CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 27 May 2024 /African Media Agency (AMA)/- Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), announce Weaam El Masry (b. 1976, Egypt) as the winner of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2024 Public Vote and $2,000 for her work ‘Fragments’. The artwork, which received the largest proportion of votes received from the public, both online and in person at the Norval Foundation, is centred around memories and fragments of her personal life; and the concealment of her inner femininity and vulnerable inner child persona – elements of her personality that have been constrained by social norms.
El Masry, was nominated for the third edition of this annual Prize by Moataz Nasreldin, who participated as a member of the board of independent nominators. On hearing of her win, El Masry said: “I am deeply grateful and honoured to be selected as the Public Vote Prize Winner for the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2024. This recognition is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who voted for me and supported my artistic endeavours ” .
The Public Vote Winner announcement marks the conclusion of The NSAAP 2024; an annual award that celebrates the practises of leading contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora. The 2024 edition saw 375 entries; from which 27 finalists, shortlisted by a judging panel of 5 global art specialists, were presented at an exhibition at Norval Foundation (14 February-12 May).
On 14 February 2024, Amnina Agueznay (b. 1963, Morocco) was announced the Grand Prize Winner, taking home $35,000 and a future solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation. The remaining works were entered into an online charity auction, hosted by Sotheby’s, and raised $137,200. These proceeds have been split equally between the artists and The Norval Foundation Learning Centre where learners are educated, through art, to stimulate the development of the critical thinking and interpretation skills which empower them to problem solve and navigate through life.
Partnership opportunities are available for next year’s prize. If interested in learning more, please contact: NSAAP@SovereignArtFoundation.com.
Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF).
The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2024
Presented by: Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation.
Click here for a full list of participating artists.
Auction Partner: Sotheby’s
Press Enquiries
Norval Foundation: Takalani Mudau
takalani.mudau@norvalfoundation.org
+27 (0)87 654 5901
The Sovereign Art Foundation: Georgina Angus
Georgina@sovereignartfoundation.com
+44 (0) 77 650 910 77
Press Kit
Click here to view and download a full press kit with high-resolution artwork images, bios, portraits, and fact sheet from the previous edition of the Prize. For all images please credit the artist, Norval Foundation, and The Sovereign Art Foundation.
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Editors Notes
Norval Foundation
Situated in the Tokai region of Cape Town, the Norval Foundation stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of modern and contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora. With galleries and an ever-evolving exhibition programme, this distinguished art museum serves as a vibrant nexus for showcasing a dynamic array of artworks, encompassing painting, photography, sculpture, and media art, both historical and contemporary. The outdoor sculpture garden, nestled amongst the indigenous wetland’s flora and fauna, provides an enchanting environment for visitors to interact with monumental outdoor sculptures in the permanent collection.
Since its inception in 2018, Norval Foundation has been committed to nurturing the understanding and appreciation of African art. It strives to position African artists within the global art historical canon, fostering awareness and elevating the discourse around their contributions. Moreover, the Foundation’s commitment to cultural enrichment and education is evident through its robust public programming and dedicated Learning Centre, which aims to support the creative development of young minds in South Africa.
As stewards of the Homestead Collection, Revisions Collection, the Alexis Preller and the Edoardo Villa Archives as well as the Gerard Sekoto Foundation, the Norval Foundation serves as a custodian of artists’ legacies, to be enjoyed for generations to come.
By providing opportunities for deep engagement with visual art and offering a beautiful space for contemplation, exploration, and learning, the Norval Foundation remains dedicated to enriching lives, inspiring creativity, and fostering appreciation for the multifaceted world of African art.
Norvalfoundation.org
The Sovereign Art Foundation
The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) is a charitable organisation that was founded in 2003 with a well-defined twin focus: to recognise, support, and promote contemporary art talent, and to bring the proven benefits of expressive arts to disadvantaged children.
In the same year, SAF launched The Sovereign Asian Art Prize, now recognised as the most established and prestigious annual art award in Asia-Pacific. In 2021, SAF co-founded a new prize in Africa and launched another In Portugal. The Prizes aim to increase the international exposure of regional artists, whilst raising funds by selling shortlisted artworks and sharing proceeds equally between the participating artists and the foundation. SAF uses these proceeds to fund programmes that support disadvantaged children using expressive arts. This model has so far raised over US$11 million for artists and charities worldwide.
In 2013, SAF launched Make It Better (MIB), an initiative that supports children from low-income backgrounds and with special educational needs in Hong Kong. MIB works in local schools and community centres to offer children a programme of expressive arts workshops designed to build self-esteem, confidence, self-awareness and interpersonal skills. SAF also supports teachers, social workers and caregivers of these children by introducing them to the therapeutic benefits of art.
Sovereignartfoundation.com
Sovereign
Sovereign began in Gibraltar in 1987 and has since grown into one of the largest independent corporate and trust service providers in the world. Sovereign currently manages over 20,000 clients that include companies, entrepreneurs, private investors or high net worth individuals and their families and have assets under administration in excess of £20 billion.
Sovereign Corporate Services – offers company formation and management across all major jurisdictions, together with the necessary support to assist companies of all sizes to establish and sustain operations successfully.
Sovereign Private Client Services – provides trustee services, wealth management and succession planning to internationally mobile families and entrepreneurs.
Sovereign Retirement Planning – devises and administers individual and corporate international pension schemes that offer choice, transparency and portability across multiple jurisdictions.
Sovereign Insurance Services – offers bespoke corporate and personal insurance services for our clients, wherever they are domiciled. Sovereign has established a network of offices or agents in all major international finance centres, allowing clients to access a global service from a local point of delivery and holds appropriate authorisations in all jurisdictions that require it to be licensed.
SovereignGroup.com
Sotheby’s
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Sothebys.com
