ADELAIDE.- Adelaide artist Pierre Mukeba has won the Ramsay Art Prize 2019 Lipman Karas People’s Choice award with his work Ride to Church.

At just 24 years of age, Mukeba was the youngest finalist selected for this year’s Ramsay Art Prize. His four-metre-long painting uses drawing and fabric collage to capture a memory of a ride to church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

On receiving the prize, Mukeba says, ‘Thanks to the generous support of Lipman Karas, I have greater financial support and confidence to focus on my art. Winning the People’s Choice award is the ultimate confirmation that my voice is being heard and appreciated.’ Pierre goes on to say, ‘It is very reassuring to know that the community here in South Australia can connect with my work, and my images of Africans so strongly.’

Close to 50,000 people have visited the Ramsay Art Prize 2019 since it opened on 25 May. The Lipman Karas People’s Choice is a $15,000 prize, with one winner selected by public vote from the 23 finalists. Not only was Ride to Church selected as the winner of the People’s Choice, but the work has also been acquired into AGSA’s permanent collection.

AGSA Director, Rhana Devenport ONZM, says, ‘To win a people’s choice prize is an achievement of utmost praise and commendation. Pierre Mukeba’s work has struck a chord with our visitors, and we are thrilled that an Adelaide artist of such a young age has been recognised. Ride to Church proves the enduring power of storytelling and that art today has much to communicate.’

As committed supporters of Australian contemporary art, legal specialists Lipman Karas will continue their support of the Ramsay Art Prize upon its return in 2021.

The Ramsay Art Prize 2019 is on view until 25 August 2019 at the Art Gallery of South Australia.