Renowned Moroccan artist Amina Agueznay has emerged triumphant, claiming the prestigious Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2024 for her remarkable creation, “Portal #1,” after garnering the highest accolades from a distinguished panel of judges.
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2024 stands as a beacon for celebrating contemporary artists hailing from Africa and its diaspora, including South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Rwanda, among others.. With an esteemed board of independent arts professionals, including curators, writers, and academics, the prize attracted a staggering 375 submissions. A discerning panel of five art judges, consisting of Ashraf Jamal, Heba El Kayal, Marie-Ann Yemsi, Ngaire Blankenberg, and Sean O’Toole, meticulously shortlisted 27 finalists from 17 countries spanning the African continent and its diaspora.
Agueznay’s winning piece, “Portal #1,” captivated the judges with its evocative power and artistic finesse. The forthcoming Exhibition, set to showcase the works of all finalists, promises a diverse array of artistic expressions, ranging from painting and mixed media to sculpture and photography.
Judge Marie-Ann Yemsi expressed immediate satisfaction with the prize, noting the evolving appeal of NSAAP for artists and its positive impact on their careers. She emphasized the prize’s growth in its third edition and its role in elevating the visibility of African artists globally.
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, dedicated to promoting contemporary artists, has significantly increased the Grand Prize to US$35,000 this year. Additionally, the winner will have the opportunity to host a solo exhibition at the esteemed Norval Foundation in Cape Town, further amplifying their reach and recognition.
From February 14 to May 15, 2024, art enthusiasts can admire the shortlisted artworks at Norval Foundation during the Finalists Exhibition. The artist with the highest combined votes will also receive the Public Vote Prize of US$2,000.
Beyond individual recognition, the NSAAP aims to generate substantial funds for the shortlisted artists and the Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre through an online auction hosted by Sotheby’s, which took place from February 13 to 20.
As part of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair Programming, the Exhibition Opening and winners’ announcement will be an exclusive invite-only event for VIP guests of the ICTAF, finalist artists, and their nominators.
Amina Agueznay’s triumph not only underscores her exceptional talent but also highlights the growing significance of African contemporary art on the global stage. Her win serves as an inspiration to artists across the continent and beyond, signaling a bright future for African artistry in the years to come.
