L’Atelier finalists’ exhibition at Ann Bryant Art Gallery

SIX artists from the region have been selected to go through to the Absa L’Atelier 2006 competition, presented in conjunction with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (Sanava).

The works of all the finalists can be viewed at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery until April 8 from 9am to 5pm weekdays and from 9am to 12pm Saturdays.

This competition, the longest established art competition in Africa celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, has been the launch pad for the careers of many South African artists who have become household names on the global stage – artists such as Clive van den Berg, Walter Oltmann, Isaac Khanyile, Karel Nel and Diane Victor.

The award comes with a R100000 cash prize and a six-month sabbatical at the Cité Internationale des Arts in France, courtesy of financial services group, Absa. A second award for the most promising artist, comprising a three-month sabbatical at the Cité, French language classes and nationwide touring exhibitions is sponsored by the French Embassy and Alliance Française.

Both prizes include airfares and free access to galleries and museums in Paris and give young artists the opportunity to develop their talents and gain exposure to the international art community.

The overall winner will be announced at a gala exhibition in Johannesburg on July 18.

Four runners-up will each pocket R20 000 and the top 10 finalists will each receive a R1000 bonus prize.

The artists selected from the Ann Bryant Art Gallery to go through to the final round are:

Dina Zoe Belluigi – Untitled (from the Eve series): Digital print on cotton rag paper

Deborah Beth Kanfer – Momento Mom: Black and white photograph

Naomi Roux – Untitled: Found objects and latex

Nomusa Makhubu – Fragments: Photography

Christine Fae Maree – Untitled: Crystal Cal

Litha Masiuakane Ncokasi – So Prano: Clay and oxide

BRILLIANT PIECES: Fragments by Nomusa Makhubu.