Fadugba becomes the fourth recipient of this prestigious award, honored with a cash prize, a solo exhibition, and a residency in 2025.
(left) Modupeola Fadugba, (right) her awarded work: Portrait of an Artist at Ease, 2024. Both courtesy of The Norval Foundation.
The Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) announced Modupeola Fadugba as the Grand Prize Winner of the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025, sponsored by Schroders. Fadugba wins with her piece Portrait of an Artist at Ease and becomes the fourth recipient of this prestigious award, which celebrates leading contemporary artists and increases their global exposure.
Modupeola Fadugba is a Nigerian artist whose work bridges the worlds of art, science, and social engagement. With a background in chemical engineering and economics, she approaches her art with a structured, analytical mindset, using painting, drawing, and installations to address issues of identity, justice, and human connection. Living and working in Ibadan, Fadugba’s thought-provoking pieces offer fresh insights into the complex narratives shaping contemporary Nigeria.
Fadugba will receive a US$35,000 cash prize, a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and a two-week residency at Outset Contemporary Art Fund in London. She shared her excitement: “I’m honoured to be selected among my peers across the continent and look forward to presenting a solo exhibition in Cape Town.”
The winner was selected by a panel of five judges, including Raphael Chikukwa, Tim Marlow, Dr. Same Mdluli, Thato Mogotsi, and Simon Njami. Dr. Mdluli remarked on the challenging yet exciting process of selecting a winner from such a talented pool of artists.
Duduzile More, Contending with control, 2023. Courtesy of Normal Foundation.
The FAMM Women’s Prize was also awarded to DuduBloom More for her work Contending With Control. More will receive US$5,000 and expressed her gratitude for the recognition of her printmaking and textile practice.
All 28 finalists, including the winners, will be part of an online auction hosted by Strauss & Co until March 13, 2025, with proceeds supporting both the artists and the Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre. The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize 2025 is curated by Carmen Joubert and on display at the Norval Foundation’s Gallery 9 until April 20, 2025.
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