Softcopy Issue One 2022

Inside Issue 2022 BRIDAL AND HOME DÉCOR TRENDS DRAMA ALUMNI nominated for Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards FoAD LAUNCHES long awaited animation short course

predicted by our fashion and interior design alumni

COURTNEY SHELLEY shines at the ‘WorldStar Student Awards’ competition AFRICAN ARTISTS’ use of post-modernity and its implications AWARDS & HONOURS

1

CREDITS & CONTENTS ISSUE ONE 2022 Editor:

Arumugum, Facebook and

Publisher:

Andile Dube

Twitter, The Woods Photography,

Faculty of Arts and Design

031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za

Michigan Behn, McCarthy Wolff

(FoAD)

and Dean Maber.

Contributors:

Editor-in-Chief:

Andrea Alcock, Waheeda Peters

Layout and Design:

FoAD Executive Dean, Professor

and Simangele Zuma

DUT Design Unit

Runette Kruger

Images:

Cover Image:

Ann Elizabeth, DUT Photography

The Woods Photography

Programme, Mbuso Nkosi, Mzansi Magic, Keri-Lyn

AWARDS & HONOURS Graphic Design’s Courtney Shelley shines at the ‘WorldStar Student Awards’ competition............................4 DUT alumni nominated for Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards..................................6 NEWS FoAD launches long awaited animation short course........................................................................................8 Drama’s Nozuko Teto talks being a lecturer, opera singer and entrepreneur.................................................10 DUT holds five-day first year orientation 2022..................................................................................................12 COVER FEATURE Fashion alumna and bridal designer discusses top wedding-dress trends for 2022........................................14 SPECIAL REPORT Interior design trends for 2022............................................................................................................................20 SEMINARS African artists’ use of post-modernity and its implications...............................................................................24 FoAD hosts a webinar on how to draft a research proposal.............................................................................25

2

AWARDS & HONOURS

EDITOR’S LETTER

It is always reassuring to receive your positive feedback and suggestions for improvement on this magazine. I do not take the feedback lightly and I always strive to produce a high-quality content edition every time. This year, 2022 marks eight years since we launched Softcopy and on this occasion of Softcopy’s eighth birthday I commit myself to continuing to improving the standard of this magazine be it the design or content.

As we mark this anniversary, it is fitting that our cover features work by our former students Dale McCarthy and Jane Wolff of bridal house McCarthyWolff who are one of the best bridal fashion designers in the country.

In this issue, Jane Wolff gives us bridal fashion trends we should look forward to seeing this year. We also spoke to interior design alumna, Tamryn Rowe on house décor trends for 2022. So, whether you are planning on tying the knot or renovating your home, we got you covered!

As always, the beginning of the year gives a perfect opportunity to renew our hopes and aspirations for the future. While we have endured so many hardships in the last year, I hope that as 2022 starts we will look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism for a better year.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the different colleagues who help put this magazine together, namely the university’s design unit, communications department, Andrea Alcock, Mbuso Nkosi- to mentioned a few. I also wish to thank you the readers for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the fact that you take time to read Softcopy.

And so, as I look forward to continuing to feature amazing and inspiring work done by our staff and students, I hope you will continue reading.

Andile

AWARDS & HONOURS

3

GRAPHIC DESIGN’S

Courtney Shelley shines at the ‘WorldStar Student Awards’ competition.

ANDILE DUBE

D

urban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Graphic Design student, Courtney Shelley recently took home top awards at the World Packaging Organisation’s (WPO) International Packaging Design Student Competition 2021, popularly known as the WorldStar Student Awards.

The multi-disciplinary designer, Shelley beat other hopefuls from around the globe to win the Gold Star Trophy-1st place internationally and the Marketing Appeal Gold Trophy for her Bee Loved Honey design and marketing appeal, respectively.

