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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

Farewell to our #FaceOfFacebook
2017-05-02

Description: Reuben Davids, FaceOfFacebook Tags: Reuben Davids, FaceOfFacebook

Reuben Davids, outgoing #FaceOfFacebook ambassador
for UFS digital channels
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

Reuben Davids has been our most featured #FaceOfFacebook since the campaign’s inception in 2013. As the star of more than 20 videos for the UFS digital platforms in less than a year, Reuben has been the embodiment of a Kovsie ambassador. As we say goodbye to this campus celebrity, we wish him all the best with his future plans and endeavours. Reuben shares a few thoughts with us about his term as Kovsies’ #FaceOfFacebook.

Much fun and many a lesson learnt

What did it mean to you to be the #FaceOfFacebook and how did it change your life?

“I’ve always wanted to be in front of the camera. So being the #FaceOfFacebook meant I could fulfil that dream. It changed my life in the sense that I’m much more confident now when speaking to a large audience.”

What was your most challenging moment?

“Trying to look good during a Facebook livestream. For example, on the ‘Krav Maga’ [self-defence] one. That was pretty tricky, and I had to keep my pose, regardless of the pain!”

And your funniest?

“All the bloopers we’ve ever had. Those were the funniest for me.”

Biggest lessons learnt?

“I learnt how to manage my time, to think on my feet, and how to come up with ideas in the moment and make them work.”

What advice would you give to any budding #KovsieCyberSta?

“Just come with your creativity. It’s definitely a learning experience. It’s not just work, it’s much more enjoyable! The team you are working with is amazing, so come with fresh ideas, and stay as committed as possible. It’s not hard, because it’s such a joyride.”

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