Local visual artist wins top Africa award
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday August 25, 2025 09:06
In a statement, local art curatorial and consultancy agency, ReCurate said Maifala's achievement marks a monumental moment for the agency, the artist and the burgeoning contemporary art scene in Botswana. ReCurate also said they are especially excited to represent Maifala as part of its growing stable of artists.
'This recognition follows Naledi Maifala's successful participation in the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2025, where she was represented by ReCurate as part of the 'Botswana Focus' pavilion. ReCurate showcased a collection of her miniature neo-impressionistic paintings, which were met by a resounding interest that underscores the international appeal of her work,' ReCurate said in the statement.
The ANNA Award, an initiative by Latitudes and ANNA Pure Organic, is a celebrated art prize dedicated to discovering, recognising, and nurturing a new generation of women artists from across the African continent. Now in its fourth year, the award is a testament to the commitment of both female-led South African brands to empower women in the creative industry across Africa.
The 12 finalists this year are Azola Kingston (USA/SA), Amy Rusch (South Africa), Chigozie Obi (Nigeria), Fetelework Tadesse (Ethiopia), Chinecherem Peace Ifedilichukwu (Nigeria), Aleruchi Kinika (Nigeria), Reem Aljeally (Sudan), Naledi Maifala (Botswana), Tinyiko Makwakwa (South Africa), Haneem Christian (South Africa), Doaa Fakher (Egypt), and Andriarimanjaka Dina Nomena (Madagascar). The top prize includes a notable cash prize, an artist residency with the SAFFCA Foundation, a solo showcase at the 2026 RMB Latitudes Art Fair, and inclusion in the ANNA Award Collection.
The statement said Maifala’s winning work, which explores themes of stillness and contentment, captured the hearts of the ANNA Award judges. 'Her practice was praised for its quiet power and its deep attentiveness to the everyday, offering a radical act of self-possession that resists the pressure to centre her identity as a black woman in a political narrative. Instead, her art finds profound meaning in the fleeting and the intimate moments of life,' it added.
Maifala says she feels encouranged by the award to think bigger.
“I feel deeply humbled by this award. Truly, with God, anything is possible. This is a significant step forward in my career, especially as Botswana continues to grow within the art market. It has encouraged me to think bigger, beyond borders and I hope it also inspires other artists to recognise their own potential to connect with audiences in other countries, and to seek out platforms that allow them to share their skills and talents. I would like to sincerely thank Latitude Online, Anna Pure Organics, and ReCurate for the incredible spaces they have created within the art ecosystem. We need platforms like these to share our stories, network, and grow our art businesses,” she said.
ReCurate Founder, Renée Eisen-Khonat said this year, ReCurate has had as its impetus, the goal to discover and develop new emerging, young artists as part of its growing fold of artists. Eisen-Khonat said Naledi's work captivated them and knew she had the essence of what it takes to make work that touches people. Eisen-Khonat said they were impressed by Maifala's beautiful technical abilities to paint, and most importantly, a message behind her works that held so much soul and warmth.
'We immediately knew we had to work with her, and have not looked back since March. Words don't express how proud we are of the phenomenal strides she has made in not just the recognition and appreciation of her work, but her growth as an artist. We are honoured to be able to continue to work with her as she grows beyond our borders,” said Eisen-Khonat.
Maifala began painting in 2007 during her junior years and transitioned to professional art in 2022. Her artistic vision is rooted in the theme 'Just as Petals Fall, Life Too Fades', a metaphor for presence, impermanence, and the fleeting nature of life. Focusing on mind-soothing surroundings, her subjects include domestic animals, garden flowers, sentimental objects, and people who embody serenity.