SNS CATALOGUE 2023 DIGITAL-compressed - Book - Page 6
MESSAGE
Director of the
Association of Arts Pretoria
PIETER W
VAN HEERDEN
4
"It is gratifying to
see how many of
the participating
and winning artists
continue to establish
themselves as some
of the foremost
South African artists."
Since its inception in the early 1960’s, the New
Signatures Award has established itself as the
major award for young South African visual
artists. It started off as a competition in which
artists, who have not yet had a solo exhibition,
could exhibit their work as budding new artists.
But since Sasol joined hands with the Association
of Arts Pretoria, 34 years ago, as the sole sponsor
of this award, the Sasol New Signatures Art
Competition truly became a meeting place for
South Africa’s best young creative minds.
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES • 2023 CATALOGUE
As can be expected when so many brilliant
young minds meet, it becomes an opportunity
to challenge established norms and to cross
boundaries. It is also the most talked about arts
event in the country, as it is almost impossible to
be lukewarm about the works exhibited. One either
lauds or condemns... but inevitably one discusses!
With such fierce competition to have one’s work
included in the national exhibition the Sasol New
Signatures Art Competition brings out the best
in our young artists.
To put together an exhibition of this nature takes
a dedicated team of experts in their respective
fields starting with Sasol and their generous
financial support; the judges that have to select
the best works from various areas of the country
and put together the final exhibition; the judges
who have to select the winners; Stuttaford Van
Lines, for their expertise and skill in transporting
delicate art works; the organising team without
whose management skills the various aspects of
this venture could not come together and finally
the artists who have entered - I wish you every
success and hope that your participation will
contribute to the successful development of
your future careers.