Bathed in golden sunshine and effortless elegance, Waterfall City Park provided the ultimate open-air sanctuary for a landmark cultural celebration. Attending the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Art & Lifestyle Fair was an absolute sensory delight. Surrounded by a gorgeous, meticulously curated setup, I found myself repeatedly admiring the design details—at one point, completely captivated to the extent that I wished I could pack up elements of the stunning decor to recreate the aesthetic in my own personal space.
It was a masterclass in thoughtful event architecture. The fair effortlessly catered to every guest, offering dedicated, joyful spaces for families with little ones, alongside relaxed, sophisticated zones for couples and groups of friends. With lovely, ambient entertainment drifting through the air and breathtaking contemporary artwork waiting around every corner, it proved that high art and relaxed lifestyle curation can exist in exquisite harmony.
Marking 40 Years of Artistic Excellence
Beyond the sparkling atmosphere, the occasion marked a monumental milestone: four decades of the Absa L’Atelier Art Competition championing emerging visual artists across the continent. In partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), this milestone 40th-anniversary edition attracted a record-breaking wave of registrations and eligible entries from 12 Absa African markets.
Following rigorous evaluation by an independent panel of adjudicators, the anticipation culminated in the grand reveal of the 2026 luminaries.
The 2026 Winners
Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Award Winners:
- Ghana: Reginald Boateng (Group A)
- Zambia: Emmanuel Chisenga (Group B)—a momentous milestone marking Zambia’s first-ever Ambassador Award win since the group structure was introduced in 2019.
- Nigeria: Segun Owolabi (Group C)
Each Ambassador takes home an incredible toolkit for global growth: the opportunity to host a solo exhibition with R100,000 contributed by Absa towards material costs, masterclasses from leading international art authorities, a brand-new laptop equipped with Windows and MS Office, and a four-month mentorship with a leading visual arts authority from their home country.
Absa L’Atelier Art Gerard Sekoto Award Winner:
- South Africa: Treasure Mlima (from Durban)
Celebrating its 18th year, the Gerard Sekoto Award—made possible through the vital partnership between the Embassy of France in South Africa and IFAS—recognises a South African artist demonstrating extraordinary integrity and excellence. Mlima has been awarded a coveted three-month residency at the prestigious Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France (scheduled for April to June 2027), along with funding for a local solo exhibition.
Voices of the Vanguard
Reflecting on the phenomenal standard of this year’s entries, Dr. Paul Bayliss, Absa Group Senior Specialist in Art and Museum Curator, shared:
“This year’s submissions brought an extraordinary depth of perspective, and the calibre of talent… was exceptional. The submissions demonstrated unique storytelling and emotional depth, while the winning artworks showcased both artistic mastery and remarkable technical skill.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jean Spiri, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of France and Director of IFAS, emphasized the enduring legacy of cross-border artistic exchange, while Ané du Plessis, National Secretary of SANAVA, celebrated four decades of opening doors and shaping the trajectory of the visual arts across Africa.
Looking Ahead
As the curtains close on an unforgettable anniversary fair, the creative community already looks ahead to the next chapter. Emerging artists across the continent are encouraged to prepare their portfolios, as entries for the 2027 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition will officially open in March 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.
Until then, the 2026 class stands as a brilliant testament to the vibrant, borderless future of art in Africa