Initially, Shelley’s third-year lecturers entered her packaging design into the 2021 Student Gold Pack Competition where she was announced as the overall winner in the Graphic Design Category as well as the Best overall in Brief 3 securing her the Gold Trophy. Thereafter, her packaging was entered into the WPO WorldStar Student Awards, a prestigious international packaging competition for students.

Shelley is passionate about sustainability and environmental issues so she chose brief 3 – which required entrants to design packaging for any branded product, existing or of their own creation,

4

AWARDS & HONOURS

Graphic Design student and multi-disciplinary designer, Courtney Shelley with her awards.

Photo supplied.

Shelley’s winning Bee Loved Packaging.

Photo supplied.

with the objective of promoting environmental awareness.

“Due to lockdown I spent a lot of time working from home so I started creating terrariums out of old glass jars to decorate my windowsill and bring the outside environment, in. That sparked the idea of using plants as a way to educate. After more ideation, honey combs became a core influence on the overall design of the packaging, from the shape of the box and product windows, to how they pack together when shipped or on the shelf,” she said.

Shelley believes that bees are an integral part of the ecosystem and their population decline is not well known and that many people don’t know how to help the bees.

“My goal was to educate and encourage the consumer to help the bees and give them a fun and easy way to do so, to create an experience with a 360-degree utility not just for consumers but something that would also help the bees. I wanted to help facilitate the change of perception surrounding bees as natures essential, Bee Loved little workers rather than pests,” said Shelley.

She also thanked her lecturers and the Graphic Design Department for supporting her. “Then came the overwhelming happiness and joy in sharing this achievement with not only my parents but

my wonderful lecturers Frank and Marlene. This achievement would not have been possible without their wisdom and support. DUT has the best Graphic Design Department without a doubt and I feel honoured to have represented DUT and South Africa internationally!”

Shelley hopes to one day start her own design business and would love to see her Bee Loved Honey packaging on the shelves in stores.

“To have started my career off like this is an absolute dream! Maybe, just maybe my Bee Loved Honey packaging will one day “bee” seen on the shelf? Right now, the future is so uncertain but I just hope to continue growing and learning. Industry can be a bit intimidating but just as well, I love a good challenge.

My plan for the future is an imperfect one, I hope to one day started my own design agency and I am now one step closer to reaching my dream!” she said.

Another Graphic Design student, Michaela Naidoo received a Certificate of Merit, while three others Brett Caldecott, Nqobile Khuzwayo and Ovuyonke Sotsaka received Certificates of Recognition for their entries.

The WorldStar Student Awards competition is owned and produced by the World Packaging Organisation.

It is an international packaging design competition for students – undergraduate or graduate – from countries around the world who are involved in projects in the field of packaging, including structural design and/or graphic design. The 2021 competition had students from Australia, Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

AWARDS & HONOURS

5

Ehostela’s Thobani Nzuza is nominated for Best Actor in TV. Photo by Mzansi Magic.

DUT ALUMNI

nominated for Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards ANDILE DUBE

6

AWARDS & HONOURS

T

he 09th Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards nominees were unveiled recently and nine former students from the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Arts and Design have been nominated.

Drama & Production Studies’ Vuyo Biyela has been nominated for Best Newcomer Actor in the film category for his role on Salamina.

Omega Mncube scored a nomination for Best Newcomer Actor in TV for his role as Phelelani on Uzalo while his brother Wiseman Mncube was announced as a nominee in the Best Actor in the TV category for his role as Sibonelo also on Uzalo. Thobani Nzuza and Siyabonga Shibe are also nominated in the Best Actor TV category for their roles in Ehostela and Uzalo, respectively.

Multi-award-winning actress, Dawn Thandeka King is nominated in the Best Actress in the TV category for her role as Thandiwe on Diep City. Mandisa Vilakazi made the list for the Best Supporting Actress in a film for Salamina.

