WYAA'18 — the point of order

Wits Young Artist Award ‘18

The Wits Young Artist Award (formerly known as Martienssen Prize) honours artistic excellence by senior Wits Fine Arts students. The award has seen an accelerated shift in its structure in recent years. Taking place at various locations, including Museum Africa in Newtown, the award has fostered links between the Division of Visual Arts and other art institutions in the city. Its return to Braamfontein in 2011 has positioned the award as an important contributor to the area’s growing cultural hub, which has attracted artists, galleries and various cultural institutions.

The prize has previously been awarded to students who have become some of the most prominent professional artists working in South Africa and abroad. To date, the WYAA continues to be a predictor of success in artists' careers. Previous winners include Jane Alexander (1982), Alan Alborough (1986), and Gabrielle Goliath (2007).

The artworks aim to reflect on the contemporary moment while simultaneously engaging with processes of futuring and imagining, and the selected artists have articulated how they have conceptualized their work in relation to site, time and audience.

Curated by Donna Kukama and Reshma Chhiba

Selectors: Percy Mabandu, Kabelo Malatsie & Refiloe Namise

Adjudicators: Khwezi Gule, Danai Mupotsa & Nontobeko Ntombela

Winner: Kundai Moyo

Merit Awards: Lebogang Mabusela & Oratile Konopi