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 is honoured to host this prestigious benefit auction on behalf of the fourth exhibition of The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 continues to support 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.

The 27 finalists will showcase their shortlisted artworks at an exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, open to the public from 4 February to 20 April 2025. All works are offered on this Strauss & Co online auction. The auction aims to generate significant funds for both the shortlisted artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre, with proceeds split equally.

The Grand Prize, to be announced on 18 February, includes a cash award of $35 000, and a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation. Additionally, the public is invited to vote for their favourite artist and artwork, with the most popular receiving The Public Vote Prize of $2 000. New to this year, the FAMM Women’s Prize is awarded to the highest-rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner). This artist will receive $5 000 in cash, generously donated by the sponsors of this special prize, Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM).

For Shipping enquires, 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

The artworks are on view at the Norval Foundation from 4th February to 20th April 2025


Current Bid

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Lot 2
  • Adébayo Bolaji; The Skirt


Lot Estimate
ZAR 300 000 - 500 000
VAT is charged on both hammer & premium for daggered lots
Current Bid
Starting at ZAR 280 000
Shipping
Condition Report
May include additional detailed images
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About this Item

British 1983-
The Skirt
2023

signed

acrylic, oil, pastel and wax crayon on cotton canvas
190 by 160cm, unframed

Notes

Adébayo Bolaji's work is conceptual and symbolic, rather than literal, using objects as metaphors to explore deeper themes. The Skirt serves as a symbol for "a covering," inviting viewers to reflect on identity and the role clothing plays in shaping how we present ourselves and interact with the world. More broadly, the piece examines culture as a language—a medium through which both individuals and groups express their voices and identities. By delving deeper, the artist suggests that culture ultimately communicates a desire for self-preservation. The bold use of red in the present lot underscores the significance of language, culture, and symbols, imbuing the skirt with a heightened sense of meaning.

View all Adébayo Bolaji lots for sale in this auction