Video Technology department’s Andile Buwa and Omelga Mthiyane are both competing for Best Director in Film for their work on Salamina and The Funeral, respectively. Buwa is also nominated in the Best Micro-Budget Made for TV and Best Film in IsiZulu categories for Salamina.

entrepreneurs who work as superlative, awardwinning, self-employed artistic contractors. We are pleased and proud of the rapid expansion of our illustrious and prestigious alumni network, particularly over the last thirty odd years. It has been a joy to watch the triumphs and successes of this innovative and talented alumni both in the expanded artistic and educational communities.”

Prof Lutge who retired recently after years in the drama department continued to sing the students’ praises. “Our students are our greatest gift. They hold a unique surprise, unwrapping their creativity on stage and radio and film in order to share these special energies, moments, tributes in a manner that enhances our national and international artistic footprint. As a department, we are both delighted and honoured to see alumni acknowledged for pushing boundaries and for these superb artistic engagements. They are the canvases on which society paints their greatest truths.”

The Simon “Mabhunu” Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards were scheduled to take place in 2021 but have been put on hold until further notice.

“It is always so gratifying to see graduates succeed in an industry that is highly competitive.

We in the Drama Department are so very proud of our Courtyard family and we congratulate the nominees on this prestigious recognition,” said Acting Head of the Drama and Production Studies Department, Clare Craighead in her congratulatory message to the alumni.

Drama’s former Head of Department, Professor Deborah Lutge also applauded the students on their nominations.

“DUT Drama and Production Studies is extremely proud of our ‘Courtyarder’ alumni who have proven that over the past 40 years – this relatively young department – trains creative

AWARDS & HONOURS

7

8

NEWS

Students are trained on specialised 2D and 3D software in a state-of-the-art environment by course facilitator, Clare Louis.

Photo Supplied.

FoAD LAUNCHES long awaited animation short course SOFTCOPY REPORTER

NEWS

T

he Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) has launched the first phase of an animation short course which promises to develop exponentially over the next few years. The animation industry is expanding rapidly in South Africa, more so during the pandemic.

Forbes cites South Africa as seeing, ‘the emergence of some of the largest animation studios on the continent … Africa’s answer to DreamWorks, Disney, and Pixar’. Opportunities exist both in SA and internationally for 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional and Motion Graphics Animation in media, advertising and movies.

The project is the brainchild of Dr Dianna Moodley, who is extremely elated about offering students career exposure, entrepreneurial ventures and creative portfolio advancement in the animation industry, media, advertising and movies.

“We aim to equip our students with foundational terminology, concepts and principles in

animation, she says, thus enabling them with fundamental skills in rendering actual animated cartoons. We want to empower them to articulate into formal education in the field or even make it big, as multimedia artists in the industry,” said Dr Moodley.

According to course facilitator Clare Louis, herself a 3D Animation Producer, Director and Animation Studio owner, “Durban has been earmarked as the next breakout city for animation. This is one of the ways that will ensure that we are ready”.

FoAD’s Executive Dean, Professor Runette Kruger, is proud to announce that this offering (starting with the short course and developing into a fullyfledged programme over the next few years) will put the faculty and DUT on the map in KwaZuluNatal and nationally, as a vibrant centre of training for a growing discipline.

9

10

NEWS

Drama lecturer, Nozuko Teto.

Photo Supplied.

Drama’s Nozuko Teto talks being a lecturer, opera singer and entrepreneur WAHEEDA PETERS

NEWS

F

or the Durban University of Technology lecturer, Nozuko Teto, being an academic is as rewarding and gratifying as singing opera.

The Junior Lecturer for Voice and Singing in the Drama and Production Studies Department has travelled all over the world and uses her experience to inspire and nurture aspirant young performers.

true potential,” she said.

Teto holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Opera Performance. On completion of her studies at the University of Cape Town she was awarded a scholarship by the Nicolai Ghiauroy Foundation to study Belcanto Singing Technique in Modena, Italy with her favourite soprano, the legendary late Mirella Freni.

