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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

Kovsie TV Launched
2015-05-06

Victor Ngubeni, Grace Thoabala, Nangamso Dlatu, Aisha Poswa, Lesego Maakamedi, Nothando Hlope, Aldene vd Merwe and Lawrence Siyoko

“We have to change our university before we can change our country.”

 

There is a revolution at hand, and students are requesting new and exciting platforms on which they can voice themselves. Kovsie TV aims to do just that for Kovsie students. 

 

As a student initiative, the steam behind it is SRC Student Development and Environmental Affairs, Victor Ngubeni. He says that it is only right that it be by the students themselves. The launch saw many from the campus community gathered out of curiosity and excitement for the new venture. The evening started out as quite a classy frenzy, which had attendees clearly prepared for the level of broadcasting that the launch would showcase.

 

The initial idea is to increase the number of platforms where students can receive information. The Student Media portfolio, which oversees the functioning of student media platforms, aims to make Kovsie TV as autonomous as possible. As an introductory initiative, it will aid in the sharing and telling of students’ stories.

 

It is important to mention the preparation process that was endured by the many hopefuls who auditioned, hoping to make it as one of the Kovsie TV presenters. For more than three weeks, the panel of judges sieved through the contestants until they had just six rough diamonds. Then, for the first time, the audience met the faces that they would become familiar with from this point.

 

As Ngubeni stressed during his speech, Kovsie TV would not serve as propaganda machine for the SRC, as many might have asked about the relationship that could be expected between the two. The architects of Kovsie TV hope that, as a student initiative, it will inspire a new era in student activism.

 

When asked about the concept behind this new platform, Ngubeni informed us that, “the concept is to have a twenty-minute campus TV show highlighting what goes on around campus so that students know, and so that we can get them participating in campus life activities.”

 

This is a student initiative whose future will depend solely on the students themselves.

 

Presenters:

Nangamso Dlathu – Studio presenter

Grace Thoabala – Studio presenter

Lesego Maakamedi – Social events

Nothando Hlophe – Current affairs

Aldine van der Merwe – Culture events and Vox-Pop

Mbulelo Siyoko – Culture and Vox-Pop

Aisha Phoswa ? Sports

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