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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. “

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UFS signs memorandum of understanding with the University of Ghent

2007-10-02

A video conference during which a memorandum of understanding was signed between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the University of Ghent in Belgium was recently held on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. The signing of the agreement formed part of a week long programme, Accenta, of which Bloemfontein and the Free State were guests of honour. Academics from the UFS delivered papers during one of the forums that formed part of the Accenta programme in Ghent. Not all the papers were delivered in Ghent. Papers on bridging the digital divide were presented during the video conference by academics from Bloemfontein and Ghent and broadcast on the internet. At the video conference broadcast from the UFS Main Campus were, from the left: Prof. Janse Tolmie (Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Computer Science and Informatics), Prof. Hendri Kroukamp (Programme Director of Public Management at the UFS) , Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk (Dean of the UFS Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) and Prof. Pieter Blignaut (Professor at the UFS Department of Computer Science and Informatics and co-ordinator of the video conference).
Photo: Lacea Loader

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