Two UCT graduates feature among eight leading South African photographers who have been short-listed for the coveted 2003 DaimlerChrysler Arts Award, their nominations following hard on the heels of the 2002 win by University lecturer and sculptor Associate Professor Jane Alexander.

Zwelethu Mthethwa (Diploma in Fine Arts, 1984; Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts, 1985) and Jo Ractliffe (BA in Fine Arts, 1985; Master in Fine Arts, 1988) are in line for the prestigious DaimlerChrysler prize, to be awarded this year for creative photography. The award, financially the largest in the country, includes a cash prize, the production of a glossy catalogue of the winner's works, and a solo exhibition in 2004.

Both Mthethwa and Ractliffe have been exhibiting their works broadly since their student days. In addition to their regular South African shows, their images have graced galleries around the world, and have been on display everywhere from Iceland to Italy, New York to Paris.

According to DaimlerChrysler chairperson, Christoph Köpke, the purpose of the arts award is to continually improve the image of South African arts and culture, both at home and abroad. "The nominees selected for this year's award are, without exception, highly talented, possessing and portraying the multi-faceted face of life in South Africa," he said.

The winner will be named later this year.

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