Paintings inspired by township realities steal the show at UFH Fine Arts students exhibition

Having sold eight of his paintings, Mr Lunga Mabongo is currently the top seller at the UFH Fine Arts Final-Year Students’ Art Exhibition. The Fine Arts Honours student’s paintings are inspired by the realities of the people from his home township of Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape.

 

“Growing up in Mdantsane, I witnessed different realities that people are subjected to. My paintings seek to draw attention to those realities,” he said.

 

In his work, the multi-disciplined creative expresses the themes of “childhood abandonment.” The price of his paintings ranges from R12 000.

 

The annual exhibition which is open until the end of this month (October) is aimed at giving final-year students the opportunity to showcase their work to the public who are welcome to buy the pieces. The exhibition is also used as part of an assessment for their academic studies.

 

This year, 26 final years showcased their work.

 

Also on display is Sisipho Jack’s ceramic work themed: “The role of spirituality on an orphan" which basically relates to her and how she grew up and the changes she went through with her spiritual calling.

 

Sinovuyo Makhubalo’s printmaking media production which explores the use of the body for cultural and visual identification is also on show.

 

At the opening evening, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu applauded the students for producing fine pieces.

 

Dr Siphe Potelwa, Fine Arts HOD, said his hopes for UFH Fine Arts graduates is to secure opportunities as well as to create opportunities that will sustain themselves

 

The exhibition is open for viewing and purchasing until the 31st of October at the Dee Beer Art Gallery (Alice Campus) from 08:00- 16:00 on Mondays to Fridays.