Nigerian artist Modupeola Fadugba has been honored with the prestigious Norval Sovereign African Art Prize for 2025, recognizing her outstanding contributions to contemporary African art. The accolade celebrates her recent work, “Portrait of an Artist at Ease,” and marks a significant milestone in her decade-long artistic journey.

Fadugba’s “Portrait of an Artist at Ease” is an acrylic on canvas piece characterized by deep black and luminous gold hues. The artwork evokes mystery and revelation, with the artist emerging ethereally from darkness. Fluid textures and dynamic contrasts symbolize her creative evolution, embodying confidence and self-discovery. This piece reflects her exploration of identity, justice, and human connection, themes central to her oeuvre.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, sponsored by Schroders, aims to celebrate leading contemporary artists and increase their exposure to international audiences. As the Grand Prize winner, Fadugba will receive a cash award of US$35,000, the opportunity for a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and a two-week cultural residency at the Outset Contemporary Art Fund in London.

Upon receiving the award, Fadugba expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m so pleased to be selected as the Grand Prize Winner, amongst many of my peers across the continent. What an absolute honour. I look forward to bringing a beautiful solo exhibition to the Norval Foundation and broader Cape Town community soon.”

The selection process involved a panel of esteemed judges, including Raphael Chikukwa (Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe), Tim Marlow (Chief Executive and Director of the Design Museum, UK), Dr. Same Mdluli (artist, art historian, curator, and writer), Thato Mogotsi (Curator of Contemporary Art at Zeitz MOCAA), and Simon Njami (independent curator, lecturer, art critic, and novelist). Dr. Mdluli commented on the selection process, noting the immense talent across the continent and the challenge in selecting a winner who illustrates the award’s importance and impact.

The announcement coincided with the opening of Billie Zangewa’s exhibition, “Breeding Ground,” at the Norval Foundation. Additionally, the inaugural FAMM Women’s Prize was awarded to DuduBloom More for her work “Contending With Control,” recognizing her contributions to contemporary African art.

All 28 finalist works, including Fadugba’s, are currently on display at the Norval Foundation’s Gallery 9 until April 20, 2025. These works are also part of an online benefit auction hosted by Strauss & Co, open for bidding until March 13, 2025, with proceeds supporting both the artists and the Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre.

Fadugba now joins the ranks of previous Grand Prize winners, including Amina Agueznay (Morocco), Famakan Magassa (Mali), and Bonolo Kavula (South Africa), further cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary African art.