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04 August 2020 | Story Dr Cinde Greyling | Photo Supplied
Prof Willem Boshoff
Prof Willem Boshoff, a Senior Professor in the Department of Fine Arts within the Faculty of the Humanities at the University of the Free State, recently received an A2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF). This is a first for the University of the Free State and the country in the field of art. Trailblazing, indeed. NRF ratings are allocated based on research outputs and are a valuable tool to benchmark researchers against the best in the world. “This opens up the playing field in science for art, which is wonderful,” Prof Boshoff says. 

Publication vs exhibition

This renowned sculptor has an imposing presence, even in cyberspace. He is larger than life, as is his art. A conversation with him can never be short. His answers are filled to the brim with his boundless search for knowing. Understanding. Uncovering. He personifies the science of art. Prof Boshoff is mentoring postgraduate students and works on the Bloemfontein Campus during certain months of the year, while he remains based in Gauteng. “They asked me to fill in a form, and then this happened!” he evades the honour of his exceptional accomplishment. But soon follows up with a rather philosophical argument about the parallels between publishing an academic article and exhibiting an artwork. “Both are sharing your findings with the public,” he explains and notes how the acceptance of artwork on display as a publication recognises the contribution of art to society. 

Art that speaks

Globally, Prof Boshoff’s sought-after sculptures offer much more than meets the eye. They are drenched in text, either on the artwork itself, or accompanied by a detailed description of the piece. He writes dictionaries, Prof Boshoff explains, and is fascinated by words. A list comprising his favourite words already has more than fourteen thousand entries … and counting. “I can never pick just one!” he replies to the unfair question of what the most beautiful word is. Although some criticise the ‘over-explanation’ of his work, he feels it is necessary. “Besides knowing what material the work is made of, when, and by whom, it is important to provide context. This helps with a better understanding of the piece, and a deeper experience thereof. Of course, you can still make up your own mind about it, but it is also good to know mine.” 

Creating during COVID-19

“I generally work alone, so my immediate environment has not changed that much. And I still cannot sleep at night!” These sleepless nights may or may not have given rise to a somewhat COVID-related work on his bench. Only time will tell. Prof Boshoff does, however, believe that art captures something of the human spirit, therefore creative work is bound to emerge in trying times. Then he turns the mobile screen to the view from his house – it is pretty, right? And also, just for a quick view of the nursery on his stoep. He knows each plant by its scientific name. Of course. 

News Archive

Kovsie TV Launched
2015-05-06

Victor Ngubeni, Grace Thoabala, Nangamso Dlatu, Aisha Poswa, Lesego Maakamedi, Nothando Hlope, Aldene vd Merwe and Lawrence Siyoko

“We have to change our university before we can change our country.”

 

There is a revolution at hand, and students are requesting new and exciting platforms on which they can voice themselves. Kovsie TV aims to do just that for Kovsie students. 

 

As a student initiative, the steam behind it is SRC Student Development and Environmental Affairs, Victor Ngubeni. He says that it is only right that it be by the students themselves. The launch saw many from the campus community gathered out of curiosity and excitement for the new venture. The evening started out as quite a classy frenzy, which had attendees clearly prepared for the level of broadcasting that the launch would showcase.

 

The initial idea is to increase the number of platforms where students can receive information. The Student Media portfolio, which oversees the functioning of student media platforms, aims to make Kovsie TV as autonomous as possible. As an introductory initiative, it will aid in the sharing and telling of students’ stories.

 

It is important to mention the preparation process that was endured by the many hopefuls who auditioned, hoping to make it as one of the Kovsie TV presenters. For more than three weeks, the panel of judges sieved through the contestants until they had just six rough diamonds. Then, for the first time, the audience met the faces that they would become familiar with from this point.

 

As Ngubeni stressed during his speech, Kovsie TV would not serve as propaganda machine for the SRC, as many might have asked about the relationship that could be expected between the two. The architects of Kovsie TV hope that, as a student initiative, it will inspire a new era in student activism.

 

When asked about the concept behind this new platform, Ngubeni informed us that, “the concept is to have a twenty-minute campus TV show highlighting what goes on around campus so that students know, and so that we can get them participating in campus life activities.”

 

This is a student initiative whose future will depend solely on the students themselves.

 

Presenters:

Nangamso Dlathu – Studio presenter

Grace Thoabala – Studio presenter

Lesego Maakamedi – Social events

Nothando Hlophe – Current affairs

Aldine van der Merwe – Culture events and Vox-Pop

Mbulelo Siyoko – Culture and Vox-Pop

Aisha Phoswa ? Sports

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