Sponsored by Schroders; online benefit auction hosted by Strauss & Co
Strauss & 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).
The artworks are on view at the Norval Foundation from 4th February to 20th April 2025.
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
Browse
Available Works
Contact: Kirsty Colledge | kirsty@straussart.co.za
Timed Online Auction
Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders
Hosted by Strauss & Co
Closed 13 March 2025
2025
Grand Prize Winner
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.
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.
WINNER: Modupeola Fadugba
Meet
The Judging Panel
Same Mdluli
Raphael Chikukwa
Thato Mogotsi
Simon Njami
Tim Marlow
2025
Shortlist
Past
Winners
Key
Dates
Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 Exhibition Opening
4 February 2025
Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 Winners Announcement
18 February 2025
