The South African Pavilion launched Quiet Ground, an art competition that invited Matric-level visual art students to explore their connection with heritage, land, and tradition in contemporary society. Building on the theme of the South African Pavilion’s 2024 Venice Biennale exhibition, the initiative encouraged young artists to express their personal reflections on these resonant themes.

The competition provided a platform for emerging talent, offering students the opportunity to respond to Quiet Ground – a theme that invited reflection on South Africa’s evolving relationship with land and tradition. The artworks on display in this exhibition showcase how these students engaged with the complexities of space, memory, and cultural identity, offering fresh perspectives on the significance of heritage in today’s world.

This exhibition at Keyes Art Mile represents a pivotal moment for the participants, finalists, and winners, providing them with the chance to showcase their work at a prestigious venue. For these emerging artists, it is a remarkable achievement, celebrating their creativity, vision, and ability to contribute to important national dialogues.

Winners & Finalists
First place was awarded to Lukonde Mwanza from Clarendon High School for Girls in East London, with Lungelo Mazibuko taking second place. Third place went to Layla Wilcox from Somerset College in Somerset West. 

The finalists included James Youens from Hilton College in KZN, Anuschka De Jager from Clarendon High School for Girls, Vince Mitag and Emily Lewis from Somerset College, and others whose works reflected thoughtful interpretations of the Quiet Ground theme.

This exhibition is not just a showcase of young talent, but also a celebration of the enduring power of art to explore and challenge societal themes.