SNS CATALOGUE 2022 - Book - Page 10
National Chairperson 2022
Sasol New Signatures
PFUNZO
SIDOGI
8
Allow me to begin this brief reflection of what has been an
incredible year for the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition
by asking some slightly rhetorical questions. What is
the value and purpose of this competition and other art
competitions in South Africa? Why do artists go through the
uncertainty of investing their time, resources, and energy
to produce and submit work to art competitions, when only
a select few will end up benefiting materially in terms of
financial proceeds, exhibition and residency opportunities,
and whatever other incentives competition organisers
promise. Perhaps a different way of asking these questions is
why do people make art to begin with? This is an old and big
philosophical conondrum, which I will not attempt to answer
here. Yet I pose these questions not to provoke answers,
but to highlight the very importance and dare I say, higher
purpose of initiatives such as the Sasol New Signatures,
and further than that, the transcendent value and meaning
of art itself to our society. For individuals who live and
breathe art, either as artists, administrators, teachers,
collectors, curators, writers, gallerists, framers, and the list
goes on, it is perhaps necessary to pause and consider the
underlying reasons and motivations that fuel the production,
consumption, preservation and celebration of art.
The Sasol New Signatures Art Competition is indeed a key
institution for the celebration of art created by emerging
artists in South Africa. This year, over 1,000 entries from the
seven regional judging rounds were recorded, the highest
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES • 2022 CATALOGUE
FOREWORD
" Onwards with the
spirit of creativity.
All sectors of
South Africa are
desperate for it."
number of submissions in the competition’s long history.
This is a significant feat. The organising team was delighted
and slightly overwhelmed by this fantastic turnout. We were
particularly encouraged by the increased number of entries
received from artists who did not attain formal university
art education. This speaks volumes of the creative energy
and passion to produce art that exists in all quarters of the
country, and it is critical that we provide platforms for this
creativity to be seen and celebrated. Furthermore, I was
particularly enriched by the many conversations I had with
artists of all persuasions during the feedback sessions,
ranging from the university-trained entrants to the
occasional or part-time artists who used the competition
as a platform to re-invigorate their creative spirit.
The judges at both the regional and final judging round
were inspired and impressed by the diversity of narratives
and boldness in artistic vision evident in some of the
submissions. My sincerest appreciation goes to all the
judges who served on the various panels this year. Your
professionalism and exceptional knowledge and experience
is evident in the calibre of artworks that made it into the
catalogue. But the biggest acknowledgement goes to every
artist who entered the competition this year. Your creativity,
passion, and commitment to artmaking is priceless. The
incredible turnout of entrants bodes well for the current and
future vitality of art in South Africa. Onwards with the spirit
of creativity. All sectors of South Africa are desperate for it.
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES • 2022 CATALOGUE
9