Johannesburg-based visual artist Lusanda Ndita has been named the winner of the 2024 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, a recognition of outstanding contributions to contemporary South African art. Known for his evocative work rooted in personal and collective memory, Ndita’s art delves into domestic archives to reconstruct and reimagine absent father figures, bringing their silhouettes to life with a sense of restored presence.
A Legacy of Artistic Achievement
The Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award has been at the forefront of South Africa’s creative scene for 20 years. A unique collaboration between Absa, the French Institute, and other cultural bodies, the award celebrates the resilience, talent, and innovation of the country’s visual artists.
In his acceptance speech, Ndita honored his ancestors and praised the legacy of the award’s namesake, Gerard Sekoto, an artist known for his contributions to African modernism. Ndita also expressed gratitude to Absa and the French Institute for fostering opportunities that enable artists to extend their influence on an international scale.
A Residency in Paris
As part of his award, Ndita will participate in a three-month residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, one of the world’s most prestigious art centers. This opportunity provides a platform to engage with global artistic communities and further develop his unique practice.
French Ambassador David Martinon applauded Ndita and all the finalists, highlighting the award’s role in empowering artists to persevere and thrive in a competitive global art landscape.
Fashion and History Intersect in Museum Africa Exhibition
In a related celebration of South African creativity, Museum Africa in Johannesburg is hosting Fashion Accounts, an exhibition exploring colonial legacies through the lens of fashion. Curated by Wanda Lephoto, Erica de Greef, and Alison Moloney, the showcase uses archival collections to challenge ethnographic and fashion biases while amplifying Afrocentric narratives.
The exhibit features works by acclaimed designers such as Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo, alongside new creations by The Sartists and Mimi Duma. Using the museum’s Bernberg Costumes & Textiles Collection, the exhibition critiques its predominantly European focus while highlighting the power of dress as both a tool of oppression and liberation.
“Fashion can be a tool of colonialism, but also a site for liberation,” Moloney observed, capturing the transformative potential of the medium. Fashion Accounts runs in Newtown until 28 February 2024.
SA Clay Awards Showcase South Africa’s Ceramics Talent
Further testament to the vibrancy of South African art, the inaugural SA Clay Awards has debuted at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum in Durbanville. This biennial event celebrates the richness of South African ceramic artistry, featuring 50 pieces selected from more than 500 entries.
Curated by renowned ceramicist Hennie Meyer, the exhibition balances functional and sculptural clay works, showcasing diverse talents from emerging voices to established artists. The prize money is shared equally among the finalists, emphasizing a spirit of collective celebration over competition.
Rust-en-Vrede’s affiliation with the International Academy of Ceramics adds prestige to the awards, which mark a significant milestone in the recognition of South African ceramics on a global stage. The exhibition is free to the public and runs until 7 December.
