Two pupils from KwaZulu Natal to have their work exhibited at the Tate Modern in London
by Kresta Tyler Johnson
In 1999, the Unilever Corporation undertook a five year sponsorship of �1.25 million to the Tate Modern in London. The funds would allow the Museum to commission a large scale work annually for the Turbine Hall. In conjunction with this, the Unilever International Schools Art Project was developed in 2002.
Unilever created the competition in each of its 130 offices worldwide, and directed it at children between grades one and 12. Corporate Affairs Officer of Unilever in South Africa, Sinhle Nkosi said, 'What this project is aiming to do is to boost their (the artists') work and to unleash their potential.' All students are encouraged to participate, but the project is 'mainly targeting historically disadvantaged schools.'
Pupils from throughout the KwaZulu-Natal region were invited to submit two-dimensional, three-dimensional and installation work on this year's theme of 'Connecting and Communicating'. A panel of judges selected the finalists.
The two winners are Siyabonga Hlongwa, a grade 12 pupil from Pinetown Boys' High, and Nontsikelelo Gumede from Gobhela Primary. Both pupils will receive an all-expense-paid trip to London for three days with either a parent or teacher in January 2005, and their work will be exhibited at the Tate Modern in London along with other international winners.
Hlongwa won for a painted self-portrait and Gumede for a sculpture titled Proposal of a Girl, depicting a Zulu maiden being observed by a Zulu man who wishes to woo her. Second prize was R5000 and third prize was R2500. Each of these is a substantial amount for a young artist and scholar and will provide resources for them to continue creating.
