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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

Economic students taken outside comfort zone

2010-08-13

At the recent launch of the annual competition for third-year Economics students were, from left: Deon Beck, Vincent Ramorara and Limakatso Majoro.
Photo: Stephen Collett

The Research Cluster on Sustainable Development and the Department of Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently launched an annual competition for third-year Economics students. This interdisciplinary competition, called “Economics at the grassroots”, is led by Prof. Doreen Atkinson, the Cluster Coordinator and Dr Karen Thomas, a Senior Lecturer of Economics in the Department of Economics.

Students were randomly divided into groups by Dr Thomas. As part of an ice-breaker exercise, the groups had to answer ten questions, which ranged from “What is the Rector of the UFS's second name?” to “What is the currency of Honduras and what is the value of it in Rands?”

According to Prof. Atkinson, this type of competition unleashes a new wave of creativity, as students work together on practical problems, which take the students outside their comfort zone.

The top three groups will win cash prizes, sponsored by the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI) and Sanlam.

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