Leana van der Merwe, Senior Lecturer, Unisa
How did you find the judging process?
I thoroughly enjoyed the day spent at the Pretoria Art Museum, looking at the works on display. The judging process was well organised and went smoothly. We were able to complete the process quicker than anticipated, mainly due to the good organisation of the works, and related documentation and information. The quality of work submitted varied, but it is encouraging to see how many artists are interested in taking part in a competition such as this one. I particularly enjoyed engaging with the entrants after the judging, giving feedback, and meeting them. I think connecting with the public in this way is a crucial part of the competition, and developing up and coming artists.
Any standout themes you picked up?
There were quite a large number of artworks that engaged with social themes such as poverty, health, conservation, and metal health. Some of the works were very touching, and reflects some of the challenges that South Africans face daily. Noticeable were also artist engagements with issues of trauma, highlighting the role of art’s potential for healing, and working through challenges.
Standout media?
Mixed media works seem to be the medium of choice. This also reflects the current trends in contemporary art. It was however encouraging to see that more artists are also embracing traditional media such as drawing, painting and even the more laborious mediums such as printmaking.
Any advice to those who did not make it through to the final judging?
To become skilled in anything requires a lot of time and effort. Most importantly, it requires a sustained effort at becoming better. This often means returning to things over and over again, making, remaking, editing, and revising. It also requires a critical eye and an enquiring mind. If you did not get through this time, you have a whole year to improve your ideas, and your techniques. Read, visit exhibitions, talk to artists, and seek advice on your work, and use this year’s results as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Your thoughts on the role Sasol New Signatures plays in the art ecosystem in SA.
Sasol New Signatures is not only a great platform for artists to get noticed, but it provides an essential place for especially young artists, and self-taught artists to be exposed to a professional gallery setting whilst having the opportunity to showcase their work, and receive some feedback. The competition is thus also a place of learning, and provides many artists with a scarce opportunity to access professional advice.
Being invited as a regional judge for the Sasol New Signatures competition was an honour I hoped to do well by. What I appreciated most about the judging process was the intentional focus on noting helpful feedback for each entrant’s submission, as it isn’t often that we get feedback for the various, grants, residencies or competitions we apply for, and engagement and feedback is integral to the growth of all of our creative practices. I would absolutely encourage future entrants, even when not selected, to utilise the feedback sessions for their growth and benefit, having seen how much we, as judges, pour into giving each person valuable feedback on their work during those sessions.
I was truly amazed by the hard work Amos and the team at Polokwane Art Museum put into supporting entrants to collate their applications and encourage weary artists to take a chance and enter.
While there was a broad range of media represented in the submissions, which was so refreshing, it was wonderful to also see the presence of carving traditions long celebrated in the region present in this year’s submissions.
The competition remains an integral component of the arts ecosystem, creating a significant contact point for display, engagement and interaction with works, especially in contexts with limited public venues and events for visual art.
