A ceramics honours student from Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha has triumphed in the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition.
JUANDRÉ VAN ECK TRIUMPHS AT SASOL NEW SIGNATURES 2025
Juandré van Eck, 25, won first prize with his interactive ceramic work titled Cycles of the Mind. He was awarded R100 000 and will hold a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2026, according to their website.
Van Eck, who was a merit winner last year, explained the meaning behind his piece. “The ceramic artwork emulates the rhythmic patterns of breath,” he said.
MEANING IN ART
“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 breathes life into the artwork, offering it a voice through its gentle flow. It promises that even in the darkest moments, hope can rise—a whisper becoming a triumphant cry of defiance.”
He hopes his work creates a calming space that nurtures the inner child. “I envision my pieces used in meditation classes or to connect people with nature, promoting mindfulness and presence.
Even if it’s just for a moment, I want my work to calm the mind and encourage being in the now.”
RUNNER-UP HONOURED AT SASOL NEW SIGNATURES
The runner-up was Johannesburg painter Thabo Treasure Mofokeng, 39. His painting, Still Standing, earned R25,000.
The piece honours his neighbour’s resilience after a paralysing gunshot wound. “This is a tribute to an inspiring spirit and celebration of human strength and hope,” Mofokeng said.
OVER 900 ENTRIES COMPETED
This year’s competition attracted 903 entries across eight collection points. One hundred and six works made the final round and are showcased in the 2025 exhibition at Pretoria Art Museum until 2 November.
Pfunzo Sidogi, Chairperson of Sasol New Signatures, praised the judges for shaping South African art’s future. “We witnessed thought-provoking creativity that challenges visual and cognitive limits,” she said.
THE ROLE OF SASOL NEW SIGNATURES
With 35 years of sponsorship, Sasol continues to champion new South African talent.
Christian Herrmann, Sasol’s EVP for Marketing and Sales, said, “As we celebrate 75 years of innovation, we reaffirm our commitment to creativity and the transformative power of the arts.”
The Sasol New Signatures exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00 at Pretoria Art Museum. Entry is free.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JUANDRÉ VAN ECK’S INTERACTIVE CERAMIC ARTWORK?
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