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14 May 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Supplied
Ibrahim Mahama
Contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama engaging with students during his visit to the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS).

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. “ 

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The new entrance to the Qwaqwa Campus is now open
2014-02-03


The greatly-anticipated entrance proudly welcomes everyone onto the Qwaqwa campus.

The new entrance to the Qwaqwa Campus gleams and shimmers in the morning sun after almost a year of construction.

Meanwhile, construction of the new 150-bed student residence and Geography/Physics Building has just commenced.

 “The new residence comprises four double-storey and two triple-storey sections, one caretaker's house and a service room,” said Makere Mofokeng from Physical Resources. “The Geography/Physics Building, situated just opposite the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, is a double-storey and it comprises a boardroom, nine offices, 20-seater chemical physics lab, 20-seater postgraduate physics lab, 20-seater physics instrument research lab, 20-seater dry physics lab, darkroom, 180-seater lecture hall, two storage facilities and ablution facilities on the ground level.

 “The following facilities are on the first floor: boardroom, 10 offices, 360-seater lecture theatre, 102-seater geography lab, 198-seater geography lab, 20-seater postgraduate geography lab, three storage facilities and ablutions,” Mofokeng said.

 The Geography/Physics building is expected to be completed in December 2014 and the new residence in February 2015. 

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