Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders

Timed Online Auction, 31 January - 13 March 2025

Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Schroders
About the Session

Strauss & Co are delighted to present The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders, benefit auction.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 supports contemporary artists working in Africa or within the African diaspora by expanding their international reach in the global art market while also raising funds for arts education initiatives across the continent. A collaboration between The Sovereign Art Foundation and the Norval Foundation, the Prize celebrates the work of some of the most significant contemporary artists today.

You can view the work by the 28 finalists at an exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, open to the public until 20 April 2025. All works are offered on the Strauss & Co online auction, closing Thursday 13 March 2025, from 2 pm. The auction aims to generate significant funds for both the shortlisted artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre, with proceeds split equally.

Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) are delighted to announce Modupeola Fadugba as the Grand Prize Winner for The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders. With her work, Portrait Of An Artist At Ease, Modupeola Fadugba from Nigeria, is the 4th winner of the prize, which seeks to celebrate the practices of leading contemporary artists and aims to benefit them by further increasing their exposure to an international audience. As well as the honour, Modupeola Fadugba will be awarded a cash prize to the value of US$35,000, the opportunity for a solo exhibition at Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and a two-week cultural residency at Outset Contemporary Art Fund in London. In addition, the very first winner of the FAMM Women's Prize was awarded to DuduBloom More, the highest-rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner), for her work Contending With Control.

For Shipping enquiries, please contact: Jenna-Leigh Kleingeld +27 (0)87 654 5900 accounts@norvalfoundation.org
For Condition enquiries, please contact: Carmen Joubert +27 (0)67 375 7791 carmen.joubert@norvalfoundation.org


  • Marcellina Akpojotor; Isedua's Song
  • Marcellina Akpojotor; Isedua's Song


Lot Estimate
ZAR 300 000 - 500 000
VAT is charged on both hammer & premium for daggered lots

About this Item

Nigerian 1989-
Isedua's Song

signed and dated 2024; accompanied by the artist's certificate of authenticity signed, dated 7/11/2024 and inscribed with the artist's name, the title and medium

fabric, chalk pastel and acrylic on Canvas
122 by 91,5cm excluding frame; 124 by 94 by 5,5cm including frame

Notes

Drawing from personal photographs, Isedua's Song examines themes of identity and daily life through a portrait of the artist’s mother. Dressed in a blue patterned blouse and seated at the dining table, she is surrounded by symbols of beauty, growth, faith, and strength, contrasting with a framed image of a storm on the wall. This juxtaposition creates tension, symbolizing the challenges one faces in life. With this work, the artist seeks to capture the complexities of women's experiences and their resilience in navigating adversity. Using discarded Ankara fabrics, the work features intricate, textured layers that mirror the intricacies of human existence, celebrating the strength and beauty of women’s lives.

View all Marcellina Akpojotor lots for sale in this auction