ACCESS ART X PRIZE 2023

The Access ART X Prize, a prestigious platform for recognising and nurturing emerging artistic talent from Africa and its diaspora, has announced the distinguished winners of its 2023 edition. After careful deliberation, Julius Agbaje from Nigeria and Asmaa Jama representing the Africa/Diaspora category were selected as the standout talents from an exceptional pool of finalists.

Their selection is a testament to their artistic prowess, unique vision, and potential for global impact.

The Nigerian Winner Will Receive:

- Residency at Gasworks, London
- Exhibition at ART X Lagos 2024
- Support in the form of a $10,000 grant
- An invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange

The African/Diasporan Winner Will Receive:

- Residency at Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation, Lagos
- Exhibition at ART X Lagos 2024
- Support in the form of a $10,000 grant
- An invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange

JULIUS AGBAJE

THE 2023 NIGERIA WINNER

Julius Agbaje, a Nigerian Artist (b. 1992) born in Agege, Lagos to a Pastor and a teacher, initially pursued Computer Science at the Polytechnic but transitioned to art. After graduating from Yaba College of Technology with a Higher National Diploma in Painting in 2017, he furthered his artistry through an art residency and internship.

Julius’s artworks are a reflection of his life's journey, exploring themes like racial discrimination, politics and spirituality. Employing satires, metaphors, and symbolism, he engages audiences in pertinent socio-political and spiritual issues. His art, threaded with personal experiences, leads him back to Go and a discovery of his life's purpose.

Using diverse mediums like watercolours, oil, acrylic, and charcoal, and techniques such as stencilling typography, and screen-printing, he constantly evolves, now venturing into sculptures with clay, wood, metal, and fibreglass.

His exhibitions with renowned galleries and organizations globally, including The Koppel Project Hiv (London, 2021) and Artemizia Foundation (USA, 2020), highlight his impact on the art world. Featured in local and international news media, his art sparks crucial political conversations in Nigeria, where he resides.

A Lagos resident, Julius draws inspiration from the city's vibrant lifestyle, reflected in his colourful renditions. His involvement in NGOs like the Arts in Medicine Fellowship showcases his commitment to using art for societal betterment. He currently resides and works in Berger, Lagos, immersing himself in both art and community engagement.

ASMAA JAMA

THE 2023 AFRICA/DIASPORA WINNER

The 2023 Access ART X Prize Africa/Diaspora Winner - Asmaa Jama (Somali/Denmark) Asmaa Jama, a self-taught Somali multidisciplinary artist, writer, and filmmaker in Bristol, explores themes of myth, movement, and migration. Their film works, including "Before We Disappear" (2021 commissioned by BBC Arts and "Except this Time Nothing Returns from the Ashes" (2022) at Spike Island, showcase their interactive storytelling.

Jama's art has reached international platforms like the Venice Architecture Biennale and film festivals such as Blackstar and Sharjah Film Platform. Their writing, commissioned by various institutions, appears in publications like The Poetry Review and Nataal. Jama's theatrical involvement spans writing for productions like "Dorothee Munyaneza’s Mailles" and "Akal."

Jama's impactful writing has been commissioned by respected entities like Jerwood Arts, Hayward Gallery, Arnolfini, and Ifa Gallery, with published works featured in notable publications like The Poetry Review and Nataal.

Jama was commended for the Brunel African Poetry Prize (2022); and shortlisted for the New Poets Prize (2022) Queen Mary Wasafiri Writing Prize (2021); James Berry Poetry Prize (2021); To Speak Europe in Other Languages Prize (2020), and longlisted for National Poetry Competition ( 2021 ) and is a Cave Canem Fellow. Their accolades include commendations for the Brunel African Poetry Prize and residencies at prestigious institutions like the School for Sonic Memory, and Mucem/Onassis Stegi.

Recently, Jama's solo exhibition at Spike Island culminated with a commissioned showcase across 25 billboard sites in Bristol, exhibiting their diverse artistic talent.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Having faced a challenging task in selecting the winners, given the exceptional level of talent and creativity on display, the jury also selected Roanna Tella (Nigerian category) and Lawrence Mwangi (African/Diaspora category) for honourable mentions. Both artists will receive prizes of $2,000 and tailored mentorship.

Roanna Tella,
Nigeria

Lawrence Mwangi,
Kenya

The Finalists

Anne Mutema,
Zimbabwe

Chidimma Nwafor,
Nigeria

Chinwe Chigbu

Dior Thiam,
Germany

Edward Prah,
Ghana

Wale Matuluko,
Nigeria

THE JURY

Emeka Ogboh
ARTIST

Daudi Karungi
FOUNDER, AFRIART GALLERY

Gabi Ngcobo ARTIST, EDUCATOR & CURATORIAL DIRECTOR, JAVETT ART CENTRE

Barthélémy Toguo

ARTIST

Yesomi Umolu DIRECTOR OF CURATORIAL & PUBLIC PRACTICE FOR THE SERPENTINE GALLERIES

Babajide Adeniyi-Jones DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER

ABOUT ACCESS HOLDINGS

In line with Access Holding's vision to create a globally connected community, the organization is a fervent supporter of African art and is driven to assist Africans in narrating their stories through imaginative and inventive ways. As the headline sponsors of Art X Prize for seven consecutive years, Access, one of Africa's leading financial institutions, has demonstrated its continuous commitment to fostering the dynamic creative spirit that permeates Africa. Bridging the gap between Nigeria, other African nations, and the world, Art X Prize serves as a unifier. Our intention is to make sure African creative works can coexist with those of their international counterparts.

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