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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. “ 

News Archive

OSM piano lecturer on jury for Unisa National Competition
2015-03-05

Prof Ruth Goveia
Photo: Supplied

Prof Ruth Goveia, a piano lecturer at our university’s Odeion School of Music (OSM), was chosen to serve on the jury of the 5th Unisa National Piano Competition. This will take place from 11 to 18 July 2015 at the ZK Matthews Hall on the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria.

Prof Goveia holds a doctorate in Music in Piano from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in the USA, and has a master’s degree in Piano Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, also in the USA. Prof Goveia is an experienced adjudicator, and is regularly engaged for both national and international piano competitions, festivals, and examinations.

She is a dedicated teacher, who enjoys working with both students and professional musicians. Several of her students have excelled in competitions and examinations, and enjoy successful careers.

The Unisa National Music Competition was founded with the main objective of providing young South African pianists with the necessary experience, requirements, and procedures of an international piano competition. The winner of the national competition has automatic access as a participant in the next scheduled Unisa International Piano competition. The prescribed repertoire requirements of the national competition always correspond closely to those of the next Unisa International Piano Competition.

Competitors will be subject to the same adjudication criteria and processes applicable to international piano competitions. The Unisa Music Foundation’s next piano competition will have a jazz category running parallel to the classical category.

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