Initially uncertain about the possibility of making a career of music in South Africa, before becoming a lecturer, Teto registered a private company, Adesso Enterprises (Pty) Ltd which offers a platform to create opportunities not only for herself but for those around her who are willing to ‘be the change’ they want to be. She also runs a registered non-profit organisation that accesses government funding. Her outreach programme sources funding to take music to the townships and rural areas through mentorship programmes.

“With these two organisations I hope to inspire and nurture the teenage voices of girls and boys through music performances. A lot can be achieved by such performance, especially for young people who are exposed to peer pressure, bullying, or gender-based violence,” added Teto.

She made her international debut in 2011 and has performed widely overseas and in South Africa.

“Singing has always been part of my life from around the fireplace with my seven siblings, to gospel groups with my neighbours and school choirs. My choir conductor at school Mr V. J. Dumela saw something special about my voice and encouraged me to study further. As a lecturer, I pay back by encouraging students to unlock their

The soprano expressed her great love for choral and opera music. “Choral music paved the way to opera music which now gives me opportunities to ‘live truthfully under imaginary circumstances’ and get paid for it, change lives, and build a legacy,” she said.

11

12

NEWS

DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.

File Photo.

DUT holds

five-day first year orientation 2022 SIMANGELE ZUMA

NEWS

T

he Durban University of Technology (DUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu officially welcomed first year students during the First Year Orientation 2022 on Monday, 07 February 2022. The 5-day long orientation which started on Monday, 07 February 2022) and ended on Friday, 11 February 2022 was held online, via Microsoft Teams.

Prof Mthembu addressed students and parents to officially welcome them to the DUT Community.

He began by congratulating the first-year students on passing Grade 12 well enough to be admitted to the programmes they had applied for at DUT. “Given the challenges you had to grapple with in your matric year as a result of COVID-19-rotational sessions you had to endure, and all-you are surely made of sterner stuff. You are highly determined, focused and goal-oriented, to say the least. We are very proud of you. Congratulations again! I would be remiss if I failed to give a special welcome to your parents, guardians and family who are with us today. Thanks for raising and supporting them with a sense of good values and principles, and through thick and thin. Most importantly, thanks for the great choice they and yourselves made to study at this history-making University,” noted Prof Mthembu.

He commended the students and parents for choosing DUT, which is one of the top universities in South Africa. In the next few days and weeks, Prof Mthembu said the first-year students will begin to realise that, unlike in high school

where there is heavy dependence on teachers, university requires a great measure of initiative and independence in the work they do.

“You have been admitted to and will enrol in a programme at the end of which you should be the master of the knowledge and high level intellectual and professional skills that that programme is about. It’s about you. Not your parents, your lecturer nor your professor. DUT seeks to produce creative, innovative and adaptive graduates whose contributions to the broader society before and after they exit our University will be impactful,” Prof Mthembu added.

He also warned the students to be careful saying there are many pirates along the way – drugs, demagogues who call themselves activists and all – that might lead them astray. Furthermore, Prof Mthembu added that students were setting off on their University journey at a time where the world, and South Africa in particular, is moving from one crisis to another.

“The future of this world and this country is not ours; but, yours, our youth. It requires new and fresh ideas and innovations from you, not old and hackneyed slogans and chants. Such will not come out of thin air; but, from your mastery of critical thinking and analysis, from your knowledge and high-level skills, and from your creativity and innovations, and from your entrepreneurship,” advised Prof Mthembu.

13

14

COVER FEATURE

COVER FEATURE

DUT FASHION ALUMNA

and bespoke bridal designer discusses top wedding-dress trends for 2022 The Faculty of Arts and Design’s Andile Dube asked Fashion and Textiles alumna and McCarthy Wolff’s co-owner and head designer, Jane Wolff about bridal trends we can expect this year. And if you are planning on tying the knot this year, Wolff also gives hot tips on how to find the perfect wedding dress for you.

Sparkle is another design feature that’s all in this year.

Photo Supplied.

15

16

COVER FEATURE

Simple but elegant designs are set to make a comeback this year.

Photo Supplied.

