This year’s Vuleka Art Competition, one of South Africa’s longest-running and most respected platforms for emerging artists, has revealed its 2025 winners at Art-b Gallery.
Once again, the caliber of talent confirmed that the future of South African art is bold, diverse, and profoundly moving.
And the winners are:
The Conrad Theys 1st Prize – Charles Foley, with his compelling portrait titled “PleTeruYS wazHere”, a powerful tribute to South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys.[see photo above]
2nd Prize – Matthew Blackburn, for his introspective piece titled “Reminisce”.
3rd Prize – Jacques Kannemeyer, with his evocative work “Woven in Time”.
Young Artist award – Denice Moyana with his stunning work “Stories in Smoke”.
Highly Commended – Charles Foley once again, for his striking portrait of David Kramer, as well as commendations for Marinda Combrinck, Gerda Claassen, and the duo Tania & Joseph Dolby, each recognised for the quality and power of both their submitted works.
About the Vuleka Art Competition
“Vuleka”, meaning “open” in isiXhosa, has stood for inclusivity, innovation, and opportunity for over six decades. As the oldest continuous art competition in the region, it continues to serve as a vital launchpad for new artistic voices across South Africa.
Open to artists aged 18 and older who have not held a solo exhibition in the past three years, Vuleka is more than just a competition; it is a statement about the resilience and brilliance of our creative communities. Artists from a wide range of disciplines are invited to submit from painting, sculpture, and ceramics to digital, mixed media, photography, and collage. What unites them is originality, technical excellence, and courageous self-expression.
A Word from the 2025 Judges – Emma Willemse, Sophie Peters, Johan Alberts
“It was a privilege to immerse ourselves in the work of so many emerging artists who brought their full creative force to this year’s submissions. The level of talent was remarkable, not just technically, but conceptually and emotionally.
What surprised us, in the best way, was how strongly the final selections leaned toward figurative work. It was not intentional; each of us judged independently, but this convergence spoke volumes.
These artworks don’t just depict the human form. They probe the human memory, identity, resilience, and belonging. Some confront, some console, but all invite reflection.
In a time of uncertainty, these works remind us of the enduring power of art to connect us, challenge us, and tell our stories.”
WHAT: Vuleka Art Competition
WHERE: Art-b Gallery, Cultural Hub, Library Centre, Carl van Aswegen St, Belville, Cape Town 7530
WHEN: opened on 2 August
INFO: T 072380 7268 | E artb@artb.co.za | VISIT | See also ENTER Vuleka Art Competition 2025 – A Celebration of Creativity at Art.b Gallery
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