Background
The course of studies in Visual Art is aimed at students who offer both a natural ability to work creatively in visual media and a serious drive to create art in two and three dimensions. The courses prepare students for the professional world of contemporary art.
The Department’s strength lies in its approach to diversity, catering for the individual needs of each student with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications offered in Visual Art. The undergraduate programme is geared towards equipping the student with the necessary practical, theoretical and technical skills to make a career in the world of art. Emphasis is placed on practical components, although students are taught art theory and communication. Students are encouraged to adopt a critical approach to their work and to be aware of contemporary issues in the art world.
In 2009 Amber-Jade Geldenhuys won the PPC Young Sculptor Award and Sally Rumball's work was selected as part of the Standard Bank New Member's Art Exhibition. Ms Geldenhuys was also selected as a finalist in the Sony World Photography Awards 2009.
2009 PPC Young Sculptor Winner, Amber-Jade Geldenhuys
In 2005, Laurence Lemoana, a Visual Art student at the time, won the Gerard Sekoto award at the ABSA Atellier Awards and Exhibition while past students, Emanuel Moutswi and John Moore, won awards at the Ekhuruleni Art Competition.
Many FADA graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves at regional, national and international levels and the Department of Visual Art is proud to be associated with the artistic development of the following successful alumni to name but a few:
- Willem Boshoff
- Robin Rhode
- Usha Seejarim
- Ilse Pahl
- Nicholas Hlobo (2009 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year)
- Mary Sibande
Work by Nicholas Hlobo entitled Chumisa (2008)