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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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State of our campuses: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed on Tuesday 20 September 2016

2016-09-19

After much consideration, the senior leadership of the University of the Free State (UFS) decided to close the Bloemfontein and South Campuses on Tuesday 20 September 2016.

Bloemfontein Campus:
No academic and administrative services will be available and no lectures and/or tests will take place.

The decision comes after all academic activities were suspended this afternoon because of a growing unease on campus and disruption of some academic activities by groups of students resulting from this morning’s announcement on tuition fees by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande.

The closing of the campus will afford an opportunity to the senior leadership to further engage with the Student Representative Council (SRC).

South Campus:
Because of problems with bus transport from the Bloemfontein Campus to the South Campus, no academic services will be available tomorrow. No lectures and/or tests will therefore take place. Administrative services will, however, continue, and staff on the South Campus have to report for work.

Qwaqwa Campus:
Academic and administrative services on the Qwaqwa Campus will continue as normal tomorrow.

Information about the situation on the campuses will be shared as and when it becomes available during the course of tomorrow.

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