Good art waiting for a discerning collector at Sasol Gallery in Sandton

The exhibition features an impressive body of works by artist that have previously participated in the annual popular Sasol New Signatures Competition. The exhibition titled Enduring Signatures” Art Exhibition Celebrates Perseverance and Unique Artistic Voices that is running from19 May – 11 July 2025 at the Sasol Art Gallery.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

This one caught my eye. A painting that shows a flower growing in a plastic flowerpot. There is a broken leaf lying on the left side of the pot while the bottle to lies on its left side. This shows the uncomfortable relationship between nature and human beings. We live in a period which the environment is very unstable. This is my small way of dealing with this problem of the deteriorating environment. It is broken,” says Mathew Blacburn.

As I moved around the gallery admiring these artworks, I could not help but found myself gazing painting that portrays beautiful black women, well captured by the paint brush and imagination of self-taught artist Azola Kingston, born in 1994 in Philadelphia and raised in South Africa.

“This is a representation of black women and their beauty. I am exploring the idea that black women are indeed beautiful,” Azola told me as I asked her to stand next to thse beautiful images.

One other artist that I found myself attracted to his work immediately I saw it –a sculpture made out of steel is

He is one of the artists whose work hangs in the Sasol Gallery in Sandton. These hand-picked artists, whose works have been carefully selected by the gallery curator and the curator of the extensive Sasol Collection are no ordinary artists. These are artists who are telling stories of our lives.

“These are artists I chose, and of course it is a subjective issue as I chose those works. Some works were of course simply because of the logistical convenience of being here in Gauteng,” explained Cate Terblanche.

CITYLIFE/ARTS was one of a few media people invited to this exclusive exhibition titled Enduring Signatures” Art Exhibition Celebrates Perseverance and Unique Artistic Voices that is running from19 May – 11 July 2025 at the Sasol Art Gallery.

Most of the artists who are part of the artists who are part of this exhibition attended the event. The participating artists are a diverse visual voices, picked from those that have been selected as finalists, some awards winners and others having been owned by going home with the Merit Award.

The Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition is one for the most enduring art competitions in the South African art landscape. Every year, hundreds of emerging artists enter the competition with the hope that their work will be selected and receive the ultimate recognition – the grand prize of R100 000 and the opportunity for a solo exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. Whether they win or not, artists use the Sasol

New Signatures Visual Arts competition as a space to showcase their work, to connect with galleries and art lovers, and build their portfolios. This is the legacy of Sasol NewSignatures.

This year, the Sasol Art Gallery, in partnership with the Association of Arts, Pretoria, will present a unique exhibition showcasing works of selected artists who have consistently participated in the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts competition, demonstrating resilience and dedication to their craft, even if they have not always emerged as winners. The upcoming art exhibition, “Enduring Signatures,” opened at the Sasol Art Gallery on 19 May 2025.

“Enduring Signatures” explores the dual meaning of its title. The word “enduring” highlights the perseverance and tenacity required to sustain a career in the visual arts.

These artists have faced numerous challenges and setbacks, yet their passion and commitment have remained unwavering. Their journey is a testament to the enduring spirit that drives creativity and innovation.

The term “signatures” refers to the distinctive styles and personal marks that each artist fcbrings to their work. Just as a signature is unique to an individual, so too is the artistic expression of each participant in this exhibition. Their works reflect a diverse range of techniques, mediums, and perspectives, offering viewers a rich tapestry of visual experiences.

Sasol’s Art Curator, Cate Terblanche, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating these artists: “In ‘Enduring Signatures,’ the intent is to honour the spirit of artists who have continued to create and share their visions, regardless of the outcome of the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts competition. Their persistence and unique voices are what make the art world vibrant and dynamic.”

Participating artists include Azola Kingston, Henrico Greyling, Lisa Younger, Matthew Blackburn, Mohini Pillay, Michele Deeks, Patrick Rulore, Reinhardt Geizing, Sello Letswalo, Thabo Mofokeng and Wisani Manyisi. The exhibition features a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. It will coincide with the regional submissions for this year’s competition, taking place on Tuesday, 10 and Wednesday 11 June 2025. Visitors to Sasol Place will have the opportunity to engage with the artists on these days, gaining deeper insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their works.

“Enduring Signatures” will run from May 19 to July 11, 2025 at the Sasol Art Gallery, 50 Katherine Street, Sandton. Admission is free, but viewing is by appointment only. For more information, or to arrange for a viewing, please contact us at art@sasol.com The artworks will be for sale through the Association of Arts, Pretoria, please consider supporting the emerging artists.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS | INFORMATION

Lisa Younger

Lisa Younger, a Johannesburg-based artist, specializes in hand-cut and layered paper. She graduated with honors in Dramatic Art from Wits University in 1994, majoring in performance studies and theatre design. Throughout her career, Younger has contributed to various design roles, including work with The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, The National School of the Arts, and Takalani Sesame. Her transition to visual arts began in 2021, focusing on papercut artworks. She has completed multiple self-funded residencies at August House and participated in numerous group exhibitions, including Open Studios Joburg and The Contra Fair Joburg. Her work has been recognised by The Art Bank of South Africa and the Sasol

New Signatures Competition

Younger’s papercut artworks delve into themes of memory, trekking, and temperature.

Her series The Well-Trodden Path draws inspiration from veld grass and wildflowers captured during treks in South African national parks. Using an assortment of cotton papers, watercolour pencils, and wood glue, she meticulously slices and colors paper to reveal hidden aspects of our complex world. Her work reflects her personal experiences and the ongoing war on life she perceives in the world around her. Through her art,Younger invites viewers to reflect on their own existence and responsibilities, emphasising the beauty and intricacies of the natural world.

Henrico Greyling

Henrico Greyling, born in 2001 in Pretoria, South Africa, is a distinguished Fine Arts graduate from the University of Pretoria. He received the Eduardo Villa Trust bursary for his exceptional work in sculpture and has exhibited in numerous national groupexhibitions. In 2024, Greyling won a merit award at the Sasol New Signatures Competition. His work is characterised by a thoughtful interplay between materials and processes, often incorporating rocks, cement, steel, and found objects. Greyling’s sculptures and mixed-media artworks reflect his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic skill, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the physicality of his creations. Greyling’s mixed-media artwork Bloom is a personal exploration of memory and nature, inspired by his grandmother’s love for gardening. The piece uses vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes to transform an arched tombstone shape into a celebration of life.

The intentional inclusion of cracks in the artwork emphasises the resilience and beauty that arise from decay and imperfection. His sculpture A mother’s strength reflects on theselflessness of mother figures, using concrete and steel to symbolise their nurturing roles. Greyling’s work invites viewers to reflect on the interplay between life and death, the beauty in transformation, and the lasting impact of memory.

Azola Kingston

Azola Kingston, born in 1994 in Philadelphia and raised in South Africa, is a self-trained visual artist. She studied fashion in London, New York, and Florence, merging her interests in fashion and art to challenge Western definitions of Black beauty. Kingston’s work celebrates the intrinsic value of Black identity and culture, demanding a reframing of beauty and aspiration. A graduate of the University of the Arts London, she has dedicated herself to a full-time career as an artist since January 2024. Her work was selected for the 2024 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition, after which she received a residency opportunity with Gallery MOMO in 2025 and had work featured in the Latitudes Art Fair. Kingston’s artwork “Lobola: A Man’s Game” critiques traditional practices and power dynamics in African culture. The piece uses bold details and layered symbolism to highlight the absence of women’s voices in negotiations, urging viewers to reconsider who deserves a seat at the table. Her work celebrates the richness of African culture while confronting its complexities. Through her art, Kingston weaves narratives that celebrate the inherent resilience and beauty of Black people, challenging narrow definitions of beauty and aspiration. Her work is a testament to the extraordinary within the ordinary Black experience, inviting viewers to reframe their perceptions of value and worth.

Matthew Blackburn

Matthew Blackburn, a 31-year-old artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been a full-time contemporary artist since 2020. Primarily self-taught, Blackburn excels in recreating different materials and textures on a 2D surface, often presenting his works in a still life format. His medium of choice is acrylic paint, which he uses to create multiple layers with extreme detail and minimal brush marks, resulting in a photo-like finish. Blackburn draws inspiration from people around him, movies, series, and nature, with a current focus on sustainability. In 2023, he received a Merit Award in the Sasol New Signatures Competition for his work Suffocation, which was acquired for the Sasol Art Collection.

Blackburn’s work often explores themes of sustainability and the human impact on the environment. His series Decay features paintings that juxtapose traditional floral still life paintings with modern environmental concerns. By replacing glass vases with plastic bottles and vibrant flowers with dried ones, Blackburn highlights the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. His paintings, such as South African National Flower 2, use plastic bags and indigenous flowers to evoke memories and critique human inefficiency in waste management. Blackburn’s portrait series captures the diverse faces of South Africa, emphasising the unique imperfections and quirks of each individual. His meticulous process and near-photorealistic finish aim to bring positivity and appreciation to both the subjects and viewers of his work.

Reinhard Giezing

Reinhard Giezing is a visual artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, originally from Vanderbijlpark. Growing up surrounded by nature, Giezing found artistic inspiration in books, people, and his environment. He pursued his passion by studying Visual Arts at the University of Johannesburg, where he is currently in his Honours year. Giezing’s artistic journey has evolved through his exploration of sculpture, challenging the way people interact with art. His work has been selected for the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Giezing’s work explores concepts of relationships, humanity, and the intricate ideas around us, using ageless materials to present different perspectives. His sculpture Balancing Tesseracts delves into the fragility of perceived reality, using geometrical forms to challenge our understanding of dimensions. The piece features two three- dimensional renders of a four-dimensional cube, creating an illusion of balance and prompting viewers to question the limitations of their perceptions. Through his art, Giezing invites viewers to explore the possibilities beyond the constraints of reality, emphasizing the delicate balance of existence.

Mohini Pillay

Mohini Pillay, born in 1992, is a Johannesburg-based visual artist. She completed adegree in Fine Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2020 and currently works as an e-commerce administrator for a local auction house that supports emerging artists. Pillay’s multidisciplinary approach to art primarily involves polymer clay sculpture. Her lamp sculptures, called Viḷakkū in Tamil, are embellished with textural petals and brass, emphasizing the powerful feminine energy of creation known as Shakti in Hinduism. Pillay’s work is a personal exploration of her identity and emotional inheritance.

Pillay’s art explores divine feminine energy and cultural memory through sculpted flowers that bridge tradition, healing, and art. Influenced by artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Amrita Sher-Gil, her practice has evolved to focus on flowers and patterns found in nature. Using sugar flower sculpting techniques, she combines polymer-clay petals and oil painting to create richly textural artworks. The meditative process of sculpting petals offers a sense of catharsis and healing, reflecting her matrilineal relationships. Flowers have become a language for Pillay, expressing both love and pain, and her work invites viewers to appreciate the healing properties and cultural significance of flowers.

Thabo Treasure Mofokeng

Thabo Treasure Mofokeng, born in 1986 in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, is a Gauteng-based artist. He received formal training at the Artist Proof Studio, where he studied Printmaking from 2007 to 2009. Mofokeng primarily works with acrylic paints but has recently begun exploring his artistic skills by incorporating objects and materials into his paintings. His artworks are inspired by the beauty and strength within humanity. Mofokeng’s drive to create art is fueled by his desire to inspire and remind people of their inherent value, regardless of how the world perceives them or their origins.

Mofokeng’s work focuses on the importance of connecting with our inner selves, emphasising the soul as the core of our existence that requires daily love, care, and protection. His art highlights the powerful true nature of the soul, encouraging viewers to embrace their true selves with confidence amidst struggles. Mofokeng uses human shadows in his art to convey the variations of the soul, with each piece representing a fragment of the soul’s journey. His work serves as a reminder that greatness, success, joy, and peace reside within us, and by nurturing our inner selves, we can manifest these qualities in the world. Through his art, Mofokeng aims to inspire viewers to recognise their worth and the power within their souls.

