Malik Mani crowned winner of the 2025 Portrait Award
First Prize winner Malik Mani for Mask, a Pencil on Paper
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The 2025 Portrait Award has crowned Malik Mani from Upington in the Northern Cape as its winner, showcasing the evolution of South African portraiture. His award-winning piece, titled Mask, is a hyperrealistic pencil drawing that captures a male face breaking through a cracked surface resembling peeling paint. The artwork not only stands as a testament to his phenomenal skill but also embodies layers of meaning around concealment and revelation. Mani walks away with R150,000 in prize money and a solo exhibition at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in 2027, further solidifying his place within the esteemed art community.
The highly anticipated announcement was made during a gala evening on Friday, 29 August, at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, Cape Town, where the Top Six finalists were unveiled. Joining Mani on the podium are two talented Western Cape artists: Ashley Ogilvy, who secured second place with his oil-on-aluminium portrait Wherever we are, we are Here, featuring District Six elder Joe Schaffers, and Joseph Dolby, whose bold piece Robyn earned him third place. In Dolby's vivid portrayal of Robyn Cedras-Tobin, director of the Rupert Museum, florals and a confident gaze blend in a striking visual narrative.
Ashley Ogilvy received second prize for his (Wherever we are, we are Here) - Oil on Aluminium.
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Donavan Mynhardt, curator at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, praised the rigorous judging process and heaped accolades on the remarkable diversity of artistic approaches exhibited this year. “Entries flowed in from across the country, marking a significant moment as the first winner from Upington brings attention to portraiture talent flourishing in every corner of South Africa,” he said. The eclectic showcase of talent helps to bridge regional divides, demonstrating that creativity knows no boundaries.
Mani's work resonated with judges for its innovation and depth. Describing his artistic approach, Mani revealed, “I had to devise a strategy to shift the audience’s focus from the technical skill to the underlying message.” Enthusiasts of his surrealistic style will find Mask both captivating and thought-provoking, representing a purposeful dialogue between what is seen and what lies beneath the surface.
The complete rank of Top Six finalists features:
- Themba Mkhangeli (4th place) – UKUCAMNGCA (Meditation): A self-portrait created with blue ballpoint pen that radiates calm and strength, depicting a figure meditating with bees symbolising hope.
- Monique Day-Wilde (5th place) – Wish you were here: An intimate embroidered portrait that resembles a stitched memory, suggesting a fine balance between fragility and permanence.
- Ruan Huisamen: Awarded the Ryno Swart Drawing Medal for Adolescent in Blue, capturing the emotional liminality of growing up with both precision and softness.
A distinguished panel of art experts, including art critic Sean O’Toole, contemporary artist Thonton Kabeya, and Dr Dineke Orton from the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery, commended the finalists for their skill and innovation. “They’re refreshing without being gimmicky,” remarked Orton, emphasising the thoughtfulness evident in each artistic choice.
From 30 August to 29 October 2025, the Top Six, along with 40 additional noteworthy works, will be on display at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery and Clay Museum in Durbanville. Simultaneously, the Portrait 100 exhibition featuring 60 more portraits will also be showcased at the Spier Arts Trust Union House in Cape Town during their First Thursdays programme.