WALTER SISULU FINE ART STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SHOWCASE TALENT AT THE UNION BUILDINGS

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Fine Art students and alumni paid homage to some of the world’s pioneering women at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where they presented artworks as part of the Portraits of Power programme.

Portraits of Power is an educational programme that promotes creative development, and the preservation of women’s histories through art.

Advanced Diploma student Asanda Sikiti and third-year Fine Art student Bamanye Gugu participated in the programme alongside former Walter Sisulu students, Nomvula Hoko and Siphenathi Rauting.

The budding artists presented their portraits during women’s month, where they had the opportunity to engage with a broader network of artists and institutions.

For Sikiti, being selected for the programme was an important recognition of his artistic journey and an opportunity to establish himself within the professional art space.

“I was introduced to the Portraits of Power programme by a lecturer who felt I would be a strong representative for the institution. When I learned I had been selected, it was an incredible honour. The opportunity to network with high-profile artists, creators, and international representatives from different countries was truly invaluable,” said Sikiti.

A multidisciplinary artist specialising in painting, Sikiti’s work explores identity, culture and the ways visual language can translate complex human experiences.

For the programme, he portrayed Sabiha Gökçen, Turkey’s first female aviator and the world’s first female combat pilot.

Sikiti asserted that he was particularly drawn to Gökçen’s resilience in challenging the stereotypes and systemic barriers of her time.

“My approach was inspired by the Renaissance masters of portraiture, as I wanted to honour these pioneering women with that classical weight and dignity. I employed a contrasting colour palette of green and red,” he explained.

“The green references her work in the military aviation field, while the red headwear she has in the portrait speaks to the tension she faced, the systems that told her she did not belong in such a space. Yet she persisted,” Sikiti stated.

Fine Art lecturer Sonwabiso Ngcai said the programme provided an important platform for students and alumni to develop their skills while engaging with the wider professional sector.

“For our students, participation in this programme represents an important opportunity to take their artistic practice beyond the university environment and to engage with professional platforms at a national and international level,” said Ngcai.

Ngcai added that the participation of the students and alumni also demonstrated the quality and potential of the Fine Art programme at Walter Sisulu.

By Yanga Ziwele