Patrick Rulore

Patrick Rulore, born in 1995 in Johannesburg, is a full-time artist who completed his National Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2021. After matriculating in 2013, he started an art company producing customized portraits. Rulore’s works have been collected by several private and corporate institutions, including the Sasol Art Collection, which acquired his 2019 winning workStage Four Moments. He has participated in the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition since 2017, finally winning in 2019, and since then he has held five soloexhibitions and several group exhibitions.

The depiction of people in a queue shares the narrative of everyday scenarios occurring at Plein street Johannesburg, a bustling location saturated with taxi ranks and the shopping complexes all over.

This triptych shares the story of public transport users, typically middle class and lower class black citizen employed in and around Joburg central. As an artist, he captured the experience and the interaction between himself and the people who share this mode of transport.

Losing a car 2023 compelled him to use public transport and during this time of contemplation, relationships of new friends were established through chatting to people seated next to him. The painting speaks to the majority of Black South African who can’t afford the luxury to own private transportation for their mobility while experiencing the collective social episode that the taxi life provides.

Wisani Manyisi

Wisani Manyisi, born in 1985 in Limpopo, South Africa, currently works and resides in

Johannesburg. His artistic journey began in his youth with clay, wire, and found objects,and he started taking art seriously 2010. Manyisi holds a Foundation in Art Practicefrom the Funda Centre, a Diploma and B-Tech in Fine Arts from Tshwane University of Technology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University ofJohannesburg. His diverse practice includes printmaking, drawing, and sculpture, reflecting his commitment to artistic expression. Manyisi has been recognised through several achievements, including being a finalist in Sasol New Signatures and various other art competitions.

Manyisi’s work is driven by curiosity about the human experience and the evolving landscapes of modern society. His art delves into private thoughts, memories, andemotional landscapes, navigating the tensions between tradition and progress,

individual identity and societal shifts. His mixed media pieces, such as Union of twoworlds and Seating in our absence, c reate imagined spaces that invite viewers to pause and reflect. The central figure in his work symbolises the individual’s inner journey, while scattered papers and personal effects represent private stories and experiences.

Manyisi’s surrealistic landscapes provide a counterpoint to the challenges of the present, evoking nostalgia and potential for growth.

Sello Ronald Letswalo

Sello Ronald Letswalo is an artist whose work is featured in the Enduring Signatures 2025 Exhibition. His submission includes an untitled piece created in 2025 using Raku Fired Ceramic, and another untitled media sculpture from the same year. Letswalo’s work explores themes of continuity and heritage, particularly focusing on women as pillars of heritage.

Letswalo’s work in the Enduring Signatures 2025 Exhibition includes pieces that emphasises the importance of heritage and continuity. Mmakgomo (The Seeds of Continuity: Women as Pillars of Heritage) is a mixed media oil on treated steel sheet, highlighting the role of women in preserving cultural heritage.

Michèle Deeks

Michèle Deeks is a South African artist who transitioned from a 25-year corporate career to pursue her passion for visual art. Her creative journey began with clay sculpting and has since expanded to include textile and stitch art, installation, drawing, painting, and mixed media. Deeks holds a Bachelor of Visual Art (2020) and a BA Honours in Psychology (1989), both from UNISA. Her work is deeply rooted in explorations of the human condition—its vulnerability, resilience, and emotional complexity—as well as the awe-inspiring intricacies of the natural world. Deeks has received notable recognition, including a Merit Award in the 2021 Sasol New Signatures Competition and finalist selection in 2024. She was also runner-up in the Breaking Down Walls Berlin Wall Commemorative Exhibition, a collaboration with the Association of Arts Pretoria and the German Embassy.

Her 2025 stitched textile work, I feel therefore I am, I & II, reflects a personal journey through emotional struggle, aging, and healing. Using neurons and synapses as visual metaphors, the meditative act of stitching becomes a means of piecing together fractured thoughts and feelings. In contrast, her 2024 fired clay sculpture, Untitled, explores humanity’s architectural evolution—from primitive shelters to modern structures—and the impermanence of human achievement. The work draws on historical and geological references, grounding the piece in both time and place, and echoing the inevitability of decay. Together, her works offer a poignant meditation on fragility, endurance, and transformation.