Absa L’Atelier 2025 Showcases Emerging African Artists And The Power Of Creative Storytelling

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Expression,” pays tribute to the personal and collective narratives that define the continent’s creative landscape. For nearly four decades, Absa L’Atelier has celebrated young emerging artistic voices who transform ideas into works that speak of resilience, hope, and the future of Africa.“We are particularly proud of our 39-year partnership with Absa in the Absa L’Atelier, a true testament to the power of partnerships. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and agency for the visual arts, showcasing the courage, vision, and commitment needed to build sustainable and inclusive societies,” said Dr. Samuel Isaacs, President of SANAVA, during the announcement.

The Absa L'Atelier remains a leading Pan-African art competition, attracting young artists from across the continent. Each year, four outstanding artists are honoured; three Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors are selected from across Africa, and one as the recipient of the Gerard Sekoto Award, which in 2025 proudly marked its 21st anniversary.

This year’s competition drew twelve exceptional finalists from across the continent, each representing a distinct voice within Africa’s creative landscape. Their work explored themes ranging from memory and mythology to sustainability, womanhood and identity, reflecting the diverse perspectives shaping contemporary African art.

“For two decades, the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, and the French Institute of South Africa have had the privilege of supporting the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award,” said His Excellency David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Malawi and Lesotho.

“In the cultural field, it is the longest-running partnership between the French Embassy and the private sector in South Africa. We know that an artist’s journey is challenging, demanding skill, deep commitment, perseverance, and confidence. That’s why the Gerard Sekoto Award is essential: to support artists as they push creative boundaries and grow their practice.”

South African painter and sculptor Ndlovukazi Ngilande has been named the winner of the 2025 Gerard Sekoto Award, which recognises outstanding artists between the ages of 25 and 35 who demonstrate integrity and excellence in their work. Ndlovukazi’s art celebrates the beauty, power, and spirituality of African women. Her bold, figurative pieces centre women as divine and resilient beings, using expressive colour and sculptural form to explore identity, faith and feminine strength. Rooted in a deep connection to heritage and womanhood, her practice blends traditional influences with a contemporary lens, challenging perceptions of beauty and agency. As the 2025 Gerard Sekoto Award recipient, Ndlovukazi continues to champion narratives that honour African femininity and creative integrity.

The 2025 Absa L’Atelier Ambassadors are:

• Yolo Mantiyane (from South Africa): Yolo paints with cow dung to reflect Nguni traditions, labour, and gender. Her work is both a tribute and a critique, honouring ancestral practices while interrogating modern gender roles and societal expectations.
• Nana Sarpong Prempeh-Fordjour (from Ghana): Nana’s bold drawings and performance pieces explore youth, trauma, and personal healing. His practice is raw and deeply introspective, using the body as both subject and medium to challenge social constructs and express emotional resilience.
• Trevor Aloka (from Uganda): A multidisciplinary artist whose installations explore time, memory, and togetherness, Trevor’s work is rooted in material experimentation and collective storytelling. His immersive creations invite audiences to reflect on communal histories and shared futures

Each Ambassador receives a transformative prize package, including a prestigious international residency, masterclasses, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to showcase their work on the global stage.

“Through the Absa L'Atelier, we celebrate not only the extraordinary talent of these artists but also the deeply personal narratives they bring to life through their work,” said Dr. Paul Bayliss, art and museum curator at Absa.

“At Absa, we are passionate about empowering Africa’s tomorrow, one story at a time. This year’s winners remind us that every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every idea carries a story that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

By supporting emerging talent, Absa continues to amplify the voices of artists who tell uniquely African stories, embodying the bank’s drive to be an active force for good and a catalyst for change through creativity.

For more information on the Absa L'Atelier, please visit the Absa L’Atelier website or follow the conversation on social media using #AbsaLAtelier and #AStoryOfArt.