Tang ceramic sculpture

The ABSA L'Atelier Award 2013, imagine the untapped talent of the subconscious

 ABSA,  2013, hardcover, illustrated, 168 pages, condition: as new.

he Absa LAtelier Award 2013 was presented under the evocative theme "Imagine the untapped talent of the subconscious". This prestigious competition, recognized as one of Africa's longest-running art contests, focuses on discovering and nurturing the vision of emerging young artists.

The 2013 edition celebrated several standout South African artists who explored diverse narratives:

Overall Winner: Pauline Gutter

Awarded for her provocative work titled Die Huweliksaansoek ("The Marriage Proposal"). Her piece was a multi-media installation featuring video, an old farm telephone, and wood, exploring themes of rural life, gender roles, and voyeurism through the lens of a "stud-bull's seminal discharge".

Gerard Sekoto Award: Mongezi Ncaphayi

Recognized as the most promising artist for his work Migrant Workers' Hostels. His art focused on themes of migration, presenting a "top elevation view" of hostels to create an aesthetically beautiful interpretation of a complex social reality.

Merit Award: Jaco van Schalkwyk

Honoured for his mixed media installation Beloofde Land? / Promised Land?, which dealt with distinctive and challenging issues regarding land.

Merit Award: Kathleen Sawyer

Awarded for Somata, a collection of notebooks that delved into deeply personal themes of transformation and death.

Exhibition and Recognition

The top 100 works from the 2013 competition were exhibited at the Absa Gallery in Johannesburg from 18 July to 22 August 2013. Other notable finalists in the Top 10 included artists such as Louis de Villiers (Skullboy), Jan Tshikhuthula, and Heidi Fourie.