FNB Art Joburg, Africa's leading and longest-running contemporary art fair, has announced the winner of the FNB Art 2026 award—Kelebogile Marope. In its nineteenth edition, FNB Art Joburg aims to sustainably support and develop the continent's cultural offerings in ways that extend beyond the fair itself. The FNB Art award is one of the fair's most important commitments toward this mission.
The jury for the FNB Art 2026 award consisted of Kim Kandane (Fair Manager and FNB Art Joburg representative), Mike Mavura (Curator), and Veronique Savigne (Interior Designer and Art Collector). The jury decided that Kelebogile Marope's practice represents a compelling expansion of modern African sculpture. She has taken on a traditionally male domain, perfecting her craft with a level of skill and precision that distinguishes her work.
The jury was particularly impressed by Marope's ability to push the boundaries of sculpture, creating a practice that is simultaneously deeply rooted in place and boldly inventive. Her works demonstrate a unique material language and a fresh perspective embodying the spirit of the FNB Art award.
As the recipient of the sixteenth FNB Art award, Marope joins winners such as Tato Toeba, Gresham Tapiva Nyaude, Lindokule Sobekwe, Dada Hanyiso, Wickliff Mundopa, Lady Scully, Bronwyn Katz, Harunn Gann-Sali, Pedju Alatisse, Nolan Osvald Dennis, Turie Magadlela, Portia Zwavahere, Nelisive Xaba, Mokke J van Weuren, Kudzanai Chuirai, and Cedric Nann.
Linda Kachingeve-Sisa, FNB Marketing Director, added that they wish to congratulate Kelebogile Marope on receiving the FNB Art 2026 award. She emphasized that her work is both intensely personal and universally resonant, demonstrating the power of art to connect us to place, memory, and each other. Marope's achievement reflects not only her exceptional talent and dedication but also the growing strength, diversity, and global significance of contemporary African creativity.
For nearly two decades, the partnership with Art Joburg has been driven by a commitment to nurture and elevate African talent, creating platforms for artists to grow from emerging talents to globally recognized cultural figures. Kelebogile's recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary creative potential present across our entire continent. They are delighted to acknowledge her success and proud to support platforms that amplify African stories, invest in creative excellence, and help shape the future of contemporary African art on the world stage.
Born in Ramotswa, Botswana, Marope has consistently developed her practice, gaining regional recognition. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and subsequently a Master of Fine Arts from Rhodes University, she has exhibited in Botswana and South Africa, continuing to expand her interdisciplinary work. Her selection as the FNB Art 2026 award winner, and especially as the first female artist from Botswana to receive this honor, marks a significant milestone both in her career and in the growing international recognition of the Botswana contemporary art scene.
Working in sculpture, drawing, and mixed media, Marope's practice explores the relationship between memory, identity, and the spaces we inhabit. Drawing inspiration from domestic settings and everyday materials, she investigates how ordinary objects, surfaces, and architectural details become repositories of lived experience. Through her meticulous and processual approach, her works illustrate how the rituals of daily life shape our understanding of home, belonging, and collective memory, prompting viewers to reconsider the meaning of the familiar.
The FNB Art award is part of FNB Art Joburg's long-term commitment to building a stronger and more self-sufficient ecosystem for contemporary African art. By recognizing artists from across the continent and providing a platform that extends beyond the fair itself, the award invests in sustainable artistic careers while expanding the narratives presented in the global cultural landscape. Marope's recognition signals the importance of supporting excellence wherever it arises, strengthening regional artistic networks, and creating opportunities for African artists to thrive on their own terms.
As the 2026 award winner, the artist will receive a cash prize as well as a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, which houses the continent's largest collection. The solo exhibition is scheduled for 2027.
Unique mosaic compositions have been preserved on the exterior walls of the former tuberculosis dispensary building located in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent, which was built in 1972.
According to information provided by the Cultural Heritage Agency, these mosaics are located at 3rd passage of Nizbek Yuli street, house 6, and are being considered as potential candidates for inclusion in the National Register of Immovable Cultural Heritage Objects.
