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23 February 2022 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Rian Horn
Willem Boshoff
There could be nothing better for Fine Arts students than learning and experiencing art with and from Prof Willem Boshoff. Pictured here is Prof Boshoff with some of our students on their trip to the Javett Art Centre in late 2021.

Towards the end of 2021, a group of Fine Arts students – both undergraduate and postgraduate – were among the first visitors to the Word Woes exhibition by Prof Willem Boshoff, affiliated UFS A-1 NRF-rated scholar, at the Javett Art Centre in Pretoria. It was as if a new world had opened to experience the art first-hand, and the VIP tour by Willem Boshoff was definitely the cherry on top. The exhibition opens on 13 March 2022

Prof Boshoff, South Africa’s only NRF A-rated scholar in the arts, is an affiliated scholar and artist in the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS).  The ‘enriching’ trip was made possible through generous funding from Dr Engela van Staden, Vice-Rector: Academic. The purpose of the trip was twofold; it was an opportunity for students to visit an art gallery, and also to “enrich the learning and teaching of the Fine Arts programme by exposing the students to a large art gallery and excellent art exhibitions”, according to Lecturer Adelheid von Maltitz. 

“The educational value and professional exposure to high-level experts in their field are the most important input for the students,” Dr Van Staden said. The department plans to conduct annual visits to art galleries outside of the Free State. 

UFS Fine Arts privileged to be associated with Prof Boshoff 

Prof Willem Boshoff is an enigma in his own right; he is an internationally renowned artist and academic who has been involved with the UFS for more than 10 years, and his involvement with the Department of Fine Arts brings an invaluable opportunity for students and staff alike. “This allows our students to gain insight into his artistic practice, which in turn may positively impact their own,” says Vol Maltitz.  

The duality of the Word Woes exhibition 

The title of the exhibition reflects the very brand of Willem Boshoff and is a retrospective of the works spanning his artistic practice, as per the Javett Art Centre website. The words ‘Word Woes’ can be understood in English or Afrikaans. “In either language the two words look identical, but their meanings differ sharply. Read in English, the title WORD WOES bemoans difficult issues around words and language. Read in Afrikaans, the same words liberate, prompting us to let go and be wild.” 

Visit the Javett Art Centre website for more information. 

Video by: Rian Horn (Odd Looking Tree)


News Archive

Memorial lecture: Repositioning of the Free State Provincial Government
2005-08-29

The repositioning of the Free State Provincial Government to respond to the 21st century demands is the topic of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) JN Boshoff Memorial Lecture that takes place on campus next week.

The lecture will be delivered by Dr Charles Nwaila, Director-General of the Free State Provincial Government and Vice-Chairperson of the UFS Council and will take place on Thursday 8 September 2005 at 18:00 in the CR Swart Auditorium on campus.

The title of the lecture is Free State Government repositioning itself to respond to the 21st century demands with special focus on the human capital edge.

Dr Nwaila obtained his BA in 1984 at the University of the North, his BA Honors (English) in 1987 at Wits University, his MA (English) in 1990 at Durham University (UK) and D Litt (English) in 1997 from the University of Pretoria.  

Dr Nwaila is also Chairperson of the Forum of Heads of Departments, Governance and Administration and Secretary of the Executive Council.

Previously, Dr Nwaila was the Superintendent-General of the Free State Department of Education from 2002 to February 2005. Dr Nwaila also served in government as Chief Director in the Gauteng Department of Education. Dr Nwaila is highly experienced and his career includes serving as a headmaster in rural and urban schools, lecturer at the Soweto College of Education, and supervisor at ABET centres.

Enquiries can be directed to Ms Joan Nel at (051) 401-9301.

Media release

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

29 August 2005

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