By Nangamso Mabindla
23 March 2007

YOUNG Eastern Cape artists have taken over the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London, where their work is being exhibited as part of the 22nd Absa L'atelier Art Competition.

The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, 20 March, features the work of the province's most exciting and promising artists. The Absa L'atelier competition, which started in 1985, is open to artists between the ages of 21 and 35. The top prizes give young artists the chance to gain international exposure.

At the opening, Absa's Louis van Aswagen said that the exhibition was not only about competition, but it also encouraged young artists to have fun when doing their work.

"The competition is all about developing local talent and appreciating the fact that, through their work, artists share their souls with us. We want these youngsters to make the most of their talent and this competition gives them the opportunity to do just that."

Van Aswagen said that nearly a third of last year's entrants were from disadvantaged areas.

Regional finalists will exhibit their work in Johannesburg and the overall winner will receive a R100 000 cash prize and a six months' study trip to Paris's world-renowned art colony, the Cité Internationale des Arts.

A second prize, the Gerard Sekoto Award, which goes to the most promising artist earning less than R60 000 a year, comprises a three-month stay at the Cité Internationale des Arts, French language classes and visits to exhibitions.

The overall winner will be announced at a gala exhibition in Johannesburg on 23 July. The exhibition in East London closes on Saturday, 30 March.