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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

2015 RAG promises family fun
2015-01-30

The annual Kovsie Rag Community Service (CS) procession will take place on Saturday 31 January 2015 and this year’s theme is all about Video Games and City Icons.

The floats are judged on  31 January andwill depart at 09:00 from the UFS Bloemfontein Campus’ Furstenburg Gate (near Tempe) for the first procession of the day.

Their route will end at Twin City mall where 6 000 meals will be distributed to Heidedal and Mangaung communities.

The float winners will be announced at 17:00, just before the main procession of the day will again depart from Furstenberg Gate in Nelson Mandela Drive.The 2014 UFS Rag queen, Mr Rag and their runners-up will greet the public from the main float. Finalists for the 2015 UFS Rag queen and Mr Rag titles will also accompany the procession.

The popular family festival will take place at Chevrolet Park cricket stadium. There, young and old will be entertained by well-known artists such as K. O, Riana Nel and Matthew Mole.

Do not miss out on this wonderful family festival – come early, bring your family and picnic blanket/chairs to ensure a great spot on the grass. A variety of refreshments will be on sale.

Tickets are available from Computicket as well as at the entrance gates.
Tickets: R80 per person
R50 per child under 12

KFC Rag Procession 31 January 2015 Programme:

09:00 floats depart from the university at the Furstenburg gate
11:00 procession and floats arrive at Twin City Mall in Heidedal
11:00 – 12:00 Westline Aviation air show; distribution of food parcels and balloons released
16:00 Chevrolet Park cricket stadium gates open
18:00 procession and floats depart from the university to Chevrolet Park via Nelson Mandela drive
19:00 – 20:00  Riana Nel
20:00 – 20:45 procession and floats arrive at Chevrolet Park
20:45 – 21:45  Matthew Mole
22:00 – 23:00  K. O

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