However, the playing field in the art world has been historically slanted in favour of men in terms of achieving lasting success. Thankfully this is rapidly changing, with work by women and LGBTQ+ individuals being celebrated and highly valued.

What have you achieved since the competition?  

I have been fortunate to travel and show my work widely in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including the Venice and Havana Biennales, solo exhibitions in New York, Zürich, Cape Town and Johannesburg. I have work in many local and international collections and have been invited on a number of wonderful art residencies, where I have been able to create work alongside well-established artists, writers, composers and poets from around the world.

What is your favourite part of being included in these developmental opportunities?

I love sharing my knowledge with students locally and around the world.

What advice do you have for other artists young or old wanting to make their career as an artist?

Work hard, show up, do your research and become an expert in whatever field you have chosen. Persevere.Nobody in the world can say and do and make art exactly like you do. Never stop challenging yourself. If it’s not terrifying, you’re doing something wrong. Remember to remain grateful.

What is your biggest take-out since 1990?

The art world is tough. Don’t be surprised to find that as you get older, making art doesn’t become easier, so you have to really want this.