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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

UFS Qwaqwa student off to the USA

2010-03-29

Ayanda Xaba.
Photo: Supplied

Ayanda Xaba, a second-year student from the Department of Political Science of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus, has been selected as a participant in the Africa English Language Study Programme. The programme is organised by the United States Embassy in Pretoria and 30 candidates from all over Africa have been selected for a training programme of two months in the USA.

Ayanda shall be an incumbent at the University of Delaware (UD) from 21 June-18 August 2010. The programme focuses on language acquisition, leadership skills building and civic education and engagement. The UD programme will include a cultural component that comprises excursions and meetings with civic organisations, journalists, local, state and federal officials that focus on government, media, and other relevant topics.

Although English language acquisition is the main focus of this exchange, grantees will also participate in a leadership seminar and complete a hands-on service project (student-led, staff-supported) in which grantees will volunteer in a niche area that has applicability in their home countries. As a part of this project, participants will develop an action plan outlining steps to initiate and implement a project appropriate to their home community. In order to increase the likelihood of implementation of the project upon their return home, relevant UD staff will provide follow-on online support, trouble-shooting, and monitoring after their departure from campus.

Ayanda has selected to be involved in a programme on Career Guidance for university students. She hopes to implement the training on the Qwaqwa Campus upon her return.

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