In a true celebration of creativity and collaboration, five of the world’s most renowned artists will each mentor an outstanding emerging artist, as participants in the 2023–2024 cycle of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
Visionary artists like El Anatsui and Dianne Reeves are guiding emerging talents Bronwyn Katz and Song Yi Jeon, while literary giants Bernardine Evaristo and Ayesha Harruna Attah explore the depths of storytelling together. Meanwhile, cinematic trailblazer Jia Zhang-Ke teams up with Rafael Manuel, and architectural innovator Anne Lacaton mentors Arine Apprahamian. These pairings not only emphasise the power of mentorship, but also challenge conventions and bring about fresh perspectives in the artists’ respective fields.
(Related: Transformative mentorships perpetuating artistic heritage)
- WHEN ART MEETS UPCYCLING
- STORIES THAT CONNECT
- FILMS THAT SPEAK TO VIEWERS
- BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW
- JAZZ WITH A TWIST
When art meets upcycling
2023-2024 Visual Arts mentor El Anatsui and protégé Bronwyn Katz
Acclaimed Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui mentors South African visual artist Bronwyn Katz, guiding her exploration of materials and processes. Together, they delve into the intricate relationship between found objects and contemporary art.
El Anatsui is known for transforming everyday materials like bottle caps and metal into intricate and expansive assemblages. Bronwyn Katz, whose sculptures and installations often incorporate iron ore and foam mattresses, mirrors this ethos with her own unique flair.
Their ongoing mentor-protégé relationship is a compelling blend of shared philosophies and creative exploration. Under Anatsui's guidance, Katz has delved deeper into the world of materiality, embracing new media like wood and metal. But this mentorship isn’t just a technical apprenticeship; it’s a profound exchange of ideas, with Anatsui pushing Katz to refine her conceptual approach. In the end, both mentor and protégé can grow in new directions.
- WHEN ART MEETS UPCYCLING
- STORIES THAT CONNECT
- FILMS THAT SPEAK TO VIEWERS
- BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW
- JAZZ WITH A TWIST
Stories that connect
2023-2024 Literature mentor Bernardine Evaristo and protégé Ayesha Harruna Attah
Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo joins forces with Ghanaian novelist Ayesha Harruna Attah, creating a powerful mentorship that bridges cultural narratives.
When Bernardine Evaristo, the acclaimed British author, was paired with Ghanaian writer Ayesha Harruna Attah for the 2023-2024 Rolex mentoring programme, it brought together two powerful voices in contemporary literature, each with a distinctive style and focus.
Evaristo, the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize for her novel Girl, Woman, Other, is a trailblazer in British literature. As a professor at Brunel University London and the President of the Royal Society of Literature, she has long advocated for the inclusion of writers of colour in the literary canon. Her work often probes themes of identity, ethnicity, and the African diaspora.
Attah, part of a new generation of African writers, has published five novels that challenge preconceptions about African culture through vibrant historical fiction. Her works, including The Hundred Wells of Salaga and Zainab Takes New York, have earned her recognition on the international literary stage.
Together, the cross-pollination of their ideas and experiences has the potential to influence both writers' future works and contribute to the evolving landscape of global literature.
- WHEN ART MEETS UPCYCLING
- STORIES THAT CONNECT
- FILMS THAT SPEAK TO VIEWERS
- BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW
- JAZZ WITH A TWIST
Films that speak to viewers
2023-2024 Film mentor Jia Zhang-Ke (above) and protégé Rafael Manuel
Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhang-Ke, known for his poignant social commentary, mentors Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel, in a partnership that explores the intersection of personal and cultural narratives.
Jia Zhang-Ke, a titan of contemporary cinema and a pivotal figure in the post-1990 “Sixth Generation” of Chinese directors, took Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel under his wing. Known for his masterful storytelling and poignant social commentary, Jia has captivated audiences worldwide with films like Still Life, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and A Touch of Sin, which investigates the complexities of modern Chinese society.
Rafael Manuel, an emerging voice in the film industry, has already garnered acclaim for his short film Filipiñana, which won the Silver Bear Jury Prize at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival. His works reflect a deep engagement with cultural narratives and philosophical themes, showcasing a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary audiences.
As Manuel navigates the intricacies of feature filmmaking, Jia’s seasoned guidance will undoubtedly refine his craft, while Manuel’s innovative approach may encourage Jia to discover new narratives. This dynamic interchange will no doubt enrich the global cinematic landscape.
(Related: Forging legacies - The cinematographer's art of storytelling on film)
- WHEN ART MEETS UPCYCLING
- STORIES THAT CONNECT
- FILMS THAT SPEAK TO VIEWERS
- BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW
- JAZZ WITH A TWIST
Building a better tomorrow
2023-2024 Architecture mentor Anne Lacaton and protégé Arine Aprahamian
Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Anne Lacaton guides Lebanese-Armenian architect Arine Apprahamian in a mentorship focused on sustainable design.
Anne Lacaton is a visionary in contemporary architecture, celebrated for her groundbreaking philosophy of transforming existing spaces rather than demolishing them, in effect emphasising sustainability and community engagement. Her work, which includes notable projects like the Palais de Tokyo and various social housing initiatives, showcases her commitment to creating liveable, light-filled environments that prioritise the human experience.
Arine Apprahamian, a rising star in the architectural world, favours innovative design solutions that address both affordability and sustainability. Her approach reflects a deep understanding of the cultural and environmental contexts of her projects, making her a fitting match for Lacaton’s mentorship.
Their collaboration seeks to redefine architectural practices, highlighting transformation and community engagement in the built environment. Lacaton’s extensive experience guides Apprahamian’s emerging vision, potentially leading to new methodologies that challenge conventional architectural practices and inspire future generations.
- WHEN ART MEETS UPCYCLING
- STORIES THAT CONNECT
- FILMS THAT SPEAK TO VIEWERS
- BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW
- JAZZ WITH A TWIST
Jazz with a twist
2023-2024 Music mentor Dianne Reeves and protégé Song Yi Jeon
Celebrated jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves mentors South Korean singer and composer Song Yi Jeon, blending their unique musical styles.
With five Grammy Awards to her name, Dianne Reeves has redefined contemporary jazz performance, blending genres and pushing the boundaries of vocal expression. Her influence extends beyond her recordings; she is a passionate advocate for emerging artists, making her mentorship a significant opportunity for rising star Song Yi Jeon.
Song, for her part, is a South Korean jazz vocalist and composer who brings a fresh and unique perspective to the genre. Her ability to fuse contemporary jazz with elements of traditional Korean music sets her apart in the international music scene. With accolades such as the Quincy Jones CJ&E fellowship, Song is poised to make her mark, and her collaboration with Reeves is a pivotal step in her artistic journey.
As they work together to explore new musical landscapes within the rich tapestry of the music genre, jazz fans can expect a rich interplay of styles that celebrates both tradition and innovation, ultimately enriching the genre and enthralling audiences worldwide.
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