Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, in collaboration with Strauss & Co. Education and Fine Art Auctioneers, proudly announced Tawanda Takura as the recipient of the 13th Cassirer Welz Award.
Established in 2011 by Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer to honour her late husband, Reinhold Cassirer, this award recognizes his dedication to the arts. After Stephan Welz passed away, the organizers renamed the award to honor both men and their contributions to South African art.
This prestigious accolade, facilitated through Bag Factory’s ongoing partnership with Strauss Education, has been instrumental in advancing the careers of emerging artists, further helping them gain recognition within the South African art scene. As the award celebrates over a decade of recognizing artistic talent, Bag Factory and Strauss Education reaffirm their commitment to nurturing new voices in art.
In 2024, the award drew entries from across the Triangle Network, encompassing countries such as Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, as well as Zambia. This year, the award honors Zimbabwean artist Tawanda Takura.
The selection jury, including Bag Factory Director Maria Fidel Regueros, Programmes Manager Nala Xaba, Strauss & Co. Executive Director Client Advisory Khetiwe McClain, and Art Specialist Arisha Maharaj, commended Takura’s exceptional talent. His self-taught proficiency in found object sculpture promises significant creative and professional development.
Tawanda Takura, renowned for his innovative approach to reassembling old shoes with found objects and texts, critiques socio-political injustices as well as the practices of charismatic churches. His work, which often reflects traces of past lives and societal critique, has featured in group exhibitions, local art fairs, and also a 2019 residency with the South African Foundation for Contemporary Art (SAFFCA).
This award is made possible by the support of Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, Strauss & Co., and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA).
Applications for the 14th Cassirer Welz Award are now open, and the award continues its commitment to fostering new talent. Previous winners also include Blessing Ngobeni, Bulumko Mbete, Nompumelelo Ngoma, Tshepo Mosopa, Asanda Kupa, Thato Nhlapho, Richard “Specs” Ndimande, Keneilwe Mokoena, DuduBloom More and Levy Pooe.
