Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

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

Students awarded bursaries for books

2011-03-09

The Interim Student Council (ISC) of the University of the Free State (UFS)

The Interim Student Council (ISC) of the University of the Free State (UFS) decided to search its own heart in order to alleviate poverty amongst its students.

Thirteen university students recently received bursaries for the purchasing of books at an event at a coffee house on campus.

Ms Modieyi Motholo, ISC chairperson, indicated that she noticed during the registration period that students were struggling to purchase text books, after which she and her team graciously made money from their budget available for the bursary. “We decided at the start of our term to serve the students and to look after their needs. In this case, we noticed a need amongst students and thus reacted to that,” she said.

Bursary holders had to meet certain criteria, amongst which the overcoming of socio-economic circumstances. At the event they were also awarded certificates of felicitation as well as rewards for their hard work.

Modieyi, on behalf of the ISC, voiced their hope that future student leaders would continue with this project.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept