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Ibrahim Mahama engages with future artists during UFS visit

14 May 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Supplied

Ghanaian contemporary artist, Ibrahim Mahama, visited the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) to share insights with staff and students during his stay in the country.

Dr Adelheid Von Maltitz, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts at the UFS, highlighted the significance of Mahama’s visit which took place from 21 to 28 March 2024, marking the first instance of such interaction between a Fine Arts department in South Africa and Mahama. She remarked, “It is truly astounding that a person of his calibre dedicated time to focus on our department, and I believe this has catalysed a positive shift within our department.”

Mahama’s impactful presence at UFS

Dr Von Maltitz emphasised that Mahama’s visit aimed to offer staff and students a glimpse into his artistic process and mindset. During his time at the UFS, Mahama, who was virtually overseeing his latest recent large-scale artwork titled Purple Hibiscus, which involved wrapping the Barbican Centre in London, engaged extensively with staff and students from the department about their research. He shared insights into his creative journey, presented select works, and conducted critique sessions with fourth year and postgraduate students, among other activities. Dr Von Maltitz believes this interaction, particularly with students, has significantly bolstered their confidence as aspiring artists, preparing them for professional endeavours.

Broader implications and future prospects

Mahama’s visit not only energised the department’s academic environment but also holds broader implications. Dr Von Maltitz asserted that it will solidify the department’s identity nationally and create avenues for students to pursue residencies in countries like Ghana. Therefore, maintaining a fruitful relationship with Mahama remains a priority for the department.

Reflecting on the visit Dr Von Maltitz concluded, ‘’the key takeaway, especially for the students, was witnessing the potential of their works within the broader South African and international contexts. “

News Archive

Department of Agricultural Economics provides help with workshop

2010-03-08

From the left are: Mr Dannhauser, Prof. Willemse and Mr Strydom at the first agricultural prospects workshop of 2010.
Photo: Lize du Plessis

The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently presented an agricultural prospects workshop for mainly agri-businesses and producers on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

The workshop, which has been presented quarterly since 2005, focused on providing farmers the opportunity to share their strategies with one another. They also received advice from agri-businesses such as co-operations, input producers, merchants and banks. Mr Dries Dannhauser, owner of Sharex, who speculates with commodities and shares, advised farmers struggling with mealie sales. He explained how to lower risks with South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX).

Prof. Johan Willemse, Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the UFS and Mr Dirk Strydom also presented lectures about, among others, market trends. The workshop will be presented again on 4 May, 18 August and 27 October this year in the CR Swart Auditorium on the Main Campus.

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