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 Session

Strauss & Co are delighted to present The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders, benefit auction.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 supports 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.

You can view the work by the 28 finalists at an exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, open to the public until 20 April 2025. All works are offered on the Strauss & Co online auction, closing Thursday 13 March 2025, from 2 pm. The auction aims to generate significant funds for both the shortlisted artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre, with proceeds split equally.

Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) are delighted to announce Modupeola Fadugba as the Grand Prize Winner for The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders. 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. In addition, the very first winner of the FAMM Women's Prize was awarded to DuduBloom More, the highest-rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner), for her work Contending With Control.

For Shipping enquiries, 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


Current Bid

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Lot 13
  • Ibrahim Ballo; Madame la Patronne
  • Ibrahim Ballo; Madame la Patronne
  • Ibrahim Ballo; Madame la Patronne


Lot Estimate
ZAR 100 000 - 150 000
VAT is charged on both hammer & premium for daggered lots
Current Bid
Starting at ZAR 90 000
Shipping
Condition Report
May include additional detailed images
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About this Item

Malian 1986-
Madame la Patronne
2024

signed

acrylic, weaving and cotton embroidery on canvas
110 by 85cm excluding frame; 113 by 88 by 5,5cm including frame

Notes

Madame la Patronne, a fusion of cotton embroidery, weaving, and acrylic paint, showcases remarkable creativity and depth. The interplay of textures, colors, and layered perspectives, along with elements of abstraction and figuration, tells a profound story of humanity’s connection to both the living and the unseen. His work explores the bond between inner experiences and the universe, with themes of beauty, hope, imagination, and emotion that extend into both the physical and spiritual realms. As Ballo reflects, his art carries the legacy of traditional weaving from his native Mali, while also expressing his thoughts on society. His vision advocates for a world where cultures, customs, and people are embraced and appreciated, fostering unity and care for a better future. From the personal to the universal, his art invites us to reflect on the shared human experience.

View all Ibrahim Ballo lots for sale in this auction