Judges Q&A - Makgati Molebatsi

Makgati Molebatsi

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

It is an honour to be part of the final judging panel, having been on the Gauteng Regional panel for the previous award. Also, I was surprised to be confronted with such a large selection, having dealt with an even larger number in the regional stage. I was anticipating a withered number of a higher quality selection.

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

In the early years of the award, it was one of the most visible and prestigious awards, and I was in awe of artists who won the awards. In the recent years, prior to my participating in the regional panel, I became less aware of it, despite the fact that I had become more involved in the visual art space. It needs to reclaim its spot in the most coveted art prize.
 

How did you find the judging process of Sasol New Signatures

Having participated in a few award judging panels, this was the most thought through selection process, allowing an objective thought process and discussion. I enjoyed participating and sharing knowledge with other panel members.
 

Any stand out themes, mediums etc

Painting and photography. With technology changing the landscape of existence, one would have hoped to see more of original and advanced digital or sound artworks with a ‘ wow’ how did this person think of that. We are waiting to see how the hand of the artists involvement in the creative process is going to be prominent in the production of the end object, irrespective of technology advancement.
 

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

They play a huge role in encouraging artists to experiment. To take that chance and try out that one risky thought that has been lingering at the back of their minds. That risky undertaking might influence the future of art creative process and history.

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

It is very important to be visible and establish networks and relationships. Familiarise yourself with significant individuals within the art eco-system and reach out to them to establish relationships and be on their top of the mind awareness. This eco-system is curators, art critics, journalists, museum personnel, art fair personnel, academics etc. Investigate and get to know your buyers and collectors, and establish relationships with them, turn them into your patrons, they may not move on to acquiring more of your pieces but deepen the relationship they have with the existing piece in their collection, thereby extending that relationship to you. Developing a small cluster of patrons and deepening a relationship of regular interaction with them can stimulate support beyond acquiring artworks, but support with other spheres of an artist’s daily requirements.

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

Firstly it disrupted in person physical viewing of art objects. Art and the creative arena is a social phenomenon, it thrives with interaction and stimulation. Travelling has been absent and limited, thereby curtailing new experiences. The increase in art acquisition which was hoped for in diverting unspent disposable income from other objects did not last long or materialise.

What advice would you give art collectors?  

Think carefully about your acquisitions, irrespective of the price level. Learn and investigate what appeals to you and why. Yes, buy what you like, but introspect why you like that, where does that liking come from. Get to know the artwork and the artist. The things you like as hobbies,  recreational interest, past times, may lead you to what appeals to you in art. And price does not always mean quality in art.

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

It is a big toss-up between a big artwork by Billie Zangewa and Nicholas Hlobo ‘painting’, his mixed media work.

Anything else you would like to add?

I really enjoyed the process and the company and thoughts of the other panellists. Thank you for the honour.
 

Makgati Molebatsi – in pursuing her passion for visual art, Makgati retired from a thirty-year career in Marketing and Communications to study Art & Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London in 2016. Makgati founded the art consultancy, Mak’Dct Art Advisory & Agency to provide guidance to private collectors, corporates, and early career artists in navigating the contemporary art world. In 2019, she was part of the team which cofounded Latitudes Art Fair in Johannesburg. She has served on the board of The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, and the selection committee for the David Koloane Award and the Cassirer/Welz Award. Makgati currently sits on the board of Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and has participated in their mentorship programme to the Ithuba Art Fund, a CSI initiative for emerging artists by the Citiq Group. She juried the artists’ selection for Emergence: Contemporary Artists to Watch at Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore, Maryland in the US and formed part of the selection committees for The Turbine Art Fair (2017-2019), the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for the acquisition of artworks for the National Art Bank and the Sasol New Signatures Awards (2019). She produced and curated Iconic, Historic, Moments an exhibition by photographer Oscar Gutierrez, in celebration of the centenary of late former president Nelson Mandela. Makgati holds a BA(SS) Degree from The University of the North.