At a time when arts education remains under-resourced in many South African schools, the next generation of creative voices is finding a powerful platform to express themselves. Among the standout talents this year is 17-year-old Kenah Seba from the Western Cape, who recently captured third place in the national Junior Portrait Awards. Hosted by the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, the awards celebrate young artists aged 16 to 18, providing a vital space for emerging creatives to showcase their work and engage with themes of identity, storytelling, and social commentary. First place was awarded to 18-year-old Weliswa Mdluli from Mpumalanga for her work Make Me Pretty. Second place went to 18-year-old Allegra du Randt from KwaZulu-Natal for If He Could.
Seba’s award-winning entry, a mixed-media piece titled Assessing the Damages, offers a striking exploration of animal testing. By layering oil paint with textured materials, Seba confronts viewers with the human impact on lab animals, capturing a raw sense of discomfort and introspection. “Being recognised in the Junior Portrait Awards at this stage in my life means a great deal to me, especially as I begin thinking about my future and pursuing art as a career,” says Seba.
“It has given me confidence that people connect with my work and that I am on the right path. “For Seba, the recognition is more than just a prize – it is a validation of the importance of art as a medium for change. “Opportunities like this are so important for young artists, as they provide a platform to showcase our voices, build connections and realise that it is possible to turn our passion into something meaningful,” she said.
The Junior Portrait Awards, which have grown from a local Durbanville initiative in 2023 to a national competition receiving 232 entries in 2026, serve as a critical bridge for young artists. Curator Donavan Mynhardt emphasizes that supporting talent at this developmental stage is essential for the future of the South African art landscape.c“One of the most rewarding aspects of the Junior Portrait Awards is seeing young artists engage so thoughtfully with portraiture and storytelling,” Mynhardt said. “Today’s young artists are the voices that will shape the future of South African art.” Seba’s work, alongside the other winning entries, is currently on display at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery. The exhibition offers the public a rare opportunity to experience the depth and perspective of South Africa’s next generation of artists.
Exhibition Details:
- Where:Â Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville
- When:Â Running until 11 July
Weekend Argus Reporter
iol.co.za