South African visual artist Treasure Mlima has been named the winner of the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award.
Born in Durban in 1999, Treasure works primarily with carved wood, drawing on his background in architectural draughting to explore the human form, identity, time and place. His work has been shown in South Africa and internationally, including in South Korea and at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair.
We caught up with him to find out more about his practice, the ideas that shape his work, and what he hopes to do next.
How did you feel when you found out you’d won the 2026 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award?
I was, and still am, in shock. Navigating a space and industry that you have no knowledge of can come with its challenges.
With that said, I’m grateful and honoured to be part of such a remarkable cohort and respected organisation. I look forward to learning and continuing with the work that has been done.
Can you tell us what inspires your art and the themes you like to explore?
I’m very interested in balancing how we see ourselves as human beings. The vision is to close the gaps within our social constructs, whether consciously or physically, so I explore the notion of universality and draw information from different parts of the world.
I am African, so that perspective inherently lives in me and my expressions tell that story. The themes I explore include time, identity and the nature of being. Within these, I reflect on the daily practice of improving the human experience.
What message do you hope people take away when they see your work?
There is more than meets the eye. Question everything, always view your body as a powerful vessel, and respect life.
Who or what has influenced your artistic development the most?
God has carried me, and I draw strength from the resilience of faith. I’ve drawn so much from artists such as Dumile Feni, South African musician and artist ByLwansta, and from people more broadly.
I’ve also come to understand the privilege of my position in life and the importance of giving back.
What are you most excited to do next after winning the award?
I have a few upcoming exhibitions that I’m currently preparing for. Once those creations are complete, I’d like to rest, gather strength for the new year and continue working.
Learning some French might be in the works too.
Absa, the French Embassy and French Institute of South Africa and the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) celebrates 22 years of supporting the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award this year — one of the French Embassy’s longest-running partnerships between the cultural and private sectors.
Meet all the Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award winners here.
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