The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the shortlist for its highly anticipated African Human Rights Art Competition. With numerous entries received from a diverse array of participants representing thirteen countries including Nigeria, the Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Eswatini, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, the UK, and Malawi. This competition has captured the imagination and creativity of artists across the African continent and beyond.
“We are delighted by the caliber and diversity of submissions we received,” remarked Wole Adedoyin, African Regional Director of IHRAM. “This competition is a testimony to the power of art in reflecting and addressing critical human rights issues that resonate deeply within African communities.”
The competition serves as a significant platform for artists to engage with and explore various facets of human rights through their artistic expressions. By encouraging participants to articulate their perspectives on pivotal human rights themes through painting and drawing, IHRAM aims to foster a robust dialogue that sheds light on the rich and varied narratives surrounding human rights in Africa.
Final judging and selection of winners will be overseen by Tom Block, Founder and Executive Director of IHRAM, a seasoned visual artist with over two decades of experience. Tom’s expertise and global perspective ensure a fair and insightful evaluation process that honors the artistic integrity and thematic depth of each submission.
The winners of the African Human Rights Art Competition will be unveiled on July 7th, 2024. In line with IHRAM’s commitment to promoting social justice and equity, the competition offers cash prizes totaling $225, with the first-place winner receiving $100, the second-place winner $75, and the third-place winner $50.
Additionally, five honorable mentions will be recognized for their outstanding submissions, highlighting the breadth of talent and creativity among participants.
Among the standout entries on the shortlist are Adelina Vitus Ndunguru, Beaulla-Bertha Likambale Ng’ombe, “A newly liberated woman,”, Blessing Ita Frank, “Let your light shine”, Devrigan Rakwom, Elle Belle Art, “Cry our beloved country,” Omolara Elizabeth Adenugba, “Zombie Bombers,”, Oyedokun Ezekiel, “Locked – My Hair My Pride,” and Tracy Jamgbadi, “Native Herdsboy,” each offering poignant reflections on human rights issues from unique perspectives.
The African Human Rights Art Competition, an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) and supported by the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) in the USA, continues to serve as a pivotal platform for African artists to engage with and amplify crucial human rights narratives. Through their artwork, participants not only celebrate the power of artistic expression but also contribute to a broader discourse on the importance of human rights in shaping a more just and inclusive society.
For more information about the competition and to view the shortlisted artworks, please visit https://humanrightsartmovement.org/.