Due to upcoming demolition work on the building itself, it has been decided to carry out measures for the careful removal and subsequent transfer of these mosaics to another site. This approach will ensure the preservation of these unique examples of monumental art in their original state, protect their historical significance, and allow them to be passed on to future generations.
These mosaics represent special value as an example of monumental art from the second half of the 20th century. Their artistic value is determined by the harmonious combination of colors and the theme, which includes ideas of humanity, nature, labor, creation, science, and peace. The images, executed using colored smalt and other materials, reflect the aesthetic concepts and traditions of their time.
Kannada actress Rishika Singh sparked controversy on social media by criticizing the trailer for Yash's upcoming film titled 'Toxic'. She expressed dissatisfaction with the intimate scenes in the movie and questioned the actor's decision to participate in such scenes. Furthermore, the actress stated that if respect for women is not shown, she will have to 'leave Karnataka'.
In a video shared on social media, Rishika voiced her disappointment with the romantic and intimate episodes shown in the 'Toxic' trailer. Addressing Yash directly, she expressed hope that he would demonstrate more respect for women, given his status as a husband and father. She also noted that she did not like the visuals in the trailer.
Her statement took a sharper tone when she declared: 'If respect for women is not shown, we will force you to leave Karnataka.' The video concluded with her repeatedly repeating the phrase 'I am Toxic'.
The video quickly went viral, and Yash's fans responded to the actress. Some users on social media questioned why she was criticizing scenes in a fictional film featuring consenting adult actors. Others pointed to positive reviews from actresses of the film 'Toxic' regarding their experience working with Yash and the crew.
Some users also posted old clips and photos of Rishika from her previous films and photoshoots to challenge her criticism of the intimate scenes in 'Toxic'. Meanwhile, another group of people publicly expressed their support and admiration for her opinion.
This dispute arose while the film 'Toxic' was actively being discussed following the release of the trailer. The film, directed by Gittu Mohandas, received high praise for its scale, visual effects, and action, presenting the trailer as one of the biggest Kannada films of recent years. This project was created in several languages, including English, and is planned for release in various countries.
Rishika Singh is known for films such as 'Kalla Malla Sulla', 'Benki Birugali', 'Kantirva', and 'Tuntaru'. She is the daughter of filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu and previously participated in the first season of 'Bigg Boss Kannada'. Her statements continue to spark debate, and the film 'Toxic' remains a subject of discussion. Although Yash's image and the intimate scenes in the trailer became the main theme of the film's promotion, her comments also attracted significant attention. 'Toxic' is scheduled for release in multiple languages on August 26.
The Emeco House represents the complete transformation of an old sewing factory located on the edge of a residential neighborhood in Venice, Los Angeles. This project aims to create a space for work, exhibitions, and events on the ground floor, complemented by communal areas on the upper floors, which include a kitchen and guest rooms.
In a gesture of resistance against frequent demolitions in the area, the owners decided to maintain the existing structure, aligning with the main purpose of establishing a dynamic meeting point for community activities and events in the neighborhood.
The project planning was based on the principle of preserving, updating, and restoring most of the original construction, allowing new additions to be incorporated gradually and integrally. The final result is described as a 'natural architectural diversity,' where old and new elements support each other to form a cohesive whole.
To achieve the goal of being net-zero energy self-sufficient, the building uses solar energy. A central skylight and zenithal openings were implemented to ensure natural light enters all environments, also promoting passive ventilation and cooling between different levels through the use of fully retractable glass panels or adjustable openings.
The work was carried out with the collaboration of local contractors, carpenters, and manufacturers. This included the custom production of doors, windows, and steel gates, as well as fully customized carpentry and plaster finishes ordered for both internal and external areas. Customization extended to the window hardware and bathroom accessories, which were designed by the architect and manufactured at the Emeco facility in Pennsylvania. Landscaping was integrated into all spaces, ranging from indoor cacti to planters in all outdoor areas, including a succulent garden on the backyard roof.
