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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

Quantity Surveying student receives prestigious award

2012-09-14

Michael van der Merwe (right) receives the award from Mr Murtala A. Olodapo, Chairman of ICEC.
Photo: Supplied.
14 September 2012

Michael van der Merwe, a student from the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, has been awarded the Kenneth K. Humphreys award. The award is for the most outstanding article in the field of quantity surveying written by a student or young practitioner of a member association of the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC), for 2010-2012.

The award was presented at a special prize-giving ceremony during the ICEC’s eighth World Congress. The theme of the congress, which was held in Durban, was “Cost Engineering, Project Management and Quantity Surveying”.

This is the most prestigious international award of its kind and Michael is the second student from this department to receive the award since 2008.

Jaco Pieterse, another student from the department, received an honorary mention for his article in the field of project management.

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