WSU ARTISTS MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD THROUGH VARIOUS ARTISTIC MEDIUMS AND TECHNIQUES

Some of the country's most pressing societal challenges were highlighted as WSU visual arts students showcased these issues at the recent National Arts Festival.

From June 26 to July 6, 2025, WSU's artistic display served as a well-articulated and thoughtfully curated piece of social commentary that reflected on themes such as identity, environmental concerns, social justice, and transformation.

“We selected exhibition-ready artworks from 26 students this year. While we would love to include every student annually, the selection process is guided by the readiness and quality of artworks across various levels and specializations within the Visual Arts curriculum," said WSU exhibition coordinator Mziwoxolo Makalima.

Guided by the philosophy "Voices Through Visuals," the exhibition showcased a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, including:

• Drawings: Charcoal, pencil, pen and ink
• Paintings: Oil on canvas, acrylic, and mixed media
• Ceramics: Sculptural work in clay
• Printmaking: Colour reduction prints, monotypes, and woodcuts

Through these diverse artistic disciplines, the students' ethos found true expression—encouraging individuals to explore and address personal and societal concerns through their art.

A significant factor contributing to the exhibition's success, according to Makalima, was the preparation that began soon after the start of the 2025 academic year.

“Preparations begin at the beginning of the academic year. Artworks are selected from students' academic projects, with lecturers guiding the development of strong conceptual themes. A committee of staff and four student curators manage logistics such as framing, transportation, and exhibition installation," he explained.

Another key aspect of the exhibition's value is its strong connection to academic assessment, with participation based on assessments completed during the first and second terms by students in the Fine Art Diploma.

Makalima emphasized the importance of academic excellence, ensuring that selected works reflected both high conceptual and technical standards. This alignment reinforces the connection between classroom outcomes and real-world opportunities like the National Arts Festival.

Angel Matshidiso Dlamini, a final-year Fine Art student, expressed her excitement after her first experience as a curator at the exhibition.

She shared her enthusiasm about her artwork, which resonated with attendees and ultimately sold for R800.00.

"The National Arts Festival has been an incredible experience for me. It was my first time curating for my department and my second time showcasing my work. I am thrilled that one of my art pieces was purchased, which is a dream come true for any artist," she said.

Second-year student Gugu Bamanye, who experienced the National Arts Festival for the first time this year, spoke about the invaluable lessons he gained from the event.

"Being part of the National Arts Festival was an exciting and valuable experience. It gave me the platform to showcase my work to a broader audience and connect with artists nationwide. I learned a lot about curatorial practices, audience engagement, and how to present work professionally,” said Bamanye.

Reflecting on his art, he mentioned that his body of work is rooted in personal and collective memory, particularly around nostalgia, childhood, and identity, drawing inspiration from both rural and urban South African life based on his experiences between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape.

By Sisipho Qwenga and Thando Cezula