The artistic ability of a deaf student from Thaba Nchu, Keabetswe Mosetlhe (22), has broken barriers in this year’s edition of the New Breed Art competition. She produced a visual art masterpiece that encourages communication with persons who are deaf.
Mosetlhe’s artwork won her two of the five coveted prizes at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein on 3 November. Her artwork, Signing, was chosen by a panel of judges for being unique and portraying realism. The artwork explains the circumstances surrounding herself and her family, pertaining to the communication barrier. Born deaf, Mosetlhe strives to defy communication barriers by giving a voice to the voiceless through her artwork.
“My art is my voice. As a deaf person, I am not able to communicate with my family. My artwork describes my family and the challenges that I have when I want to express something. They do not know sign language, and normally I have to do lip reading to communicate with them. Communication with my family is a real challenge for me,” Mosetlhe shares.
She won R50 000 for obtaining the first prize, and R10 000 for the Public Choice Award. The public voted her as the deserving recipient of the Public Choice accolade. More than 2 200 votes favoured Mosetlhe. Her artwork was one of 27 submissions shortlisted for the final.
Mosetlhe, a student at the Motheo TVET College is the first to win two prizes simultaneously.
Katleho Lesige was awarded the second prize of R20 000 for his work titled Surviving Lefatse, a striking photograph casting an unfiltered spotlight on the continuing scourge of gender-based violence. Kamohelo Sebonyane and Kwandiwa Dlwati shared the prize of the two Merit Awards. Each received R10 000. Sebonyane received the prize for his mixed media work on canvas titled Let’s break the silence of the past, and Dlwati for his two works, one in ceramic and the other in mixed media. The latter’s artwork deals with the role of women in rural areas and the economic impact of load shedding.
“With the winning works dealing with tough topics and conversations, the judges felt inspired by the bravery and integrity of the artists and their choice of issues, expressing satisfaction at how the artists have, in their art, captured their lived experiences,” Lesley Mokgoro, chief executive officer, Phatshoane Henney Attorneys.
My art is my voice. As a deaf person, I am not able to communicate with my family.– Keabetswe Mosetlhe
