Q&A with Winner 2019: Patrick Rulore

Tell us about your artistic journey up until the point of entering Sasol New Signatures 2019

As an artist, I started taking my art career seriously in 2015 in Grade 11. Drawing was the only form of art I was familiar with, but I was introduced to painting during that time.

I was more of a street artist, only making portraits commission. As soon as I matriculated I started my art business and in 2017 I enrolled at the TUT Art Campus. In 2015 I started to enter Sasol New Signatures and I was rejected but never stopped trying until today.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career as an artist to date?

Azael Langa who is an artist too, mentored me and had huge influence on my art career. He was the one who introduced me to Sasol New Signatures.

Have you entered the competition previously? And if so what was the result? 

Yes. I entered the competition in 2015 for the first time. My piece was a painting titled Survival of the fittest.  It was rejected because of the lack of knowledge I had about contemporary art and most importantly the presentation and conceptual values.

What motivated you to enter the Sasol New Signatures art competition this year?

Seeing prizes handed over to artists was an incentive, but also the drive within me and the motivation from previous winners was enough for me to enter again. I knew it was possible.

Tell us a little about why you created the piece you submitted? I felt like it was the perfect time to talk about this issue of load shedding because of the events that took place at the beginning of 2019. It was part of my family’s experience which gave me more insight into how to execute it the way I did. The most important part of the work was to teach people to turn unfavourable circumstances into a positive experience.

Art competitions can be a huge motivator for artists. What do you think of this statement?

Yes, competitions are a stimulus.They provide opportunities for artists and entrants benefit from the professional exposure.

Why is it important to focus on the experience rather than just the prizes?

Experience allows one to understand the process of the art making and also the importance of consistency in an art career.

What excites you about the creative process? Understanding each and every step that leads me to the completion of the work. Also crazy ideas that are born during the process. The desire to see all the work put into one place.

Tell us about your preferred medium/s ...and why?

As every artist would tell you - pencil and paper is the foundation. Oil painting became the next step. I like it because of the results. Oils blend very well. I like 2D art, so oil painting is my medium of choice.

Do you have a mentor and how important is mentorship in developing a career?

Azael Langa because he mentored me from the very first moment of my art career back in 2015. I admire the consistency he has in his art making ever since I met him. Loyiso Mkise and Malope Pete as well, as I admire these artists because of the realistic painting skills they have acquired over these past years. 

What are you currently working on? What is next for you as an artist? 

I am currently working on becoming a better artist and exhibiting in more in galleries. I’m also improving my conceptual knowledge and consistency in visual communication.

What impact would winning this competition have on you?  

It would give me great exposure in a professional art space and add value to my signature as an emerging artist.

The winner and the merit award winners receive lots of publicity. Is this something that excites or daunts you?

It excites me!  Being in the top 80 is a privilege but being one of the finalists is an honour and a great opportunity for me.

What does innovation in the visual arts mean to you?

Improving something. Tapping into the contemporary realm that would introduce new mediums such as science and technology and materials and ideas that are not familiar in art.

In your work, how important is commentary on current social or political issues?

It allows the audience to experience other lives (families) from behind closed doors. It also allows viewers to get informed about current social and political issues in South Africa. Art is a mouth piece to comment which can either destroy or build the society.

 Art is... life.

Download the 2019 catalogue here.