Your story matters
Your story is a masterpiece. It is brave, it is colourful, and it has impact. It inspires hope, anchors communities, and moves generations. The world is honoured to hear it.
The beautiful thing about stories is that everybody has one. These stories are told in the lines on our faces, in the glint of our eyes, and continued even on the soles of tiny feet.
Your story is not too big or too small and it certainly isnāt too quiet or too loud. Whatever shape it takes, it has power and deserves to be heard.
There are many stories: stories of love, stories of hope, and stories of courage. Stories with pages you want to read over and over again, and stories with pages you want to tear out. All of them have the power to inspire.
We're the bank that listens to your story ā because it is a masterpiece.
Through all lifeās seasons, let these everyday stories inspire you and remind you that your story matters.Ā Ā
Your story matters to us
There are many stories: stories of love, stories of hope, and stories of courage. Stories with pages you want to read over and over again, and stories with pages that you want to tear out. All of them have the power to inspire.
All our stories
Wall murals ā The stories behind the art
Art is a powerful and creative form of storytelling. We gave eight Absa LāAtelier artists (former winners and contestants) space on 156 walls across 32 townships in South Africa to tell their story, and they did this through eight original mural artworks.
The story behind Malebogo Molokoaneās art
This is the story of Malebogo Molokoane, Absa LāAtelier 2022 Gerard Sekoto Award winner. Her artwork āFailure is not finalā tells the story of believing and of working hard to achieve your dreams.
The story behind Pebofatso Mokoenaās art
Pebofatso Mokoena, a former Absa LāAtelier entrant, created the mural titled āEverybodyās Circuitā to demonstrate the connectedness in the way people work, live and travel by roads. This is his story.
The story behind Jaco van Schalkwykās art
Inspired by an inkblot test, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Absa LāAtelier 2013 Merit Award winner, created a fragmented landscape titled āNemesisā in his mural. His artwork encourages self-reflection on how we can reinvent ourselves in the face of adversity.
The story behind Heidi Mielke's art
Art is a language that transcends boundaries and breaks down barriers. Heidi Mielke, Absa LāAtelier 2012 Merit Award winner, showcases an ungovernable giant woman breaking free. Her story is told artfully through her mural titled āSHEā.
The story behind Michael Selekaneās art
Previous Absa LāAtelier artist Michael Selekane tackles the topic of migration in his mural titled āThe Rail of Migrationā. His story reflects on his own movements and the impact of the migration of people.
The story behind Abongile Sidzumoās art
Mothers are often key supporting characters in the stories of our lives. Abongile Sidzumo, Absa LāAtelier 2021 Ambassador, reflects on how his mother inspired him and how her support influenced the artist he is today. Watch to learn more about the story behind his artwork āDear Mamaā.
The story behind Adelheid Frackiewiczās art
Our teeth can tell a story. In her aptly titled mural āTeethingā, Adelheid Frackiewicz (Von Maltitz), Absa LāAtelier 2021 Ambassador, explores the concept of teeth to demonstrate resilience through difficulties, trauma and loss.