We are delighted that Sesing Frank Nthunya Morai, an artist closely associated with the gallery, was chosen as one of fifty ceramicists to be featured in the inaugural South African Clay Awards exhibition, which took place at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery + Clay Museum from 2 November to 7 December 2024.
This landmark event was launched to mark the gallery’s acceptance as an affiliate member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) which is a UNESCO-affiliated body dedicated to ceramic excellence. This exhibition aimed to honour the wealth of talent in the South African ceramics community.
Breaking from convention, the South African Clay Awards celebrated a curated selection of fifty outstanding ceramic works, rather than naming a single winner. In a progressive and inclusive gesture, the prize money was shared equally among all selected artists, reflecting the rich variety and exceptional standard of the work presented.
We were honoured to see Morai’s work recognised in such a distinguished context. His inclusion in the exhibition stood as a testament to his creative mastery, technical skill, and the unique voice he brings to the medium of clay.
This recognition not only highlights Morai’s individual excellence but also reinforced our gallery’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists who shape and elevate the contemporary art landscape.
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