The big winner at this year’s Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition is 25-year-old Honours student Juandré van Eck from Nelson Mandela University. His interactive ceramic work Cycles of the mind earned him the top spot, a prize of R100 000, and a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026.
Van Eck’s piece isn’t just for looking at. It responds when people interact with it. Two ceramic whistles face each other. One gives off a sharp cry of freedom and joy, the other a softer sound, carrying hidden emotions. Water moves through the work, giving it a “voice” and showing that even in dark moments, hope can rise again.
“I want people to feel calm when they engage with my work,” says Van Eck. “It’s about play, meditation, and mindfulness. Even if it’s only for a moment.”
Runner-up
The runner-up is Johannesburg artist Thabo Treasure Mofokeng. His painting Still Standing tells the story of his neighbour, who was paralysed by a gunshot but continues to live with determination and joy.
“This piece is a tribute to my neighbour’s inspiring spirit and a celebration of the human capacity for resilience, hope, and determination,” says Mofokeng.
Merit Awards
Five artists received merit awards of R10 000 each:
- Tammy Lee Baikie (Johannesburg), Book worms, 2025 (mixed media)
- Rebecca Louise (Beck) Glass (Pretoria), Sell – Fish (etching)
- Snelihle Asanda Maphumulo (Gqeberha), Ngaphansi kwesithunzi sakhe (Under His Shadow) (sheep hide on canvas)
- Vian Mervyn Roos (Pretoria), 2916 (cotton thread)
- Sarah Volker (Gqeberha), Taut, tethered and torn (ballet tights, stones, cement blocks)
Where can I see it?
This year’s competition saw 903 entries from across South Africa. Of those, 106 were chosen for the final round and are now on display at the Pretoria Art Museum.
The Sasol New Signatures exhibition, featuring the work of the 2025 winners and finalists, will take place at the Pretoria Art Museum (corner of Francis Baard and Wessels Street, Arcadia Park, Pretoria) from 4 September to Sunday, 2 November 2025.
Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00; closed on Mondays and public holidays.
If you can’t make it to the museum, you can also explore the catalogue and virtual exhibition online.
