#Switzerland #Lugano #Akissi Beukman #Aislinn Finnegan #Natasha Mwila

BE OPEN Art Celebrates the Talented Artists of Southern Africa

On January 3, 2025, BE OPEN Art proudly announced the winners of its regional art competition focused on Southern Africa, comprising countries such as Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Founded by prominent entrepreneur Elena Baturina, BE OPEN Art seeks to elevate emerging artists who reflect their unique cultural identities through their creative endeavors.

A platform for emerging artists

Through its ongoing initiative, BE OPEN Regional Art, which has been active throughout 2023 and 2024, the organization has provided support for aspiring talents by showcasing their artworks and allowing the public to participate in the voting process to select monthly and regional winners. Entrants not only gained visibility but were also given opportunities to receive financial stipends to aid their artistic journeys.

Monthly winners highlighted

In October 2024, Akissi Beukman, a South African artist residing in Pretoria, was honored as the Artist of the Month. Specializing in performance, experimental sound art, and painting, Akissi's work captivates through her explorations of how gender, ethnicity, and surrounding political landscapes shape personal identities. Her creations delve into themes of spiritual healing, promoting the transformative power of artistic expression. Her heartfelt dedication to art led her to be the founders' favorite in the Southern Africa region.

The following month, Aislinn Finnegan, an artist of mixed-race heritage, was recognized for her contributions in November. Her mixed-media illustrations focus on ethnicity, identity, and femininity, aiming to celebrate and disseminate the beauty of black culture in a world often dominated by Western concepts. Aislinn’s powerful visuals advocate for the richness of diverse cultural aesthetics.

In December, Natasha Mwila, a digital artist from Lusaka, Zambia, was awarded for her impactful work. Utilizing mobile technology, Natasha crafts potent collages inspired by her African heritage, addressing social and political issues. Her art aims to amplify marginalized voices, particularly those of women, and serves as both a tribute to female empowerment and a call for a more inclusive society.

Aislinn Finnegan takes the lead

After accumulating the highest number of votes from the public, Aislinn Finnegan was named the overall winner of the Southern Africa region and awarded a €500 scholarship. Her recognition not only honors her individual talent but also encourages her to continue her artistic pursuits amidst the challenges of the art world.

Expanding reach to South Asia

Looking ahead, BE OPEN Art is set to initiate a new chapter in 2025 by embracing aspiring artists from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. This expansion underscores the foundation's commitment to discovering and supporting emerging talents across diverse backgrounds. Notably, future contestants will also be eligible for monetary awards, reinforcing the foundation's dedication to fostering artistic careers.

Elena Baturina, the founder, expressed, "We hope these additional funds will support our emerging artists in their quest for a successful career in art. We encourage artists to keep dreaming, creating, and following their hearts."

Conclusion

BE OPEN Art's initiative exemplifies the power of art in building cultural bridges and promoting individual voices within communities. As the competition grows, it continues to shine a spotlight on the dynamic creativity found in Southern Africa and beyond, empowering artists like Akissi, Aislinn, and Natasha to take their rightful place in the global art scene.