The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025

21 Feb 2025

With her work, Portrait Of An Artist At Ease, Modupeola Fadugba from Nigeria,  is the 4th winner of the prize, which seeks to celebrate the practices of leading contemporary artists and aims to benefit them by further increasing their exposure to an international audience. As well as the honour, Modupeola Fadugba will be awarded a cash prize to the value of US$35,000, the opportunity for a solo exhibition at Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and a two-week cultural residency at Outset Contemporary Art Fund in London.

Modupeola Fadugba is a Nigerian artist whose work bridges the worlds of art, science, and social engagement. With a background in chemical engineering and economics, she approaches her art with a structured, analytical mindset, using painting, drawing, and installations to address issues of identity, justice, and human connection. Living and working in Ibadan, Fadugba’s thought-provoking pieces offer fresh insights into the complex narratives shaping contemporary Nigeria.

Celebrating ten years as an artist, Fadugba presents Portrait Of An Artist At Ease, a striking new acrylic on canvas piece featuring deep black and luminous gold. The artwork evokes mystery and revelation, with the artist emerging ethereally from darkness. Fluid textures and dynamic contrasts symbolise her creative evolution, embodying confidence and self-discovery. Bridging past and present, tradition and innovation, Fadugba’s work reaffirms art’s power to capture the depth of human experience.

Upon the news of her  triumph, Modupeola Fadugba had the following to say: “I’m so pleased to be selected as the Grand Prize Winner, amongst many of my peers across the continent. What an absolute honour. I look forward to bringing a beautiful solo exhibition to the Norval Foundation and broader Cape Town community soon. Thank you, to all, for this unexpected gift.”

Modupeola Fadugba’s work was selected through a rigorous adjudication process by the panel of five global judges, who met in Cape Town to assess all 28 finalists in person. The panel was made up of Raphael Chikukwa – Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Tim Marlow – Chief Executive and Director, Design Museum, UK; Dr Same Mdluli – Artist, Art Historian, curator and writer; Thato Mogotsi – Curator of Contemporary Art at Zeitz MOCAA, and Simon Njami – Independent Curator, Lecturer, Art Critic and Novelist. 

Judge Dr Same Mdluli, had the following to say about the shortlist and winner: “Given the immense talent of artists in the continent, as an adjudicator of this award it was very challenging and exciting to see the calibre of the works selected as part of the finalists. We are pleased to have selected a winner we believe illustrates the importance of the award and the impact it came in propelling talent in the African continent.”

The announcement was made during a private event to celebrate the opening of Billie Zangewa’s exhibition, Breeding Ground, at Norval Foundation. It was not the only announcement of the evening as the very first winner of the FAMM Women’s Prize was awarded to DuduBloom More, as the highest rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner), for her work Contending With Control.

DuduBloom More will receive US$5,000 and had the following to say of her success: “I am deeply honoured and thankful to receive the FAMM Women’s Prize of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders. Being recognised by the judges and FAMM, an organisation that celebrates women artists from around the world, is truly affirming. This award is not only a testament to my work, but also to the incredible contributions of so many who inspire and support me. “

Leisa Paoli, Director of FAMM said of this Inaugural winner: “At FAMM, we are committed to supporting and promoting women artists, ensuring their work receives the recognition it deserves. We are delighted to award the inaugural FAMM Women’s Prize to DuduBloom More, whose practice in printmaking and textiles offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of abstraction and materiality. Her ability to translate emotion and personal experience into her work aligns with FAMM’s mission to highlight the diversity of female artistic voices. With a growing presence on the international stage, DuduBloom represents the strength and creativity of a new generation of women artists. Through this prize, in partnership with Norval and SAF, FAMM continues its work to support and elevate female artists, ensuring their contributions are visible and valued.”

All 28 works, including the two winners announced today will be auctioned off online, in a benefit auction hosted by Strauss & Co, open for bidding until 13 March 2025 14h00 SAST: offering the public the chance to own their favourite works. The funds raised by the auction will be split between the artists and the art education mission of the Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre. Registrations and bids are facilitated via the Strauss & Co Auction webpage.

Bina Genovese, Managing Executive at Strauss & Co, commented on the auction: “As Africa’s leading auction house, we are proud to partner on the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders. This important award highlights both emerging and established artists, offering a window into the rich and diverse artistic landscape of our continent. It showcases some of the most thought-provoking and impactful artistic expressions, aligning with Strauss & Co’s mission to champion African art—bringing it to market and introducing exciting new voices to broader audiences. That a portion of the funds raised from the benefit auction will support art education initiatives resonates with our commitment to education and learning. This is an exciting moment for us as we believe in the power of art and education to inspire and transform.”