2024 Tutu Fellow Modupeola Fadugba has won the 2025 Norval Sovereign African Art Prize for her stunning 2024 painting, Portrait of an Artist at Ease. This prestigious award, presented in partnership with Schroders, recognizes outstanding contemporary African artists and comes with a $35,000 grand prize, a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, and a two-week artist residency at Outset Contemporary Art Fund in London.

A Nigerian multimedia artist, Modupeola is renowned for her evocative paintings, drawings, and socially engaged installations that explore themes of cultural identity, social justice, and game theory. She is the founder of The People’s Algorithm, an interactive initiative designed to spark dialogue about improving Nigeria’s education system.

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize—a collaboration between The Sovereign Art Foundation and the Norval Foundation—aims to elevate contemporary African artists by providing them with global recognition and career-transforming opportunities. Her work will be on display along with the 28 finalists at an exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, open to the public until 20 April 2025. All the works will be offered for auction to generate funds for both the shortlisted artists and the Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre, with proceeds split equally.

“Winning the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize is an incredible honor, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that values and uplifts African artists,” Modupeola shared. “My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, and this recognition encourages me to continue exploring narratives that shape our collective history and future.”

Living and working in Lagos, Modupeola’s innovative work has earned numerous accolades, including El Anatsui’s Outstanding Production Prize and a Grand Prize at the 2016 Dakar Biennale.

Her recent exhibition, Dreams from the Deep End, showcased at Gallery 1957 in Accra, Ghana, examined the racialized history of swimming in America through powerful imagery of swimmers navigating spaces of shared existence and collaboration. The exhibition also has a documentary component, which won an Emmy Award.

Beyond her artistic practice, Modupeola is committed to mentorship—her initiative Dear Young Artist supports emerging artists in long-term strategy, financial planning, and relationship management.

Header image: Modupeola and her work of art, Portrait of an Artist at Ease. Artwork picture courtesy of the Sovereign Art Foundation.