Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, in partnership with Strauss Education and Kalashnikovv Gallery is proud to announce Duduzile (DuduBloom) More as the winner of the prestigious Cassirer Welz Award. Now in its ninth year, the award honours two doyens of art auctioneering in South Africa: Reinhold Cassirer and Stephan Welz. We would also once again like to congratulate the other three finalists for this year’s Cassirer Welz Award: Boitumelo Motau, Khotso Motsoeneng and Thebe Phetogo. Duduzile was announced as the winner of the award on 25 November at Strauss & Co. in Johannesburg.
The winner of the award receives studio space at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, a contribution towards material costs and a transport stipend, and the opportunity to interact with the resident artists at the Bag Factory. The residency concludes with a solo exhibition of the winner’s work at Kalashnikovv Gallery in Johannesburg. Through the exchange of ideas, mentorship and skills development, the artist has an opportunity for substantial creative and professional growth. “I am excited and curious to see what will come about from the Cassirer Welz residency,” says winner Duduzile. “I can’t wait to be in the Bag Factory studios and be surrounded by all the creative artists”.
The award acknowledges excellence in emerging artists (under 35) specialising in sculpture, drawing and painting, and provides an opportunity to showcase their talents to a broader audience. “Since its inception, this award has helped the winners launch their careers and really start making a name for themselves within the South African art market,” says Susie Goodman, Executive Director, Strauss & Co Johannesburg. “This award is an important part of Strauss & Co’s ongoing and substantial commitment to young talent in southern Africa – and is a powerful example of the company’s investment in the art of the future.”
“The selection committee felt that Duduzile’s work demonstrated originality and maturity in concept, and beautifully detailed execution,” says Candice Allison, Director of the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios. “We look forward to working with Duduzile over the course of her intensive residency to see how far she can push her practice into the next stage of her career. Her exhibition at Kalashnikovv Gallery is going to demonstrate what this talented young artist is made of.”
Duduzile joins previous winners of the Cassirer Welz Award, including Olivia Botha, Blessing Ngobeni, Asanda Kupa, Nompumelelo Ngoma, Tshepo Mosopa, Thato Nhlapho, Richad ‘Specs’ Ndimande and Keneilwe Mokoena.
Residency dates: 2 December 2019 – 7 February 2020
Bag Factory Artists’ Studios
Exhibition dates: 1-22 February 2020
Kalashnikovv Gallery
ABOUT THIS YEAR’S WINNER Duduzile (DuduBloom) More (b. 1990) is a visual artist from Soweto, Johannesburg, currently working from Artist Proof Studio completing her 4th year in Professional Practice. She has been participating in various art competitions and her work has been included in various group exhibitions and art fairs including the FNB Joburg Art Fair. In 2018 she was selected as one of two Artist Proof Studio women artists to do an art residency in Italy through the Artist Proof Studio and the Italian Embassy. DuduBloom recently participated in the RMB Talent Unlocked Program and is currently participating in the one month Co-Create Residency, hosted by The Project Space.
Bag Factory Artists’ Studios is located on the border of the vibrant suburbs of Fordsburg and Newtown in Johannesburg. Founded by South African artist Dr David Koloane, and British art lover and philanthropist Sir Robert Loder, and arts administrator Sandra Burnett, the Bag Factory has been a space for visual artistic creativity since its inception in 1991. Established in an old bag manufacturing warehouse converted to provide studio space to artists from different racial, cultural and educational backgrounds, over more than two decades the organisation has grown to be synonymous with inclusion and diversity. Its ground-breaking and internationally renowned visiting artists’ programme as well as its numerous professional practice workshops and exhibitions have extended the scope of the organisation towards one that supports, promotes and develops the visual arts and artists in South Africa.
Some of South Africa’s now most famous artists started their careers at the Bag Factory, including David Koloane, Helen Sibidi, Sam Nhlengethwa, Debora Bell, Kay Hassan, Penny Siopis, Pat Mautloa and Kendell Geers, to name a few. Through its various programmes, the Bag Factory aims to address the needs of local artists, promote the visual arts in South Africa, and encourage international networking and learning by exchange. The organisation’s programmes continue to stand for inclusion and diversity, built on an idea of open access.