Judges Q&A - Bongani Mkhonza

Dr Bongani Mkhonza

Share your thoughts on being selected as part of the judging panel for Sasol New Signatures 2021 

It was a great honour to be selected as part of the judging panel for Sasol New Signatures 2021. I have worked in the art industry for over 17 years, and Sasol New Signatures is recognised as one of the most important art competitions in the country. Over the years, the competition has continued to shape many artists’ careers in an extraordinary way. For me, to be selected and be associated with that positive impact was a great privilege. 

Sasol New Signatures is well-established as part of our national landscape - have you been a keen follower over the years?

I have been following the Sasol New Signatures for many years. The competition has gained respect and a good reputation mainly because of the transparency, and vigour in its judging processes. Sasol New Signatures is a national competition that is inclusive of different genres and accommodative of contemporary and conceptual expressions, such as video art, photography and 3-dimensional installations. And that makes the competition relevant and attractive to the young and emerging artists.

How did you find the judging process of Sasol New Signatures

The judging process was well articulated to the panel from the start. The selection process was rigorous but fair and democratic. The panel was comprised of highly esteemed individuals that have the experience and the expertise. All entries were taken seriously and well-considered. Winners really deserved to be selected and awarded.

What are your thoughts of the overall standard of the entries in 2021

The standard this year was very high. Art genres were diverse and the body of the artwork covered a variety of themes, and it was bold and exciting.

Any stand out themes, mediums etc

Maybe because of the COVID-19 epidemic, many artists dealt with themes around self-reflection. This theme included portraiture, photography and artworks that dealt with issues around alienation, mental health and the construction of (self/national) identity.

In your opinion what role do competitions of this nature play in terms of developing and identifying local talent? 

The competition plays a huge role in the development of local talent. I can argue that it is an important bench-marker of contemporary trends. The artists that are selected as winners of the competition continue to influence how the world understands the South African art scene. The themes covered are able to critically engage and contribute to the ongoing discourse in the arts.

What advice would you give emerging artists to assist them in furthering their careers here in SA or abroad.

The emerging artists must reflect on what is going on in their communities. Their uniqueness comes from being themselves and from being rooted in their localities and evolving identities. They should avoid mimicry and blindly following international trends without critically questioning their relevance to the South African context. And lastly, they must always search for new, fresher ways of expression, and with that comes the integrity of breaking new ground.

What impact do you think the pandemic has had on the art world both here in SA and abroad?

The pandemic has had a huge impact on how the art world creates and communicates its artworks. With limited access to the material physically of spaces such as art galleries and thus the physical viewing of artworks, most art galleries, museums and art studios have opted to move their exhibitions online. This has had an indirect impact on how artists create and negotiate their offerings. That it also came with issues of isolation, social distance and limited collaborative works. We have also observed a substantial move towards digital art.

What advice would you give art collectors? 

Art collectors should remain sceptical of buying from the internet. They should conduct thorough research on their acquisitions. To trust and support buying art from emerging artists. To invest in young South African artists’ talent. To basically grow their own timber and create new markets. And lastly, to establish acquisition policies and boards that are diverse, functional, transparent and relevant.

If you could wave a magic wand and own any piece of South African Art - what would you choose and why? 

I have a large group of exciting South African artists that are creating amazing works of art. However, it would be unfair to mention a few and leave others. So, rather I focus on the subject matter that excites me. I am interested in artworks that deal with two themes. Firstly, the human condition, on what it means to be human. Especial when living in a world that does not recognise a lot of human rights and treat many people as subhuman. Secondly, I am interested in the theme of post-colonial decolonial debates. What it means to be an African in a post-colonial posture and the complexity of who is entitled to African identity. In our unique case here in South Africa, this theme is linked to post-Apartheid discourse, land, and critical race theories.   

Anything else you would like to add?

I would like to kindly thank the Sasol New Signatures for their continued support of the arts in South Africa. We are proud of their vision and innovative strategies that continue to support the arts.