The regional judging process was led by Sasol New Signatures Chairperson Pfunzo Sidogi, accompanied by Cate Terblanche, Sasol Art Curator, together with an art specialist representing each region. This year’s regional judges included Wessel van Huyssteen (Bloemfontein), Elmarie van Straten (Cape Town), Rachel Baasch (Durban), Richard “Specs” Ndimande (Johannesburg), Tshegofatso Mabaso (Polokwane), Isabel Mertz (Gqeberha), Annemi Conradie-Chetty (Potchefstroom) and Leana van der Merwe (Pretoria).

By CityLife Arts Writer

After four weeks of intensive regional judging across South Africa, the 2026 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition has selected the artworks that will form part of this year’s final exhibition at the Pretoria Arts Museum.

The journey began with submissions on 9 and 10 June 2026, when artists delivered their work to eight regional collection points across the country. Over the following month, the judging panel travelled to Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Potchefstroom, Pretoria and Gqeberha, reviewing 938 submissions and selecting 123 artworks for the 2026 Sasol New Signatures exhibition.

The exhibition opens to the public on 10 September 2026 at the Pretoria Art Museum, following the announcement of the overall winner, runner-up and merit award recipients.  

The regional judging process was led by Sasol New Signatures Chairperson Pfunzo Sidogi, accompanied by Cate Terblanche, Sasol Art Curator, together with an art specialist representing each region. This year’s regional judges included Wessel van Huyssteen (Bloemfontein), Elmarie van Straten (Cape Town), Rachel Baasch (Durban), Richard “Specs” Ndimande (Johannesburg), Tshegofatso Mabaso (Polokwane), Isabel Mertz (Gqeberha), Annemi Conradie-Chetty (Potchefstroom) and Leana van der Merwe (Pretoria).

Reflecting on this year’s entries, Sidogi said the competition continues to showcase the strength and diversity of South Africa’s emerging artistic talent. “Each year we are encouraged by the calibre of artists entering Sasol New Signatures. The judging process is always rigorous, with every artwork carefully considered on its own merits. While only a small percentage of entries can ultimately be selected, the overall quality and diversity of work submitted this year reflects the exciting future of contemporary South African art.”

Terblanche noted that this year’s submissions revealed artists who are increasingly confident in exploring complex ideas while experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques. “We continue to see artists engaging with themes that are deeply personal while also responding to broader social, political and environmental conversations. What stood out this year was the willingness of many emerging artists to push their chosen mediums in thoughtful and innovative ways. Ultimately, however, strong concepts need to be matched by equally strong technical execution.”

Regional judges echoed these sentiments, highlighting both the high standard of work and the importance of refining artistic practice.

Cape Town judge Elmarie van Straten (Senior Art Specialist, Strauss & Co)  described the judging process as both rigorous and rewarding. “There was a remarkable level of technical skill and conceptual ambition across many of the submissions. It was particularly exciting to see emerging artists engaging confidently with personal narratives, social concerns and material experimentation. I encourage artists to focus on developing an authentic and distinctive artistic voice rather than following trends.”

Johannesburg judge Richard “Specs” Ndimande  (Curator and Cataloguer, Strauss & Co) praised the fresh thinking evident in many of the entries. “The standard was strong, with artists showing fresh ideas and real commitment to their work. Installation and photographic works were particularly impressive. My advice is to create work that is true to yourself rather than trying to anticipate what judges want to see. Strong ideas, materials and execution should work together.”

Bloemfontein judge Wessel van Huyssteen (Artist)said the judging discussions were engaging and insightful, adding that while several outstanding works emerged from the region, artists could benefit from placing greater emphasis on both concept and presentation. “An idea is not an artwork. Artists need to ensure their work tells a coherent story and is supported by strong execution. Presentation is equally important, and entrants should carefully read the competition requirements before submitting.”

“The judging process in Polokwane this year was incredibly pleasant. I thoroughly enjoyed deliberating on the works with my fellow judges, and we were all struck by the noticeable improvement in the entries compared to what we received during last year’s judging in Polokwane. Many entrants returned this year having incorporated the feedback we shared, and their works were greatly improved,” added Tshegofatso Mabaso (Artist and Curator).

Across the regions, judges agreed that artists should resist the temptation to overcomplicate their artist statements or create work based on what they believe judges want to see. Instead, they encouraged entrants to focus on developing an authentic artistic voice, presenting technically accomplished work and ensuring that every aspect of their submission, from concept to craftsmanship and presentation, is fully resolved before entering the competition.

“The standard of work submitted this year is incredibly encouraging,” said Sidogi. “For many artists, entering Sasol New Signatures is an important milestone in their creative journey. Whether selected or not, every submission contributes to the continued growth of South Africa’s vibrant visual arts community.”

“We would like to thank every artist who took the time to enter this year’s competition. Preparing work for Sasol New Signatures requires dedication, courage and commitment to your practice. To those who were not selected this year, don’t be discouraged. Every competition is an opportunity to grow, refine your work and gain valuable insight. Keep creating, keep challenging yourself and enter again. We are continually inspired by the growth we see in artists who return year after year,” added Terblanche. 

Opening alongside the exhibition will be the solo exhibition of the 2025 Sasol New Signatures winner from Gqeberha, Juandré van Eck, titled Die Vallei van Adem. The exhibition features a body of ceramic sound vessels that explores art as something to be experienced rather than simply observed. Each sculpture is activated through interaction, inviting visitors to play and listen. Together, the two exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to experience the work of some of South Africa’s most promising emerging visual artists.