T

he Coronavirus has changed the landscape of so many industries and the bridal industry is one of those that have been affected. Wolff notes that in the past two years brides have been opting for a more simplistic style. This can be attributed to the fact that weddings in general have had to be downscaled due to Covid-19 restrictions, such as guest-lists being cut and vendors increasing prices.

She predicts that this year we can expect “much more simplistic designs. There is a focus on more easy wearing dresses, more simple; meaning satin and beads, more streamline, the dresses are more chic and clean.”

According to Wolff trends have moved away from heavy chorded laces, and brides are embracing more soft tulle which was a trend two years ago, but is still very much popular for 2022/2023.

When it comes to colour, she says blush still remains a firm favourite: “We are seeing an introduction of soft lavender, nudes and lots of sparkle. Textured florals are also coming back in, but in a light, soft way.”

Wolff points out that brides are also not shying

away from interesting and dramatic details such as big sleeves, corsets, separate skirt overlays that still offer the drama, but can be removed for a party.

“What we are seeing globally, is that brides are wanting dresses that they can have fun in, it has been a hard past two years and they are wanting their dresses to represent everyone’s need to celebrate. The words that strike us for the upcoming bridal season are: Fun and lightness and intimacy,” she notes.

This year, Wolff’s business which she formed with fellow Fashion and Textiles graduate, Dale McCarthy celebrates 10 years. The pair along with their team which includes Tayla Humphreys who is McCarthy Wolff ‘s studio manager and co-ordinator, specialize in bespoke bridal gowns, eveningwear and corsetry.

McCarthy Wolff is responsible for dressing The River actress, Linda Mtoba for the Vodacom Durban July in 2019.

COVER FEATURE

The talent and brains behind McCarthy Wolff (From left to right) Jane Wolff, Tayla Humphreys and Dale McCarthy.

Photo Supplied.

Wolff says the Durban bridal label is based on a foundation of originality, true elegance and premiere quality. “McCarthy Wolff is dedicated to art through fashion. It’s about construction, impeccable attention to detail; every bead and stitch in its place, each element carefully considered, she adds.

Her advice to brides is that they shouldn’t rush the process but should take their time to research the right designers to make their wedding dress.

“When searching for a designer the bride must research the designer thoroughly so that you chose the designer based on the aesthetic they are producing, which allows you to blend well with them. Shop around, and make sure they are the best choice for you. Once you have established that you are happy with the specific designer then you need to trust and work with them side by side.

When you let the designer do what they are made to do, it creates a beautiful collaboration resulting in a beautiful dress,” she says.

Wolff adds that when designing the dress of their dreams, brides must allow for the unexpected.

She explains: “A lot of brides come to us with an idea in their minds, but when trying on dresses, they are often surprised as the gown that really suits them is not necessarily the design they imagined would be the right look for them.”

If you have watched the hit American reality show, ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ you will understand what Wolff is talking about below. She warns that bringing a large entourage to consultations can leave you overwhelmed and confused.

“Something we have also learned over the years is to limit the people who you bring to your consultations. It is important to have the closest to you that you trust and whose opinion you value the most, but too many opinions can affect the bride’s confidence in her own opinion,” Wolff cautions.

17

18

COVER FEATURE

McCarthy Wolff sophisticated design with dramatic details.

Photo Supplied.

She advises that when choosing a wedding dress, brides must consider their personality among other things.

“Focus on more than your body shape, there are many factors that make a dress suit a person.

There is a lot of focus these days on body shape, but a bride’s personality has as much of a role to play in the final look,” she continues, “Consider trends, but don’t slavishly follow them. We focus on designs and details that suit the bride, but remain elegant over time.”

According to Wolff it is also important to consider the season the wedding will be held: “It is always

important to consider the season you will be getting married in, not only for practicality, but also for colours, mood and silhouettes,” she concludes.

You can view more of McCarthy Wolff’s work on social media: McCarthy Wolff @mccarthy_wolff Mccarthywolff

COVER FEATURE

Textured florals are also coming back in, but in a light, soft way.

