Each year, a panel of three judges selects the 100 best portraits from the entries received, from which the Top 40, Top 5, Top 3, and winning portrait are chosen.
Inspired by the long-standing, UK-based annual international portrait competition, the BP Portrait Award, Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, Cape Town launched the Portrait Award in 2013 – with initial generous sponsorship from Sanlam Private Wealth.
The competition has grown exponentially over the years from a singular prized competition with an overall prize of R 100 000 to a first prize of R 150 000 and an added second and third prize of R 30 000 and R 20 000 respectively. In 2021 the prize money was sponsored by the Rupert Art Foundation.
The Rust-en-Vrede Gallery obtained extra prizes in the form of:
- Ryno Swart Drawing Medal which will be awarded to the best portrait done in a drawing medium as selected by the judges
This biennial competition is open to all resident South African artists, 18 years and older, and aims to increase public awareness and appreciation for the art of portraiture, as well as give South African artists an opportunity for further exposure.
With the launch of a digital entry system for the 2019 competition, it has elevated the standard of South African portraiture for years to come.
The competition is based on anonymous judging: all the works entered are unsigned, thereby levelling the playing field and ensuring that the three judges select the top 100 portraits purely on technicality, narrative and emotional appeal.
Each year, a panel of three judges, consisting of one international and two local judges, select what they deem the best 100 portraits from the entries received. From these, the Top 40, Top 5, Top 3 and winning portrait are selected.
In addition to the Top 40 works exhibited at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, the remaining 60 portraits are exhibited at a venue in Cape Town, under the title PORTRAIT 100, giving the public the opportunity to view 100 of the country’s best portraits in one City. Collectable catalogues are printed to commemorate the Top 40 Portraits.
The Award:
Each year, a panel of three judges selects the 100 best portraits from the entries received, from which the Top 40, Top 5, Top 3, and winning portrait are chosen.
A brief history
Inspired by the long-standing, UK-based annual international portrait competition, the BP Portrait Award, Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, Cape Town launched the Portrait Award in 2013 – with initial generous sponsorship from Sanlam Private Wealth.
The competition has grown exponentially over the years from a singular prized competition with an overall prize of R 100 000 to a first prize of R 150 000 and an added second and third prize of R 30 000 and R 20 000 respectively. In 2021 the prize money was sponsored by the Rupert Art Foundation.
The Rust-en-Vrede Gallery obtained extra prizes in the form of: Ryno Swart Drawing Medal which will be awarded to the best portrait done in a drawing medium as selected by the judges
This biennial competition is open to all resident South African artists, 18 years and older, and aims to increase public awareness and appreciation for the art of portraiture, as well as give South African artists an opportunity for further exposure.
With the launch of a digital entry system for the 2019 competition, it has elevated the standard of South African portraiture for years to come.
The competition is based on anonymous judging: all the works entered are unsigned, thereby levelling the playing field and ensuring that the three judges select the top 100 portraits purely on technicality, narrative and emotional appeal.
Each year, a panel of three judges, consisting of one international and two local judges, select what they deem the best 100 portraits from the entries received. From these, the Top 40, Top 5, Top 3 and winning portrait are selected.
In addition to the Top 40 works exhibited at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, the remaining 60 portraits are exhibited at a venue in Cape Town, under the title PORTRAIT 100, giving the public the opportunity to view 100 of the country’s best portraits in one City. Collectable catalogues are printed to commemorate the Top 40 Portraits.
2023 Portrait Award
Winning Works
First Prize
André Serfontein
The Prince and Princess of Prince Street (Johan & Bongi)
Oil on Canvas
Second Prize
Willem Pretorius
Kewpie
Oil on Canvas
Third Prize
Leanne Olivier
Ann
Oil on Canvas
Fourth Prize
Marié Stander
Afwagtend
Charcoal on Cotton Paper
Fifth Prize
Juria le Roux
Onherroeplik
Oil on Canvas
Ryno Swart Drawing Medal
Themba Mkhangeli
Nozazi
Ballpoint Pen on Paper
THE WINNING PORTRAIT:
The winner will receive a cash prize of R150 000.
The Rust-en-Vrede Gallery will on application assist the winner in entering the next UK Portrait Award competition held by the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The winning artwork will feature on the cover of the 2027 portrait award catalogue.
The winner will be invited to present a solo exhibition at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in 2027.
SECOND AND THIRD PRIZE:
The second prize winner will receive a cash prize of R30 000.
The third prize winner will receive a cash prize of R20 000.
PORTRAIT 100:
The 60 remaining artworks will be displayed as PORTRAIT 100 at the Spier Arts Trust Union House in Cape Town.
OTHER PRIZES:
Ryno Swart Drawing Medal, which will be awarded to the best portrait done in a drawing medium as selected by the judges.
Art Hamper sponsored by The Deckle Edge.
Art Hampers sponsored by The Italian Art Shop.
Wine Hamper sponsored by Durbanville Wine Valley
Entries Open Online 05/06./2025 | Closes 14/06/2025
Images and info courtesy of the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery
