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17 September 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied
Miné Kleynhans
Miné Kleynhans, Project Coordinator in the UFS Art Gallery, has been named the overall winner of the prestigious SASOL New Signatures Art Competition 2024.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Miné Kleynhans (34), Project Coordinator in the UFS Art Gallery, who has been named the overall winner of the prestigious SASOL New Signatures Art Competition 2024. Kleynhans’ work, titled Meditations on Resentment, captivated judges and audiences alike with its profound conceptual depth and interactive elements.

Her winning piece, crafted from cherrywood, brass, sand, and found objects, invites participants to engage in a personal ritual with the often-suppressed emotion of resentment. This powerful sculpture uses physical interaction to reflect on the emotional weight of resentment, symbolising the process of recognising and confronting buried feelings.

In describing her work, Kleynhans says, “Meditations on Resentment imagines a ritual where participants are invited to pour sand over the surface, write their resentments, and reveal hidden brass thorns beneath, symbolising the sharpness of resentment. The process is repeated as many times as necessary, mimicking how resentment embeds itself within us over time.”

A journey of growth and recognition

Kleynhans, who holds a master’s degree in Fine Arts (cum laude) from the UFS, has had an illustrious journey, balancing her roles as an artist, project coordinator, and arts facilitator. Her artistic evolution has been shaped by various experiences, including being a lead artist in the internationally renowned It’s My City project, and her artist residency at Brashnar Creative Project in Macedonia.

Despite the challenges of finding time to create art alongside her professional commitments, Kleynhans has continued to produce thought-provoking work. "I feel my conceptual language as an artist has only recently started to emerge and solidify," she reflects. Her persistence has paid off, as winning this competition marks a defining moment in her career.

Inspiration and impact

Reflecting on the influence of mentorship in her life, Kleynhans credits the renowned artist Willem Boshoff, who served as her co-supervisor during her postgraduate studies. “The depth of his artistic thinking left a lasting impression on me,” she says, acknowledging the pivotal role he played in shaping her approach to art.

Kleynhans’ work stands out for its thoughtful attention to the emotional and physical experience of the participant. “I believe Meditations on Resentment was chosen because every aspect of the installation was carefully considered – from the sharp, hard feel of resentment to the physical experience of kneeling before the piece. It’s interactive, and that’s what I hope will engage audiences.”

Looking ahead

This win is set to open new doors for Kleynhans. Alongside the recognition and prize money, the prospect of a solo exhibition will allow her to expand her artistic horizons. She envisions creating more interactive, game-like sculptures that challenge audiences to engage both emotionally and physically with her work.

Kleynhans remains deeply grateful to her UFS support system, acknowledging the role the institution played in her development as both an artist and arts administrator. “The support from the UFS – lecturers, classmates, and colleagues – has been invaluable. The UFS Department of Fine Arts has a special energy that has nurtured many successful alumni.”

As she continues her artistic journey, Miné Kleynhans is eager to contribute to the continuous growth of contemporary South African art. Her work not only challenges societal norms but also adds a unique voice to the continuing dialogue about emotion, self-awareness, and the role of art in shaping our inner worlds.

Follow Miné Kleynhans' exciting journey and her upcoming projects in the UFS Art Gallery. Stay tuned for more updates on her future solo exhibition!

News Archive

Housing strategy must accommodate special needs
2005-10-17

Dr Mark Napier of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 

South Africa’s housing strategy must give attention to people with special needs, including people with disabilities as well as people living with HIV / AIDS and those in poverty.

This was the view expressed by Dr Mark Napier of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) during his recent presentation to the Housing Research Day organised by the Centre for Development Support (CDS) at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Dr Napier previously worked in the national Department of Housing and was involved in shaping the recently launched “Breaking New Ground” housing strategy of Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. 

He said the changing social and demographic trends in South African society, especially after 11 years of democracy, required more flexibility in housing delivery to address the housing needs of different groups of people.  “For example, there are people who wish to or may be required to be spatially mobile because of their work or other reasons. There are also those communities who are vulnerable to disasters,” he said.

According to Dr Napier, housing delivery faced a number of challenges which needed to be addressed, including:

  • the withdrawal of larger construction firms
  • perceptions of low profit margins in the private sector
  • the slow process of developing an emerging contractor sector
  • access to bridging and other finance
  • the ability to retain capacity and expertise mainly at municipal level
  • the acquisition of well located (especially inner city) land

Dr Napier said the new housing strategy – which is called “Breaking New Ground” – tries to go beyond the provision of basic shelter to the establishment of sustainable settlements. It is also tries to be more responsive to housing demand rather than being supply led.

 The new strategy also allows for greater devolution of power to municipalities in the provision of housing, through accreditation to manage subsidies, Dr Napier said. 

He said a survey of people who had benefited from government’s housing programme had shown mixed results, with beneficiaries reporting a sense of security, independence and pride.  Although the location of the houses was poor and there were increased costs, most beneficiaries said they were better off than before, according to the survey.  Beneficiaries also highlighted the problem that they had very little personal choice between houses, sites or settlements.

There was also the perceived failure of developers and municipalities to repair defective houses or adequately maintain settlements, the survey found.
Many beneficiaries also reported that they felt unsafe in their settlements as well as in their own houses.

Prof Lucius Botes, the director of the Centre for Development Support, said the research day highlighted the Centre’s ability to interact with real problems faced by communities, by government, the private sector and civil society.  “This is how we can ensure that the UFS is engaged through our research with our people’s problems and challenges and enables the UFS as a place of scholarship to assist in finding solutions,” Prof Botes said.

Media release
Issued by:Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
17 October 2005   
 

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