Photo Supplied.

19

2022 Interior Design Trends

and everything you need to know about renovating your home After spending so much time in lockdown over the last two years because of the Coronavirus restrictions, most of us are probably fatigued by looking at the same interiors. This is why it is important to look at ways of improving the interior of our homes. The Faculty of Arts and Design’s Andile Dube spoke to Durban University of Technology Interior Design alumna and owner of Hustle & Heart Interiors, Tamryn Rowe about 2022 interior design trends and how to transform our spaces.

20

SPECIAL REPORT

Rowe’s work showing a calming natural and comfortable interior.

Photo Supplied.

SPECIAL REPORT

21

A

ccording to Rowe when contemplating redesigning or transforming a space it is important to consider the user’s experience within the space. She says, “above all else how the space functions and makes the user feel while interacting within the space is the most important element.”

Rowe points out that even with a low budget it is possible to renovate your space. She says there is a misconception that interior designers are highpriced or reserved only for large budget projects, when in fact a designer is able to work smartly with a given budget to give you the most desirable outcome.

She advises that when working on a project with a smaller budget, be smart about where the money is spent.

“Choose feature elements that make an impact and have longevity and then bring in trends, colours and patterns in areas that will/can be switched out to keep the interior fresh, for example, scatter cushions and decor items. Scale is so important! There has to be a hierarchy within a space. To achieve balance, there must be a thoughtful mix of texture, pattern and colour.

Quieter details are necessary to allow statement pieces to shine. Spend money on good lighting as it really is one of the most important features in a room.”

Hustle & Heart Interiors owner, Tamryn Rowe.

Photo Supplied.

When it comes to renovating small spaces, it is important to research adaptable design, as Rowe points out, “there are so many clever ways to design a small space to be multi-functional. With a movement to ‘tiny home living’ at the moment

According to Rowe, elevated outdoor spaces are a must this year.

Photo Supplied.

22

SPECIAL REPORT

there really is an abundance of ideas out there.

But the same principles/process would apply to any area size room. define the brief, identify the purpose and design for the user experience.”

Working remotely from home, we have also been forced to transform some of our spaces into home offices. The important thing to note with home offices is, “If you have the space to segregate them from your living area do so, if not make sure the space is adaptable i.e. can be ‘packed up/closed off’ at the end of your work day so that you can maintain a good work/life balance,” says Rowe.

Texture, pattern and colour are some of the important things to consider when redecorating your home.

Photo Supplied.

The layout and aesthetics of a room are other important factors to consider when renovating your space because these can affect your energy and productivity. Rowe emphasises that colour, lighting, Feng Shui and ventilation all affect one’s mood and productivity within a space.

She adds, “The most important starting point to any project would be defining the brief, i.e. what is the function/purpose of the space, what human experience are you wanting the user to experience within this space. Once this is clear you can then design accordingly” Her advice on designing outdoor spaces like terraces or backyards is balance- as it is key with all designs.

“Play with the scale and colour which will guide your eye through the space. Make sure to have shaded and unshaded areas. Use the landscaping to indulge all your senses. Be sustainable and grow a veggie garden,” she says.

SPECIAL REPORT

23

Selecting the correct lighting for your space should also be priority.

Photo Supplied.

24

SPECIAL REPORT

Rowe’s Top Five 2022 Interior Design Trends:

5

Dual-Purpose Rooms - The pandemic has resulted in our homes becoming the main settings of our lives: where we work, sleep, and socialize which has influenced the majority of the home design trends for 2022. Every inch of our home must serve some sort of purpose whether it be a functional or aesthetic one.

As we get into another year of COVID-19 variants, our living spaces continue to double as our work rooms. Rooms will be designed for multi-functionality and adaptability; i.e. guest rooms fitted with desks, bedrooms equipped with exercise equipment.

Elevated Outdoor Areas and furniture Entertaining spaces had taken a backseat but in 2022, homeowners are reinvesting in their entertaining spaces. Outdoor furniture will

become more sophisticated and refined as we continue to spend more time entertaining outdoors. Our patios become extensions of our interior décor.

