Honours student from Gqeberha wins the 2025 Sasol New Signatures  with interactive ceramic work.

Juandré van Eck (25), an Honours student from the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition for his ceramic piece titled Cycles of the mind. Van Eck, a merit winner in 2024, takes home a cash prize of R100 000 and an opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026.

In his statement about his work, Van Eck explains: “The ceramic artwork emulates the rhythmic patterns of breath. Two whistles positioned on opposite sides “speak”,  one a cry of liberation and joy, the other a low, gentle echo of contemplation and unseen turmoil. Water, the essence of life, gives life to this artwork, offering it a voice through its gentle flow from one state to the next. It provides comfort and the promise that even in the darkest moment, hope can rise, a whisper becoming a triumphant cry of defiance”.

“When people interact with my work, I hope it creates a calming environment that speaks to the inner child, allowing for a sense of play in a world that often feels overwhelming. I envision my pieces being used in meditation classes or as a tool to connect people with nature, promoting mindfulness and presence. Even if it's just for a moment, I hope my work can help calm the mind and encourage people to be in the moment,” said Van Eck.

Thabo Treasure Mofokeng (39) from Johannesburg, a merit winner in 2023, was announced as the runner-up for his painting Still Standing and receives R25 000. The work was inspired by the resilience and courage of his neighbour, who, despite being paralysed by a gunshot wound, radiates a spirit like gold. His determination to live life to the fullest, without letting physical disability define him, is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for strength and adaptability. “This piece is a tribute to my neighbour's inspiring spirit and a celebration of the human capacity for resilience, hope, and determination,” added Mofokeng.

The five Merit Award winners receive R10 000 each

Tammy Lee Baikie (48) - Johannesburg
Book worms, 2025
Mixed media
 
Rebecca Louise (Beck) Glass (22) - Pretoria
Sell – Fish
Etching
 
Snelihle Asanda Maphumulo (22) - Gqeberha
Ngaphansi kwesithunzi sakhe (under His Shadow)
Sheep hide on canvas
 
Vian Mervyn Roos (35) - Pretoria
2916
Cotton Thread
 
Sarah Volker (23) - Gqeberha
Taut, tethered and torn
Ballet tights, stones and cement blocks

More and more emerging artists are creating artworks that demand to be experienced beyond purely visual and cognitive dimensions. This is certainly the case with this year’s winning work. Van Eck’s ceramic sculpture invites viewers to touch, hold, and gently move the delicately manufactured object. This activates the piece’s acoustic qualities, creating a beautifully eerie mood and allowing the audience to connect with the object beyond the boundaries of visual perception.

This approach echoes last year’s winner, Miné Kleynhans, whose first solo exhibition, Augury After Autogogues, explores the body and emotions, compelling audiences to feel the artwork both literally and spiritually.  Augury After Autogogues features interactive sculptural works, many created using new processes and mediums for the artist, such as welding, steelwork, and 3D printing. Through a series of imaginative installations and invented devices, the exhibition introduces the concept of the “Autogogue”, a self-styled oracle who seeks meaning through intuition, emotion, and personal interpretation.

Sasol has proudly sponsored the competition for the past 35 years, providing emerging South African artists with a platform to express their unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creative expression.  This year saw a total of 903 entries submitted at eight collection points across South Africa, with 106 works selected to advance to the final round of judging and to appear in the 2025 exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum.

The Sasol New Signatures exhibition, featuring the work of the 2025 winners and finalists, takes place at the Pretoria Art Museum (corner of Francis Baard and Wessels Street, Arcadia Park, Pretoria) from 4 September to 2 November 2025.  The exhibition can also be viewed virtually via the website.  All finalists’ works are also included in the competition catalogue which is available online.

Pretoria Art Museum hours: 
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00to 17:00
Closed on Mondays and public holidays

For more information visit the Sasol New Signatures website www.sasolsignatures.co.za or contact Nandi Hilliard from the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100, 083 288 5117 or artspta@mweb.co.za.
 
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