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As the Makhanda National Arts Festival (NAF) celebrates its 50th anniversary, it coincides with the WSU Fine Art Programme’s 30th anniversary which joined the NAF celebrations through showcasing students’ portraits and ceramics.
The annual festival, hosted in Makhanda from 20 to 30 June, promises to be a spectacular event, offering a platform for artists to express themselves and celebrate this milestone.
WSU fine art lecturer, Sonwabiso Ngcai, noted that this was the department's 10th participation in the festival. The art works, created by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students, encompass ceramics, drawing, painting, and printmaking.
Ngcai highlighted the significant exposure for the students and the valuable opportunity to mingle with various artists.
Level three Fine Art student Siphenathi Rautini expressed his excitement and said it was a huge win for him.
“My biggest wish is to be recognised in this space, even if our art pieces don’t sell, just being here is a victory,” he said.
Echoing his sentiments, fellow level three student Nomvula Hoko remarked on the department's growth over the past 30 years.
“I feel like there has been change and development in the art space at WSU, both technical and practical, this is my second time being part of the festival, and it is a wonderful experience.”
Hoko added that she hoped more people would come to view their crafts and that the team would grow in the curation space.
The artworks were curated categorically by the level of study.
Level one and two students focused on brief-based work, emphasizing techniques underpinned by concepts such as personal observation, identity, and culture. Submissions from level three were driven by personalized, self-motivated concepts.
Ngcai reflected on the institution's transition from Technikon to university, noting significant changes and strides in ceramics.
He proudly pointed out that printmaking has grown to become a flagship of the department.
“Our art work has continued to grow, becoming relevant in the global space. It’s been 10 years of participation in the NAF, and every year we demonstrate growth,” he said.
“We are pleased that other universities learn from what we do and that the public comes in to witness our progress,” he added.
With their impressive display, the WSU Fine Art department continues to cement its place in the art world, celebrating three decades of creativity, growth, and academic excellence.
By Yolanda Palezweni