Calming Natural and comfortable Interiors - People need healing spaces that are restorative and calming. Earthy tones of greens to be paired with other nature-inspired

colours—like blues, warm browns, and soft greys. Overall, people want a cozy look and feel in 2022. Expect to see cosy textiles, subtle colours, and soft-edged pieces.

Curvy furniture and organic shaped design - As we continue to shift away from straight-lined minimalism and toward cosier interiors, our furniture is getting softer and

more sculptural. 2022 is going to be full of round-edged, organically shaped furniture providing an environment of comfort and calm.

Sustainability - which will hopefully continue as a leading design trend forever.

People are more conscious about how environmentally friendly their purchases are.

This could mean repurposing old furniture,

shopping and supporting local furniture and product designers instead of mass-produced replicas from China and buying responsibly sourced items.

SPECIAL REPORT

25

African artists’ use of postmodernity and its implications SOFTCOPY REPORTER

Ahmadu Bello University’s Professor Duniya Giles Gambo. Photo Supplied.

A

s part of its International Guest Talk series the Faculty of Arts and Design’s Research Office hosted a webinar titled, ‘Contemporary African Artists’ Response to Post-Modernist Trends and Its Implications for Effective Artistic Growth’. The webinar was headlined by Nigeria’s Professor Duniya Giles Gambo whose presentation gave a detailed explanation of post-modernity, how African artists have used it to their advantage over the years and its implications.

Prof Gambo said in embracing post-modernism artists suddenly realise that they are not local citizens anymore but are global citizens. They speak to international issues using purely post-modernist forms and materials.

According to Prof Gambo some of the implications for Africans of post-modernity are that larger African societies such as ordinary people in society who before even the advent of post-modernity was struggling to relate to some of the modern concepts are largely alienated by post-modernist trends.

“This alienation is despite the fact that post-modernist trends are very important in establishing African artists’ capacities and ingenuity as equals to the rest of the counterparts around the world,” said Prof Gambo.

The second implication he talked about is the dependence of African artists who are post-modernists on western grants, fellowships and residences of which in his opinion are sometimes a form of manipulation.

“The freedom that post-modernity gave is a regulated

26

SEMINARS

freedom because in most African societies-I am not sure about the situation in South Africa- but in Nigeria for instance you can hardly get a grant or fellowship or residency to express yourself so if become completely a post-modernist artist then you are likely not going to survive if you remember the modern circumstances that we are in like lack of energy, you need money to pay for this and all of that and you cannot get grants to survive then it has an implication,” he said.

Prof Gambo is a Professor of Art History and Criticism at Nigeria’s Ahmadu Bello University. His research explores the intersections of visual and theatre arts, with a focus on their multidisciplinary potentials for community interventions, education and development. His research findings and perspectives have been widely published in different catalogues, book chapters, and reputable journals in the areas of human rights, modern Nigerian arts, environmental studies and design, African studies, language, arts and humanities, as well as, contemporary art practice and theory.

T

he Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) recently hosted a Postgraduate Research webinar via Microsoft Teams.

Former Visual Communication Design lecturer Dr Philippa Kethro gave a presentation titled: ‘Your Research Purpose and Your Research Proposal’.

Dr Kethro focused on how a person can develop their research idea and how to make it worthy of a research proposal that will be accepted.

Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and Dr Philippa Kethro at the FoAD Staff Awards in 2018.

File photo.

She explained the three components of a research purpose which is what the focus or topic is all about, the aim, goal or problem and the significance or motivation.

“In Arts and Design, we tend to focus more on sociological or social problems or problems involving the relationship between people and images or people, media and PR people as well as writing. So it’s not always that you’re going to solve a problem. Sometimes you rather just going to ask questions but you will have a particular aim in mind for answering those questions,” she said.

