Goethe-Institut has revealed the 21 shortlisted artists for the 2024 Henrike Grohs Art Award.
This biennial art prize, conceived by Goethe-Institut and the Grohs family in memory of Henrike Grohs, former Head of Goethe-Institut in Abidjan, aims to support exceptional artistic practices and contribute to cultural dialogue in Africa. Since its launch in 2018, the award has become a remarkable opportunity for promoting outstanding contemporary African art.
The announcement also disclosed that out of 690 applications received from 40 African countries, the selection committee, comprised of Martha Kazungu, Jean Kamba, and Edna Bettencourt, shortlisted 21 artists.
The 21 shortlisted artists include: Fezeka Jacqueline Mophethe, Tamary Kudita, Khadija El Abyad, Luis Santos, Koffi SEBLE, Tshepiso Mabula ka Ndongeni, Assoukrou Aké, Kay-Leigh Fisher, Rita Mawuena Benissan, Kitso Lynn Lelliott, Mellaney Roberts, Wambui Kamiru Collymore, Mohamed El Masry, Frederick Ebenezer Okai, Helena Uambembe (Pomfret), Usha Seejarim, Pamina Sebastião, Bright Ackwerh, Tessi Kodjovi, Jean Katambayi Mukendi, Paul Alden Mvoutoukoulou
An international jury will soon select the top 3 winners. The winning individual artist or collective will receive a cash prize of 20.000€ and 10.000€ towards the production of a publication on their work. The judging panel will also select two artists or collectives as runners-up, awarding each a cash prize of 5,000€.
Noteworthy past winners of the award include Gladys Kalichini from Zambia (2022), Jackie Karuti from Kenya (2020), and Em’kal Eyongakpa from Cameroon (2018).