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UFS Alumna Miné Kleynhans wins SASOL New Signatures Art Competition

17 September 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied

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

Shortage of quantity surveyors discussed at UFS

2006-03-24

During the recent visit of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) to the University of the Free State (UFS) were from the left Mr Egon Wortmann (Director: ASAQS), Prof Basie Verster (representative of the Free State on the ASAQS and head of the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the UFS), Mr Greyling Venter (Chairperson: Free State branch of the ASAQS), Prof DG Brümmer(Vice-President: ASAQS) and Mr Patrick Waterson (President: ASAQS).
Photo supplied

Shortage of quantity surveyors discussed at UFS

“The South African building industry is experiencing an unprecedented high level of economic growth and prosperity. This is causing a definite shortage of registered quantity surveyors,” said Mr Egon Wortmann, Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors(ASAQS) during the association’s recent visit to the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the University of the Free State (UFS).

“This shortage is especially noticeable in local and national governments where unqualified and inexperienced staff, consultants and/or facilitators are now appointed,” said Mr Wortmann.

In doing so, the authorities that have adopted this approach are according to Mr Wortmann actually acting illegally and are not in compliance with the legal and statutory requirements of South Africa. “These unprofessional practices are unproductive, it leads to frustration and is strongly condemned by the ASAQS,” he said.

“The service delivery of these unqualified and unregistered service providers is often sub standard and does not comply to the legal requirements of the profession. It may also result in the tarnishing of the image and high professional standards set by the quantity surveying profession,” said Mr Wortmann.

“Universities offering programmes in quantity-surveying and construction management are also negatively affected by the high levels of activity in the building environment. Suitable lecturing staff are leaving the academic institutions as they are attracted to better opportunities being offered in the building industry. The ability of the tertiary institutions to attract young academics, to train them and to keep them in the longer term, is therefore almost impossible”, said Prof Basie Verster, head of the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the UFS and representative of the Free State on the ASAQS.

According to Prof Verster the UFS supplies more than its quota of qualified quantity surveyors to the South African building industry. “Although more than 460 students are registered in construction related programmes at the UFS, we are as the ASAQS’s concerned about the shortage of students that can enter the construction industry. In our case, we are experiencing a shortage in black female students,” he said.

“Of the 460 postgraduate students, 38% are black of which 20% are female students. Graduates do also not necessarily stay in the country. As the UFS’s programmes are accredited overseas, a lot of our students leave the country for working opportunities elsewhere,” said Prof Verster.

Mr Patrick Waterson, President of the ASAQS, appealed to quantity surveyors to, when they are approached, consider academic careers or to make themselves available to lecture on a part time basis. “I also appeal to quantity-surveying practices, construction companies and developers to consider taking part in training activities,” he said.

The ASAQS has over the years developed a proud tradition within the quantity-surveying profession. Consequently membership of this organisation is a sought after goal for many members within the building environment. International agreements with various countries are also in place whereby it is mutually agreed that local as well as overseas qualifications are mutually acceptable on a reciprocal basis.

A more recent addition to the list of agreements is the reciprocity agreement entered into with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which makes it possible for South African based quantity surveyors to practice in over 120 countries worldwide.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
23 March 2006

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