The AGAC, in collaboration with Isinyithi Trading 326, hosted its second national art competition, inviting artists across South Africa of all ages and mediums to participate. Launched in April 2024, the competition received approximately 500 entries by the 7th of October. This year’s theme, “Rainbow Renaissance: From Baroque to Braai”, encouraged artists to reimagine classic artworks with a South African twist.

Entries ranged from amateur to professional, showcasing exceptional talent and making judging a challenge for adjudicators Robert Thirtle, Marco Kuhn (AGAC 2023 Winner), Daniel Tladi, and internationally renowned Portchie Viljoen. Founded by Thirtle, owner of ARTi Gallery in Klerksdorp, AGAC aims to be South Africa’s largest inclusive art competition, with this year’s grand prize of R260,000.

Sebastiaan Theart se beeldkuns. Foto verskaf

The competition’s multi-stage adjudication process selected finalists across categories, culminating in the Top 25 Overall Finalists and the Top 3 Primary and High School categories. Winners were announced on November 9 via a livestream on ARTi Gallery’s YouTube channel.

Primary School winner Lonwabo Jantjies impressed with “Starry Night Over South African Huts: Shining Amidst Adversity” while High School winner Jaz (Gareth) Zacks’ “Stormy Oranjezicht” earned him a spot in the Top 25.

The overall winners included:

• 3rd Place: Marguerite Smal, “The Pearl of Limpopo”
• 2nd Place: Tiffany Baxter, “Nkosi Sikele’ iAfrika”
• 1st Place: Sebastiaan Theart, “Brandewyn Brille”

Theart’s winning piece, an interactive oil painting and plexiglass sculpture, drew inspiration from Rembrandt and Dali to explore Afrikaner culture’s social rituals with a humorous twist.

Sebastiaan Theart se kunswerk “Brandewyn Brille”. Foto verskaf

The finalists’ artwork is on display at ARTi Gallery until March 2025, with an exclusive Opening Exhibition Night on January 18, 2025. AGAC extends its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors for supporting local artists and making this competition possible!

OFM