Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders
Timed Online Auction, 31 January - 13 March 2025
Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders
About the SessionStrauss & Co is honoured to host this prestigious benefit auction on behalf of the fourth exhibition of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders.
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 continues to support contemporary artists working in Africa or within the African diaspora by expanding their international reach in the global art market while also raising funds for arts education initiatives across the continent. A collaboration between The Sovereign Art Foundation and the Norval Foundation, the Prize celebrates the work of some of the most significant contemporary artists today.
The 27 finalists will showcase their shortlisted artworks at an exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, open to the public from 4 February to 20 April 2025. All works are offered on this Strauss & Co online auction. The auction aims to generate significant funds for both the shortlisted artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre, with proceeds split equally.
The Grand Prize, to be announced on 18 February, includes a cash award of $35 000, and a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation. Additionally, the public is invited to vote for their favourite artist and artwork, with the most popular receiving The Public Vote Prize of $2 000. New to this year, the FAMM Women’s Prize is awarded to the highest-rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner). This artist will receive $5 000 in cash, generously donated by the sponsors of this special prize, Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM).
For Shipping enquires, please contact: Jenna-Leigh Kleingeld +27 (0)87 654 5900 accounts@norvalfoundation.org
For Condition enquiries, please contact: Carmen Joubert +27 (0)67 375 7791 carmen.joubert@norvalfoundation.org
The artworks are on view at the Norval Foundation from 4th February to 20th April 2025
About this Item
Notes
If I Knew (Swahili: Laiti Ningejua) is a figurative painting that reflects on marriage and societal dynamics in Tanzania, with the intention of resonating across Africa and beyond. The work explores the contrast between women's expectations of marriage—rooted in dreams and fantasies—and the harsh reality, depicting marriage as an empty box that requires mutual effort to fill. Using marriage as a metaphor, the painting also delves into broader themes of leadership, family negotiations, and Africa's ongoing struggles. The colours blue, grey, and brown represent the land, sky, and global context, while charcoal is used to evoke Tanzania's geographical and cultural essence alongside the experience of being a Black African. The octopus, symbolizing the male figure, reflects the limited fulfilment of social contracts and the complexities of negotiation. Through this work, the artist aims to capture the disillusionment that follows after decisions are made, revealing the tension and realities of these intricate societal and personal dynamics.
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