Absa L’Atelier, the flagship art initiative of Absa Group, has once again celebrated the transformative power of art and innovation with the opening of its latest exhibition.

The opening night placed the spotlight on the 2022 winner, Gandor Collins, whose unique artistry blends technology and visual expression. His work, which integrates QR codes and artificial intelligence, captivated audiences by offering a more interactive experience that redefines traditional art engagement.

According to Collins, “when you see the QR code at first glance it's like a pattern, but when you look at it closely and you engage it with your phone it takes you to either an information about a product or a website. I believe we humans also function in the same way. When we engage with people they get to share, and know more about us and what we've been through.”

Speaking at the event, Senior Specialist in Art and Museum Curation at Absa Group, Dr. Paul Bayliss, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting communities beyond its financial services. He emphasized that Absa L’Atelier provides a platform to showcase emerging talent while driving growth within Africa’s creative industry.

“Through our citizenship programs and through our sponsorships, we also want to support and help communities aspire to achieve the best at what they do. And one of those ways that we do that is through the visual arts,” Dr. Bayliss noted.

He further encouraged young creatives to prepare for the next edition of the competition, announcing that entries will officially open on April 1 next year.

The evening not only celebrated artistic innovation but also reinforced Absa’s role in empowering Africa’s creative voices through sustainable platforms that merge culture, technology, and opportunity.