SNS24 Catalogue Digital Spreads - Book - Page 6
MESSAGE
Director of the
Association of Arts Pretoria
PIETER
VAN HEERDEN
4
"Artists are the
unscripted custodians
of hope, joy and the
endless possibilities
of the human
experience."
Over the past six decades, once a year the Association
of Arts Pretoria launches a countrywide venture under
the banner New Signatures Art Competition. Thirty-five
years ago Sasol became its main sponsor and it stood
to reason that the whole exercise would be renamed
the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition.
Obviously in 2024 the national election had a major
impact on the country and all our lives: everybody
was unsure, felt insecure and the economy was under
great pressure. As per usual the arts in all its forms but
especially the visual arts were the first to be adversely
influenced. Under the current coalition we are however
positive about improving circumstances.
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES • 2024 CATALOGUE
Artists play a great part in the upliftment of the spirits
as viewing their creations transfers one to other
worlds and dimensions, also the world of our and their
imaginations. Artists are the unscripted custodians of
hope, joy and the endless possibilities of the human
experience. The New Signatures project’s primary
objective is to introduce budding and unknown artists’
works to art lovers and collectors. Countless artists
whose works have previously been introduced on this
platform have become well-known and well-loved.
In order to present this competition months of
planning and travelling are involved. I thank everyone
whose hard work and dedication behind the scenes
all add up to ensure a great and exciting exhibition of
finalists’ works. Without the packaging and transport
Stuttaford Van Lines offer us, we would be stuck, and
our main sponsor Sasol deserves all our gratitude.
I sincerely hope and trust that this year’s selection
will open the doors for several artists and may their
works find a speedy way to art lovers’ homes as well as
galleries and public art collections. When all has fallen
by the wayside, art remains. Congratulations to the
participants and winners. Here’s to your success!
