As part of BE OPEN Art’s ongoing Regional Art initiative, the competition celebrates emerging artists who reflect the unique cultural, ethnic, and artistic identities of Southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
For November 2024, the title of Regional Artist of the Month was awarded to Aislinn Finnegan, a mixed-media artist whose work is deeply informed by her mixed-race heritage—her father is Irish and her mother is Zambian. Aislinn’s art powerfully explores themes of race, identity, and femininity, with a particular focus on the representation of Black women in art and media. Through her illustrations, she challenges dominant Western ideals and offers an Afro-futuristic perspective that celebrates Black culture and beauty.
Alongside Akissi Beukman, a Pretoria-based artist honored as the Regional Artist of the Month for October, Aislinn is one of the finalists competing for the title of Artist of the Region. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the program in December 2024 and will receive a €500 prize.