Art Blog

Winner of the prestigious Cassirer Welz Award announced

Bag Factory Artists' Studios, in partnership with Strauss Education and Kalashnikovv Gallery is proud to announce Duduzile (DuduBloom) More as the winner of the prestigious Cassirer Welz Award. Now in its ninth year, the award honours two doyens of art auctioneering in South Africa: Reinhold Cassirer and Stephan Welz. We would also once again like to congratulate the other three finalists for this year's Cassirer Welz Award: Boitumelo Motau, Khotso Motsoeneng and Thebe Phetogo. Duduzile was announced as the winner of the award on 25 November at Strauss & Co. in Johannesburg.

The winner of the award receives studio space at the Bag Factory Artists' Studios, a contribution towards material costs and a transport stipend, and the opportunity to interact with the resident artists at the Bag Factory. The residency concludes with a solo exhibition of the winner's work at Kalashnikovv Gallery in Johannesburg. Through the exchange of ideas, mentorship and skills development, the artist has an opportunity for substantial creative and professional growth. "I am excited and curious to see what will come about from the Cassirer Welz residency," says winner Duduzile. "I can't wait to be in the Bag Factory studios and be surrounded by all the creative artists".

The award acknowledges excellence in emerging artists (under 35) specialising in sculpture, drawing and painting, and provides an opportunity to showcase their talents to a broader audience. "Since its inception, this award has helped the winners launch their careers and really start making a name for themselves within the South African art market," says Susie Goodman, Executive Director, Strauss & Co Johannesburg. "This award is an important part of Strauss & Co's ongoing and substantial commitment to young talent in southern Africa - and is a powerful example of the company's investment in the art of the future."

"The selection committee felt that Duduzile's work demonstrated originality and maturity in concept, and beautifully detailed execution," says Candice Allison, Director of the Bag Factory Artists' Studios. "We look forward to working with Duduzile over the course of her intensive residency to see how far she can push her practice into the next stage of her career. Her exhibition at Kalashnikovv Gallery is going to demonstrate what this talented young artist is made of."

Duduzile joins previous winners of the Cassirer Welz Award, including Olivia Botha, Blessing Ngobeni, Asanda Kupa, Nompumelelo Ngoma, Tshepo Mosopa, Thato Nhlapho, Richard 'Specs' Ndimande and Keneilwe Mokoena.