In an inspiring culmination of creativity and vision, Lindokuhle Sobekwa emerges as the triumphant recipient of the illustrious 2023 FNB Art Prize. Amidst an air of anticipation and jubilation, the coveted accolades was unveiled in Johannesburg, Sandton. A native of Katlehong, Sobekwa’s journey from a budding talent to a celebrated artist mirrors the power of perseverance and the resonance of authentic storytelling.
The announcement of Sobekwa’s victory resonated across art articles, filling the atmosphere with an enchanting aura of accomplishment. The lineage of previous winners, including luminaries such as Dada Khanyisa, Wycliffe Mundopa, Lady Skollie and Brownyn Katz, bears testament to Sobekwa’s entry into a prestigious league of artists who’ve captivated the world with their unique perspectives.
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Through the lens of his camera, Sobekwa possesses an uncanny ability to navigate the current of time, unravelling historical echoes within contemporary contexts. His work, a harmonious interplay of questions and reflections, paints a vivid picture of our current times and experiences. The judging panel lauds his ability to unveil an unfiltered reality – one where the interplay of conflict and tenderness adds layers to the human experience.
Sobekwa’s affinity for photography took root during his involvement in the Of Soul and Joy photographic education program in Thokoza in 2012. It was there that the realisation dawned upon him – that photography held the key to telling the narratives that tugged at his heartstrings, narratives that begged to be shared.
A pinnacle of Sobekwa’s journey unfurled when the Magnum Foundation for Photography and Social Justice in New York selected his project, “I carry Her photo of Me,” for transformation into a handmade photo book. The culmination of this achievement was its display in the African Cosmologies section of the FotoFest Biennial Houston, solidifying Sobekwa’s status as an international artist.
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A pinnacle of Sobekwa’s journey unfurled when the Magnum Foundation for Photography and social Justice in New York selected his project “I carry her photo of me” for transfromation into a handmade photo book. The culmination of this achievement was its display in the African Cosmologies selection of the FotoFest Biennial Huston, solidifying Sobekwa’s status as an international artist.
As the beacon of 2023’s FNB Art Prize, Sobekwa’s triumph beckons a future ripe with possibilities. This recognition ushers in not only a financial honor but also a spotlight that illuminates his exceptional work. The honour paves the way for a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery – a treasure trove of the continents most cherished art collections.
