In line with its aim to deliver the most compelling internet experience in South Africa regardless of transmission path or viewing device, M-Web has announced the launch of Signatures. This will be an online exhibition and auction of creations from selected acclaimed South African artists. Among them is Bronwen Findlay from Durban.

Preferred by a panel of art critics, Bronwen as well as Peter Binbergen, Jacques Fuller and Johan Louw will have creative carte blanche to develop a work of art which will be webcast straight from the studio of each Signatures participant on . The cyber production gives Internet users the opportunity to witness the work-in-progress from inception to completion (September 1 to 30). The final four creations will be auctioned live from the Arts Association, Belville on http://www.thelot.co.za on October 11.

Webcams installed in each artist's studio will allow art enthusiasts to witness the progress of the works by logging on to Online chat sessions with the selected artists will offer an opportunity to interact directly with the participants and get insight into their creations.

"We hope to develop Signatures into an annual event and incorporate the expertise of not only recognized artists but the creative minds of the young talent in SA," says Stefanie Hefer, executive producer of M-Web Studios. "The Internet is a powerful medium which can be harnessed to create great opportunity and exposure for the South African art community and the general public."

Signatures has been born out of the success of the well-known New Signatures event, an annual exhibition of 60 new artists to the South African art scene which has been in operation since 1979. In conjunction with the exhibition and online auction of Signatures, the New Signatures 2000 exhibition will also be showcased at the Association of Arts, Belville, on October 11 to give an overview of young artists' productions and award artists for single works. The winning finalist of New Signatures will receive an award from M-Web.