The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 Shortlist Art is Now on Auction at Strauss & Co

Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, which aims to benefit and support African artists by providing them with international exposure, is auctioning its shortlisted pieces, with the assistance of Strauss & Co. The auction is open until 13 March 2025, and proceeds benefit both the artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre. Here’s what you need to know.

Pieces Available in the 2025 Auction

Leading contemporary African artists are invited to submit works to the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize which is judged by global art specialists, including include Thatho Mogotsi, Simon Njami, Tim Marlow, Same Mdluli and Raphael Chikukwa. From these entries, 30 pieces are shortlisted.

The shortlisted works are then displayed at the Norval Foundation, during which they are judged a second time by the public. After the total scores are aggregated, a Grand Prize and Public Vote winner are decided, as well as the winner of the newly introduced FAMM Women’s Prize. In 2025, the Grand Prize was given to Portrait of an Artist at Ease by Nigerian artist Modupeopla Fadugba, while the Women’s Prize was awarded to Contending With Control by South African artist DuduBloom More.

Portrait of an Artist at Ease by Modupeopla Fadugba

How to join the auction

The works created by the 28 remaining finalists are on offer on the Strauss & Co online auction, closing Thursday 13 March 2025, from 2pm. The auction aims to generate significant funds for both the shortlisted artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre, with proceeds split equally. The works are also on display in an exhibition at Norval Foundation in Tokai, open to the public until 20 April 2025.