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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

Alcinda Honwana: Youth Protests Main Mechanism against Regime
2015-05-25

Prof Alcinda Honwana

"Enough is Enough!": Youth Protests and Political Change in Africa (speech) 

The Centre for Africa Studies at the UFS hosted an interdisciplinary project on the Bloemfontein Campus from 20-22 May 2015.

The project, entitled Contemporary Modes of Othering: Its Perpetuation and Resistance, looked at different perspectives, representations, and art forms of otherness, how it is perceived, and how it is resisted.

The annual Africa Day Memorial Lecture was held on Thursday evening 21 May 2015 at the CR Swart Auditorium. Guest speaker Prof Alcinda Honwana addressed the subject of ‘Youth Protests and Political Change in Africa’.

“Youth now seem able to display what they don’t want, rather than what they do want,” Honwana said in her opening remarks. “Thus, we see the young driven to the streets to protest against regimes.”
 
Honwana shed some light on recent examples of youth protests in Africa that have enjoyed global attention. Looking at the protests in Tunisia (2010), Egypt (2011), Senegal (2012), and Burkina Faso (2014), it is clear that these events in northern and western Africa have inspired others globally. Yet, Honwana stated that, despite these protests, no social economic change has been seen, and has left dissatisfaction with new governments as well.

“Once regimes fall… young activists find themselves more divided, it seems…

“Which leaves the question: Will street protests remain young people’s main mechanism to avert those in power?”

Background on Prof Alcinda Honwana:

Alcinda Honwana is currently Visiting Professor of Anthropology and International Development at the Open University (UK). She was chair in International Development at the Open University, and taught Anthropology at the University Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo, the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and the New School for Social Research in New York. She was programme director at the Social Science Research Council in New York, and worked for the United Nations Office for Children and Armed Conflict. Honwana has written extensively on the links between political conflict and culture, and on the impact of violent conflict on children and youth, conducting research in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Colombia, and Sri Lanka. Her latest work has been on youth and social change in Africa, focusing on Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.

Honwana’s latest books include:

• Youth and Revolution in Tunisia (2013); 
• Time of Youth: Work, Social Change, and Politics in Africa (2012);
• Child Soldiers in Africa (2006);
• Makers and Breakers: Children and Youth in Postcolonial Africa (2005, co-edited).

Honwana was awarded the prestigious Prince Claus Chair for Development and Equity in the Netherlands in 2007.

 

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