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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 students visit schools in Bloemfontein

2011-07-29

Prof Dennis Francis, Dean of our Faculty of Education, talks to first year students at a diversity workshop presented by our Faculty of Education
Photo: Amanda Tongha

Education students from our university descended on schools in Bloemfontein during the last two days. Approximately 520 first-year education students, divided into two groups, are visiting schools in the city to get a broader teaching experience. The first-year students are visiting schools in town, Heidedal and Mangaung. Their visit coincides with our Faculty of Education’s annual diversity workshop for first-year students, where they will address topics such as discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes.

The first group of first-year students who visited schools, gave feedback about their experiences at the diversity workshop held on our Bloemfontein Campus. The students were addressed by Prof. Dennis Francis, Dean of our Faculty of Education. He told them that a Kovsie graduate is somebody who is people-centred. Prof. Francis urged the first-year students to let go of prejudice and asked them to reclaim the dignity of the oppressed.

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