Botswana-born contemporary artist Kelebogile Marope has been named the winner of the 2026 FNB Art Prize, marking a significant milestone in her career and making her the first artist from Botswana to receive the prestigious honour.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 12 August, as FNB Art Joburg prepares for its 19th edition. The FNB Art Prize forms part of the fair’s long-term commitment to supporting and growing Africa’s contemporary art ecosystem beyond the annual event.
The 2026 jury, made up of FNB Art Joburg Fair Manager and representative Kim Kandan, curator Mike Mavura and interior designer and art collector Véronique Savigné, praised Marope’s contribution to contemporary African sculpture.
“Kelebogile Marope’s practice represents a compelling expansion of contemporary African sculpture. She claimed a traditionally male-dominated medium as her own, perfecting her craft with a level of skill and precision that set her work apart. The jury was particularly impressed by her ability to push the boundaries of sculpture, creating a practice that is both deeply rooted in place and boldly imaginative. Her work demonstrates a distinctive material language and a fresh perspective that embodies the spirit of the FNB Art Prize,” the jury said.
Marope works across sculpture, drawing and mixed media, exploring the relationship between memory, identity and the spaces people inhabit. Her practice draws inspiration from domestic environments and everyday materials, examining how ordinary objects, surfaces and architectural details can hold memories and become connected to lived experiences.
Her process-driven approach looks at how daily rituals influence ideas of home, belonging and collective memory, encouraging audiences to reconsider the importance of familiar spaces and objects.
Born in Ramotswa, Botswana, Marope completed a Bachelor of Fine Art followed by a Master of Fine Art at Rhodes University. She has exhibited her work in both Botswana and South Africa while continuing to develop her multidisciplinary practice.
Her recognition comes as part of a growing list of artists who have received the FNB Art Prize, including Thato Toeba, Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Dada Khanyisa, Wycliffe Mundopa, Lady Skollie, Bronwyn Katz, Haroon Gunn-Salie, Peju Alatise, Nolan Oswald Dennis, Turiya Magadlela, Portia Zvavahera, Nelisiwe Xaba, Mocke J van Veuren, Kudzanai Chiurai and Cedric Nunn.
FNB Chief Marketing Officer Linda Kachingwe-Sisya congratulated Marope, describing her work as both personal and widely relatable.
“We’d like to congratulate Kelebogile Marope on being named the recipient of the 2026 FNB Art Prize. Her work is both deeply personal and universally resonant, demonstrating the power of art to connect us to place, memory and one another. Her achievement reflects not only her exceptional talent and dedication, but also the growing strength, diversity and global relevance of contemporary African creativity. For almost two decades, our partnership with Art Joburg has been rooted in a commitment to nurturing and elevating African talent, creating platforms for artists to grow from emerging talent into globally recognised cultural contributors. Kelebogile’s recognition is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary creative potential that exists across our continent. We are honoured to celebrate her achievement and proud to support platforms that amplify African stories, invest in creative excellence and help shape the future of contemporary African art on the global stage,” she said.
Mandla Sibeko, director of FNB Art Joburg, said Marope’s work reflects the kind of artistic practice the prize aims to recognise.
“Each year, the FNB Art Prize recognises an artist whose practice expands the conversations shaping contemporary African art. Kelebogile’s work demonstrates a remarkable sensitivity to material, memory and lived experience, transforming the everyday into something profoundly resonant. As the first artist from Botswana to receive the prize, her recognition also reflects the depth of artistic excellence emerging from across the continent, reaffirming our commitment to championing voices that deserve greater visibility,” Sibeko said.
Kachingwe-Sisya added that FNB’s support for the arts is centred on creating opportunities for artists and supporting creative ideas that can influence the future.
“For FNB, supporting the arts is about enabling the art of possibility. It is about backing the ideas, imagination and talent that challenge convention, inspire new ways of thinking and help shape the future. Through our longstanding partnership with Art Joburg, we have remained committed to creating meaningful opportunities for artists to be discovered, recognised and celebrated, while contributing to the growth of a vibrant and sustainable creative ecosystem across the continent. We believe that investing in creativity is an investment in Africa’s future. By supporting platforms that champion both emerging and established artists, we are helping to create pathways for talent to be discovered, celebrated and recognised on a global stage. The arts play a vital role in shaping culture, inspiring new perspectives and telling the stories that define who we are. Through our longstanding partnership with Art Joburg, we remain committed to empowering African artists to amplify their voices, influence cultural conversations and realise their full potential both locally and internationally,” she said.
The FNB Art Prize is designed to support sustained artistic careers while broadening the representation of contemporary African voices within the global cultural landscape. Marope’s win highlights the growing strength of Botswana’s contemporary art scene while reinforcing the importance of creating platforms for artists from across the continent.
As part of her prize, Marope will receive a cash award and stage a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, home to the continent’s largest art collection. The exhibition is scheduled to take place in 2027.
