Gauteng, South Africa – The vibrant pulse of African art resonated deeply on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as Absa, in proud partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), unveiled the triumphant artists of the 2025 Absa L’Atelier. The picturesque Nirox Sculpture Park provided a fitting backdrop for an announcement that not only celebrated artistic excellence but also reaffirmed a nearly four-decade legacy of empowering and elevating African creative voices.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Expression,” beautifully encapsulated the diverse and profound narratives that shape the continent’s artistic landscape. Absa L’Atelier has consistently championed young, emerging artists, transforming their innovative ideas into powerful works that speak volumes of resilience, hope, and the promising future of Africa.

Dr. Samuel Isaacs, President of SANAVA, eloquently highlighted the enduring strength of the partnership, stating, “We are particularly proud of our 39-year partnership with Absa in the Absa L’Atelier, a true testament to the power of partnerships. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and agency for the visual arts, showcasing the courage, vision, and commitment needed to build sustainable and inclusive societies.”

Spotlighting Pan-African Talent: The 2025 Laureates

The Absa L’Atelier continues to stand as a premier Pan-African art competition, drawing exceptional talent from across the continent. Each year, four artists are distinguished: three Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors representing the breadth of African creativity, and one recipient of the esteemed Gerard Sekoto Award, which this year proudly marked its 21st anniversary.

The 2025 competition saw twelve remarkable finalists, each bringing a unique voice to the fore. Their works delved into compelling themes such as memory, mythology, sustainability, womanhood, and identity, offering a rich tapestry of contemporary African perspectives.

His Excellency David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho, underscored the significance of the Gerard Sekoto Award, a partnership with the French Embassy and the French Institute of South Africa spanning two decades. “In the cultural field, it is the longest-running partnership between the French Embassy and the private sector in South Africa. We know that an artist’s journey is challenging, demanding skill, deep commitment, perseverance, and confidence. That’s why the Gerard Sekoto Award is essential: to support artists as they push creative boundaries and grow their practice.”

The Visionaries of 2025:

Gerard Sekoto Award Winner:

Ndlovukazi Ngilande (South Africa): A masterful painter and sculptor, Ndlovukazi Ngilande claimed the 2025 Gerard Sekoto Award. Her art is a profound celebration of the beauty, power, and spirituality of African women. Through bold, figurative pieces, she centers women as divine and resilient beings, employing expressive color and sculptural form to explore identity, faith, and feminine strength. Rooted in a deep connection to heritage and womanhood, her practice seamlessly blends traditional influences with a contemporary lens, challenging conventional perceptions of beauty and agency. As the 2025 Gerard Sekoto Award recipient, Ndlovukazi is set to further champion narratives that honor African femininity and creative integrity.

Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors:

•Yolo Mantiyane (South Africa): Yolo’s distinctive approach involves painting with cow dung, a powerful medium through which she reflects on Nguni traditions, labor, and gender. Her work serves as both a heartfelt tribute and a thoughtful critique, honoring ancestral practices while incisively interrogating modern gender roles and societal expectations.

•Nana Sarpong Prempeh-Fordjour (Ghana): Nana’s artistry manifests in bold drawings and compelling performance pieces that explore themes of youth, trauma, and personal healing. His practice is raw, deeply introspective, and uses the body as both subject and medium to challenge social constructs and express emotional resilience.

•Trevor Aloka (Uganda): A multidisciplinary artist, Trevor’s installations are immersive explorations of time, memory, and togetherness. His work is grounded in material experimentation and collective storytelling, inviting audiences to reflect on communal histories and shared futures.

Each Ambassador is set to receive a transformative prize package, including a prestigious international residency, masterclasses, mentorship opportunities, and the invaluable chance to showcase their work on the global stage.

Dr. Paul Bayliss, Art and Museum Curator at Absa, articulated the essence of the initiative: “Through the Absa L’Atelier, we celebrate not only the extraordinary talent of these artists but also the deeply personal narratives they bring to life through their work. At Absa, we are passionate about empowering Africa’s tomorrow, one story at a time. This year’s winners remind us that every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every idea carries a story that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

By steadfastly supporting emerging talent, Absa continues to amplify the voices of artists who tell uniquely African stories, embodying the bank’s unwavering drive to be an active force for good and a powerful catalyst for change through creativity.

For more information on the Absa L’Atelier, please visit the Absa L’Atelier website or follow the conversation on social media using #AbsaLAtelier and #AStoryOfArt.