Arts
The Artistic Odyssey: From Free State to New York─── 13:45 Tue, 11 Jun 2024
Sponsored13:45 Tue, 11 Jun 2024Johandi Du Plessis-Kleynhans, a talented visual artist from the University of the Free State (UFS), has recently been awarded the prestigious Ampersand Foundation Fellowship and Residency.
This esteemed accolade recognises excellence in the South African visual arts and grants Johandi the unique opportunity to spend a month in New York City, immersing herself in one of the world's most vibrant artistic communities.
"I am honoured to receive this fellowship," Johandi shares. "It allows me to reside in the Ampersand apartment in Tribeca, just a block away from where the Twin Towers once stood. During my stay in September, I will explore amazing museums, galleries, and other artistic and cultural events in New York City."
Johandi spoke to Pulane Nel Sekepe about securing an NYC scholarship and the UFS Bachelor of Fine Arts degree:
Johandi's upcoming residency in New York City epitomises the heights that UFS Fine Arts students can achieve. The BA Fine Arts programme, with its rigorous curriculum and supportive teaching environment, not only equips students with the skills needed for artistic excellence but also prepares them for meaningful and impactful careers in the arts. For aspiring artists, the journey begins with a carefully curated portfolio and an application submitted by 30 September 2024, paving the way for a future rich in creativity and professional growth.
To find out more about applications at the University of the Free State visit: ufs.ac.za/humanities/departments-and-divisions/fine-arts-home
The Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BA Fine Arts) degree at UFS is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, designed to cultivate both technical proficiency and creative thinking. This programme equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic professional landscape.
Diverse Artistic Practices
Students enrolled in the BA Fine Arts programme at UFS delve into a wide array of artistic practices, spanning traditional and contemporary forms. These include installation art, digital arts, animation, video, land art, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. The diverse curriculum ensures that students are well-versed in various mediums and techniques, preparing them for a multitude of career paths in the arts.
Personalised Attention and Holistic Development
The intimate teaching approach at UFS means that students receive ample individual attention, fostering a supportive and enriching academic experience. "Fine Arts is more than just an academic subject or field of study," explains Johandi. "It is simultaneously a life orientation and a pathway to a professional career. Our visual arts studies embrace the holistic development of a person, focusing on innovative abilities, critical artistic judgment, creative skills, and the power of imagination."
These underlying principles extend beyond artistic practice, enriching all aspects of life. Students engage deeply with the visual creative process, guided by experienced lecturers who are also professional artists.
Admission Process for the BA Fine Arts Programme
- Selection and Portfolio Submission
The BA Fine Arts programme at UFS is a selection course, requiring prospective students to undergo a rigorous application process. In addition to applying to the university, students must submit a selection form and a portfolio of artworks to FineArts@ufs.ac.za. The selection form is available on the Fine Arts Department's webpage on the UFS website. The deadline for submission is 30 September 2024.
- Portfolio Requirements
The Fine Arts Department welcomes a wide range of creative submissions in the portfolio. Each portfolio must include between 8 and 10 artworks, demonstrating a strong conceptual underpinning and a high standard of technical expertise. "We are looking for creativity and engagement with the imagination," Johandi notes.
- Suggested Portfolio Pieces
While the department is open to various artistic expressions, suggested portfolio pieces include drawings and paintings of landscapes, still lives, the human figure, portraits, self-portraits, and sculptures. It is crucial to take high-quality photographs of these artworks to ensure they are well-represented in the selection process.