Marion Edmunds
Artist Bonolo Kavula has been awarded R500,000 by the Norval Art Foundation for her artwork titled Tswelopele, meaning “advancement” in Sesotho.
The artist from Kimberley constructed the piece using threads and tiny fragments punched out of shweshwe cloth – a dye-printed cotton fabric widely used for traditional South African clothing.
Winning the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize – the largest art prize in Africa – gives Kavula the opportunity to host a solo exhibition.
“I am definitely looking forward to having a solo exhibition,” Kavula said.
“This is like a challenge, one that I need, to keep me on my toes. I always think of so many ideas and now I have something to work for and look forward to, and to have an exhibition at the Norval Foundation is really an honour.”
Last year, Kavula was featured in a solo presentation by SMAC Gallery at Art Basel in Miami.
Meanwhile a painting by Rene Tavares from Sao Tome and Principe won the online public vote, earning them R25,000 for their artwork on the legacy of slavery.
Shortlisted participants will have their 29 artworks go under the hammer in an online auction hosted by Sotheby’s, where 200 sneakers that were designed by the late Virgil Abloh sold for R375 million last week.
