Emmanuel Wandera is Kenya’s national winner of the sixth edition of BIC’s Art Master Africa art competition.
The competition took place at the same time in Africa, where BIC, a world leader in the manufacture of writing instruments, lighters, and shavers, has a presence.
Wandera was announced as the country’s winner for his piece ‘Villagers’ wading off stiff competition from Joel Juma who came second and James Odhiambo at an awards ceremony held at Noir Gallery in Nairobi last Friday.
“Participating in the BIC Art Master Africa competition has been an incredible journey. It’s an honor to have my artwork recognized, especially on such a meaningful theme as Ubuntu. I am grateful to BIC for creating such an inspiring platform for African artists and I encourage others to join in and share their creativity with the world,” said an excited Wandera.
Art Master Africa announced the winners of this year’s competition: the top three regional winners (the region being Africa) and six national winners.
Joseph Akpan from Nigeria was crowned the 1st Regional Winner for his piece Stronger Together and walked away with a cash prize of $2,000 (Sh256,232).
Zolani Makimbi from South Africa was the second regional winner for his entry Raised by The Community and received $1,000 (Sh128,116).
Third place went to another South African, Nlakanipho Mkize, for his entry Brother’s Keeper.
Mkize was awarded $500 (Sh64,000), the same amount awarded to each of the six national winners announced.
This year’s competition was announced at the beginning of the year and called on creatives to depict their interpretation of Ubuntu (One Africa) as the theme of the just concluded edition. All entrants were required to use the iconic BIC pen to create their artwork. The competition was judged by a panel of four, a French art collector Alix Dufour, Gayi Eric ‘Erimarz art’ a hyperrealist living and working in Entebbe, Uganda, and Valerie Manouvrier an Art and Interior Designer The theme encouraged artists to creatively express the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes interdependence and the power of collective harmony.
The competition was first launched in South Africa before expanding to the African continent in 2019, and then to the Middle East in 2021.
“We are proud to host Art Master Africa for the sixth consecutive year. The competition has come a long way, starting in South Africa in 2017 and expanding to the wider region. It has brought to life phenomenal talent from across the region and is a testament to our commitment to unleashing creativity with writing instruments and delivering on our vision of bringing simplicity and joy to everyday life through our products.”Said Gregory Alibaux, Art Master Africa Custodian and BIC Marketing Director for the Middle East and Africa at BIC.
Earlier this year, BIC launched its first Art Master Africa Metaverse Gallery, an online personalized gallery where the top regional winner’s work will be exhibited.
