Konica Minolta announces competition winners
The winners took home a share of R60 000 and a R20 000 bursary for their school, college or institution.
THERE was much exhilaration among a group of talented youngsters when the winners of Konica Minolta South Africa’s inaugural “Art by SA’s No. 1*” competition were announced on February 2.
The ceremony, held at Konica Minolta’s head office in Ormonde, was attended by all 12 finalists. It was a day of appreciating artwork by the country’s talented youth, which saw them being rewarded for their noteworthy accomplishments.
The winners took home a share of R60 000 and a R20 000 bursary for their school, college or institution. The 12 finalists, together with a parent, guardian or their art teacher, got to spend a special day with Konica Minolta.
Special needs school winners:
First place Nikita Coetzee, second Janco Malan, La Wiida Leersentrum and third Otlotleng Dimu.
Primary school winners:
First place Huda Hamid, second Andrew Urmson and third Janco Kotzé.
High school winners:
First place Jemma McKenzie, second Jade Mackenzie and third Brooklynn Fynn.
Tertiary school winners:
First place Nicole Oberholzer, The Open Window Institution (Pretoria), second Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng, Artist Proof Studio (Johannesburg), and third Mothobi Mefane, Motheo TVET College (Bloemfontein).
Being chosen as one of the 12 finalists was no mean feat. An initial 5 480 entries were received from more than 1 000 primary schools, high schools, special needs schools and tertiary institutions around the country.
“I am overwhelmed to have won. It’s very exciting and it’s come at the perfect time. I am going to study at UCT and this is a real confidence boost for me as I come from the small town of Nelspruit. I am so grateful that companies like Konica Minolta South Africa take art so seriously,” said Jemma McKenzie, who took home first place in the high school category.
Students had numerous themes and a variety of mediums to choose from for their masterpieces. Their artworks were judged on seven criteria: creativity and originality, composition, content, execution, presentation, technical level and overall evaluation.
On November 27 last year, 126 finalists were shortlisted for the pop-up gallery, set up by Konica Minolta, showcasing the works of the semi-finalists. Both their talent and hard work were admired by Konica Minolta staff members who voted for the finalists, along with the official adjudicators.
“Well done to the winners. Their dedication, talent and enthusiasm made this competition a success! We have truly unearthed talented young South Africans by view of their artistic expression,” said Alten Hulme, chief sales and marketing officer, Konica Minolta South Africa.
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