Now in its 17th year, the annual ABSA L'Atelier competition is the longest-running art competition in South Africa. Endorsed by the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA) but entirely financed by Absa, the Absa L'Atelier Art Award has become an essential landmark in the lives of young artists aged 21 to 35.

Says Angela Bruwer, General Manager: Absa Group Corporate & Public Affairs: "The importance of the Absa L'Atelier competition must not be underestimated. For any young artist, recognition is vital - for the inspiration and motivation to carry on and to become winners. It also serves to introduce these new, relatively unknown artists to gallerists, art-buyers and to the general public."

The L'Atelier has provided an important stepping stone to previous winners who have reached local and international fame, such as Karel Nel, Penny Siopis and Dianne Victor and those who are on their way, like Colbert Mashile, Ryan Arenson, Brad Hammond, Lucas Bambo and Stefanus Rademeyer.

For his evocative work titled Interference, 31-year old Marco Cianfanelli from Gauteng was awarded the country's most sought after accolade for young artists. His prize - a round trip to France, R70,000 in cash and six months accommodation at the celebrated Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.

Four runners-up walked away with merit prizes of R15,000 each. They were Natasha Christopher (Gauteng); Alastair McLachlan (Gauteng); Benninghoff Puren (Western Cape) and James Webb (Western Cape). Another five artists received certificates acknowledging their places in the top 10. They are: Retha Bornmann (Pretoria), Senzeni Marasela (Gauteng), Marlaine Tosoni (Pretoria), Conrad Botes (Western Cape) and Doreen Southwood (Western Cape). Sad not to see KZN artists represented in this line-up.

For the first time in five years, entries for the competition reflect a welcome positive attitude. The morbid and drab colours that have dominated are slowly disappearing making room for brighter, though still-muted colours and soft neutral greys.