A record number of ceramic artists are gaining exposure in Johannesburg as the 2026 Ndebele Mining Ceramics Southern Africa Gauteng Regional Exhibition showcases established and emerging talent.
The exhibition at Shepstone Gardens attracted 226 entries this year, the highest number recorded for the Gauteng regional event. From these, 129 works by 57 artists were selected for exhibition, creating a platform for experienced ceramicists alongside emerging artists and those exhibiting for the first time.
Twelve artists were recognised for outstanding work at the opening, with Eugene Hon receiving the Strauss & Co Premier Award.
Emerging artists Duma Mtimkulu and Mpho Shabangu jointly received the RMB New Signature Award for Interlude No. V and Mmalengwele respectively. The award was introduced specifically to recognise and support new talent entering the ceramics sector.
Other recipients included Nic Sithole for Vessel I and John Shirley for Fluid Syncopation, who received the Glazecor I and II Awards respectively.
Daniel Brand received the Van Tuyl Award for Red and the Eruption, while Kate Shand’s Reliquary received the Potters Supplies & Mail Order Award. Ane Smal-Smith received the Zakhele Kilns Award for Under the Sun.
Mathiba Molefe-Simelane received the Ndebele one-tonne Clay Award and Desmond Roux the Ndebele half-tonne Clay Award. Bevan de Wet, Kyle Carson and Mkhululi Shongwe received Highly Commended honours.
For Kevin Collins, National Chairperson of Ceramics Southern Africa, the growing participation of newcomers alongside established artists demonstrates the increasing accessibility of the art form.
“There was such a lovely energy at the opening. Yes, we had our ceramics community there, but we also had people coming simply because they were interested and wanted to see what all the fuss about clay is about.
“Ceramics is wonderfully accessible in that way. You can appreciate an extraordinary sculptural work, fall in love with a beautiful bowl you want to take home, or look at something and suddenly think, ‘I would really like to try this myself.’ We want more people to discover that,” Collins said.
The exhibition comes amid renewed interest in ceramics and handmade creative work, while providing South African artists with an opportunity to exhibit, sell their work and connect directly with the public.
South Africa has a long ceramic tradition, but contemporary artists are increasingly taking the medium in different directions. Works featured at the exhibition range from functional pieces to sculpture and conceptual works exploring broader social, cultural and artistic ideas.
The exhibition also creates opportunities for visitors to engage directly with the artists. Participating ceramicists are taking turns “pot-sitting”, allowing members of the public to discuss individual works, techniques and the creative processes behind them.
“Ceramics shouldn’t feel like a closed world that you need specialist knowledge to enter,” Collins said. “Come and look. Ask questions. Pick a favourite. Talk to an artist. You may leave with a piece of ceramic art, or you may leave wanting to put your own hands into clay. Either would make us very happy.”
A free artists’ walkabout will take place at Shepstone Gardens on 2 September at 10:30, giving visitors another opportunity to hear directly from ceramicists about their work.
The exhibition was opened by Dr Zen Marie, Head of Fine Art at the University of the Witwatersrand, with Wilhelm van Rensburg of Strauss & Co, who led this year’s selection panel, sharing insights into the works and selection process.
Ndebele Mining is the principal sponsor, with support and awards from Rand Merchant Bank, Strauss & Co, Glazecor, Van Tuyl, Zakhele Kilns, Clay Café and PSMO.
The exhibition remains free to the public at Shepstone Gardens until 6 September, with many of the exhibited works available for purchase.
