A Stellenbosch-based South African artist has had her work selected for one of the world’s most respected portrait exhibitions in the world!
Stellenbosch, South Africa (18 June 2026) – South African artist Ros Koch has been selected to exhibit her work at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award, an international exhibition celebrating contemporary portraiture.
Koch’s work was chosen in the final round of judging, placing her among a select group of 52 artists whose work will be shown at the prestigious exhibition.
The HSFK Portrait Award is regarded as one of the leading platforms for portrait artists worldwide. Since its inception, the competition has received more than 40,000 entries from over 100 countries and has been viewed by more than 6 million people.
Koch’s selected piece, titled The Age of Adolescence, explores themes of adolescent health and wellbeing and is rooted in her broader advocacy work in this space.
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The exhibition will run at the National Portrait Gallery from 25 June to 7 October 2026, before touring to at least one additional venue in the United Kingdom.
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Her work often reflects this intersection between lived experience and advocacy, with The Age of Adolescence drawing directly from those themes.
“To have this work, which is rooted in my lived experience as both a parent and an advocate for young people, resonate within an international context is deeply meaningful,” says Koch.
Koch’s practice is shaped by what she describes as a dual perspective, with English roots and South African life informing the emotional depth of her portraiture.
The selection places her work on an international stage alongside some of the most recognised contemporary portrait artists in the world!
The HSFK Portrait Award is one of the most competitive and respected exhibitions in its field, making Koch’s inclusion an incredible milestone in her art career!
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