#Switzerland #Lugano #Elena Baturina #BE OPEN Art #Regional Art

Celebrating Artistic Excellence in Southern Africa

In an exhilarating announcement, BE OPEN Art has revealed the winners of the Regional Art Competition for Southern Africa, an initiative aimed at promoting the cultural and artistic diversity of this vibrant region. Established by the BE OPEN think tank—founded by humanitarian and philanthropist, Elena Baturina—this online gallery has been instrumental in supporting emerging artists throughout 2023 and 2024.

The competition encompassed several Southern African nations including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It aimed to provide a platform for artists whose works reflect their regional, cultural, and ethnic identities.

Monthly Highlights

Throughout the competition, a notable theme has centered on the unique identities and expressions of the submitting artists. In the month of October, South African artist Akissi Beukman was crowned the Artist of the Month. Known for her performance art and experimental sound creations, Beukman's academic background is rooted in Fine Arts, having graduated with honors from Rhodes University in 2018. Her artwork shines a light on the intersections of gender, race, and politics, illustrating how these factors shape individual identities. Beukman’s pieces often serve to explore themes of spiritual healing, using the transformative power of art to connect with her audience on a deeper level.

November brought forward Aislinn Finnegan, a mixed media artist. Her work delves into race, identity, and femininity, highlighting the beauty and complexity of black culture in a predominantly 'Western' visual environment. Through her illustrations, Finnegan seeks to dismantle stereotypes and celebrate diversity, making her an impactful voice within the artistic community.

In December, Natasha Mwila, a digital artist from Lusaka, Zambia, was celebrated as the regional artist. Her works, inspired by African heritage, utilize collage techniques to address social and political issues, often amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly women. Mwila’s art serves not only as a form of expression but also as a call to action for equality and empowerment.

Crowning Achievements

The climax of the competition saw Aislinn Finnegan being honored as the Artist of the Region for Southern Africa, a distinction she earned through an impressive number of public votes. This accolade comes with a well-deserved grant of €500, aimed at aiding her artistic journey.

Elena Baturina expressed her hope that this initiative ignites a spark among artists to continue striving for success in their crafts. “We wish to empower artists to keep dreaming, creating, and following their passions,” she stated.

Looking Ahead

As the Southern Africa phase concludes, BE OPEN Art is set to launch its next initiative in 2025, focusing on emerging artists from South Asia, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Notably, the competition will expand its support by also providing a monetary prize to the artists receiving Founder's recognition.

This exciting avenue opens up newer possibilities for artists to gain visibility and support, ensuring that their voices resonantly impact the global artistic landscape. With strengthened resources, it is anticipated that new talents will emerge from this further-reaching initiative.

The dedication of BE OPEN Art to uplifting artists across diverse cultures underscores the gallery's commitment to celebrating creativity and fostering artistic dialogue across borders. The journey to encourage emerging talents continues, paving the way for the future of art in the region and beyond.