By Aphiwe Ngowapi
Rhodes University proudly presents a captivating visual art exhibition titled “In Conversation: Four Decades of Artworks by Current and Former Staff of the Rhodes University Fine Art Department.”
The exhibition will be held from 20 to 30 June at the Rhodes Fine Art Department’s main building on Somerset Street.
It is curated by Dominic Thorburn, Maureen de Jager and Robyn Munnick. De Jager mentions: “It occurred to me – sometime into the process – that the three of us are separated in our appointment dates by exact 20-year intervals: 1982, 2002 and 2022.”
This unique event is part of the renowned National Arts Festival and features a remarkable collection of artworks that span over forty years.
“In August last year, Rhodes University’s Visual Representation, Arts and Culture Committee (VRACC) requested that I head up a task team with a rather daunting mandate,” says De Jager. The mandate was to draw together the previously dispersed and sporadically accessible collection of valuable and historical art.
The exhibition brings together an eclectic mix of artistic expressions, showcasing the diverse talents and creative journeys of the faculty. It offers a comprehensive view of the evolution of visual arts within the institution, highlighting contributions from the RU collection, works from two leading Eastern Cape galleries; the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in Gqeberha and the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in Buffalo City, and specific private collections.
“A sizeable University asset in financial terms, the art collection is also an invaluable source of cultural and intellectual capital. It was started in the 1980s by former Head of Department and a founding member of the Grahamstown Group, Emeritus Professor Robert Brooks – essentially as a teaching resource,” explains De Jager. Distinctly, the Grahamstown Group included artists who have made major contributions to the period of modern art in South Africa.
The artworks on display encompass various mediums and styles, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and innovative spirit of former department staff, with works from Robert Brooks, Josua Nell, Nomusa Makhubu and Obie Oberholzer, amongst others who produced artworks during the establishment of the collection. Given the timeline of the art, one can actually see the transformation of the department take place as the demographic of its art academics shifts. It is also intriguing to note the social, political and environmental commentary had by artists during their times. The exhibition is thought-provoking, creating a dialogue between the past and present, artworks and their time, and teachers and their students, who later become teachers.
The exhibition has been received exceptionally, drawing attention from art enthusiasts, students, and the local community. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and impact of the Rhodes University Fine Art Department in the broader art world.
Do not miss this opportunity to explore four decades of artistic excellence and witness the creative achievements of Rhodes University’s esteemed faculty. The exhibition is open to the public throughout the National Arts Festival, offering an enriching cultural experience for all who attend. Guided walkabouts can be booked via the National Arts Festival website.
