FNB Art Prize 2015 Winner: Turiya Magadlela

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo IMAGES via Blank Projects / FNB Joburg Art Fair

Since 2011, prior to the FNB JoburgArtFair, the participating galleries are invited to nominate one of their artists for the FNB Art Prize. The winning artists get a cash prize of R100 000 and a dedicated space at the art fair to show their work.

This year’s highly respected judges were Senegalese curator Koyo Kouoh and Nigerian curator Bisi Silva – and it was Joburg-based artist Turiya Magadlela’s work that caught their attention.

For the prize, Magadlela presented a series of pieces she began working on in 2013. The work is an ongoing contemplation of the history of imprisoned black South African leaders. Her work utilises a variety of familiar fabrics such as nylon, pantyhose, correctional services sheeting and uniforms. She plays on the associations that are intrinsic to these fabrics. In so doing, she infuses them with meaning, while creating abstract compositions, by stitching, folding and stretching them across wooden frames.

Magadlela matriculated from the National School of Arts before going on to study at the Funda Community College, the University of Johannesburg and the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam.

To see her work, visit the FNB JoburgArtFair from 11 to 13 September 2015 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg. For more information, visit fnbjoburgartfair.co.za.