Sisonke Gallery was a pool of creativity on First Thursday as artists from all over the country gathered to showcase their Doodle art pieces for the Red Bull Doodle Art 2023 title. 

After a two-month-long search, Dylan-John Gordon has been crowned the winner after creating a stunning piece of art that captures the imagination and celebrates the power of creativity. 

Ibukun awe – 3rd place, Dylan Gordan – winner and Chere Kingsley Pailime – 2nd place pose for a portrait during Final Judging of Red Bull Doodle Art at Sisonske Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa on April 6, 2023. Photo By Craig Kolesky for Red Bull Content Pool

The innovative global competition where art and technology meet to encourage a new generation of artists to showcase their creativity by doodling, returned to Mzansi after an eight-year hiatus. Ten finalists made it to the national finals following a series of regional stops under the watchful eyes of creative judges in the art space, Nomonde Mtetwa, Sabastien Pillay, and Samurai Farai. 

Judged on creativity, artistic skill, and the way the doodle expresses love for life, Dylan-John stood above the rest and was crowned the winner with Chere Kingsley Pailime taking 2nd place Ibukun Awe taking 3rd place. 

Dylan will now get the opportunity to represent South Africa with an exclusive doodle NFT at the World Final in Amsterdam on a three-day experience that will feature workshops, exclusive “phygital” creative sessions, a public gallery, and the announcement of the global winner for 2023.

*I feel extremely grateful to have won the competition. I was very nervous and I’m aware this comes with so much pressure, but I’m looking forward to meeting and learning from all the other doodle artists from around the globe. This will be my first time going overseas and thank you to the Red Bull Doodle Art competition for making this possible.”

As the national winner, Dylan-John has been given a unique finalist’s digital collectible in the form of an NFT on the Polygon blockchain. All NFTs will be available to claim for free via a custom blockchain wallet for participants.