Dr Kethro gave examples of research topics, expanding on them and giving insight into research theories which are defined as holding transferable applications to other settings, contexts, populations and possibly time periods.

“Theories usually refer to ideas that predict: if this, then that will follow, show reasons for variation, explain how and why something happens as well as show how to improve things,” she said.

FoAD HOSTS

a webinar on how to draft a research proposal WAHEEDA PETERS

Dr Kethro spoke on background theories such as the racial reconciliation study.

“We could use identity theory; we could use community theory. These are specific detailed theories that are already available as a starting point for you to explore further,” she said.

She also spoke on translational or middle range theory, looking at role expectations, dialogical theory, which is general but not as broad as grand theories and is not as broad as a grand theory and is not focused down like a background theory.

Furthermore, Dr Kethro highlighted that reading is a very active process. “Everything you read comes from a whole list of other sources, so often tells you what you still need to read. Be very selective while being very sure you are not leaving out important stuff. It’s a balancing act. The abstract and key words may tell you how relevant an article is but your focus may change as you read,” she said.

She relayed its best to read the conclusion, the abstract, scan headings and then read between these. She added that the researcher needs to look for what motivated what ‘they say’.

SEMINARS

27

Lorem ipsum

FACULTY OF ARTS AND DESIGN

The long-awaited Animation Short Course is here!

Are you creative, imaginative and love drawing and designing? This first of its kind, official course offered in Durban, is perfectly suited for you. Forbes cites South Africa as seeing the emergence of some of the largest Are studios you creative, imaginative and love drawing and designing?

This first Disney, of its kind, official course offered in animation on the continent…

Africa’s answer to DreamWorks, and Pixar.

Animation has been Durban, is perfectly suited for you.in Forbes South Africa seeing the the emergence identified as expanding exponentially Southcites Africa, more soasduring pandemic.of some of the largest animation studios on the continent… Africa’s answer to DreamWorks, Disney, and Pixar. Animation has A local company has recently entered an agreement with the Employment for Skills and Development in Africa been identified as expanding exponentially in South Africa, more so during the pandemic. A local company Program – E4D, aiming to expose 10000 school-leavers to the animation industry, empower 6,000 creatives with has recently entered an agreement with Employment for Skills and Development in Africa Program – E4D, enhanced portfolios and10000 market access; andtocreate 200 more jobs.

Further,6,000 Disney has announced ten original aiming to expose school-leavers animation industry, empower creatives with enhanced animated short films from creators across African continent will debut on their streaming service in portfolios and sourced market access; and create 200 the more jobs. Further, Disney has announced ten original late 2022.

Netflixshort andfilms Cartoon Network have commissioned several South Opportunities animated sourced from creators across the African continent will African debut onproductions. the streaming service in late 2022. and Cartoonfor Network have commissioned severaland South AfricanGraphics productions.

Opportuexist both in SA andNetflix internationally 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional Motion Animation in media, nitiesand exist both in SA and internationally for 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional and Motion Graphics Animation advertising movies. in media, advertising and movies.

Hands on training in specialised software and equipment used in 2D and 3D animation, facilitated by a 3D Hands on training on specialised software and equipment used in 2D and 3D animation, facilitated by 3D Animation Producer, Director and Animation Studio Owner, this course will equip you with a strong foundation Animation Producer, Director and Animation Studio Owner, this course will equip you with a strong in the principles of Animation and Story-telling, using the most popular form of Animation in foundation in the principles of Animation and Story-telling, using the most popular form of Animation in modernmodern industry – 3D Animation, advancing you into programmes, integrating into industry or industry – 3D Animation, advancing you intofurther advanceformal into further formal programmes, integrate venturing personal entrepreneurship both locally and both abroad. intointo industry or venture into personal entrepreneurship locally and abroad.

-Blended learning (campus/ online independent) -Blended learning modemode (campus/ online andand independent) -Affordable -Affordable fee fee -Certificate of completion -Certificate of completion -13 –weeks – first semester -13 weeks first semester

Semester 2, 2022 Semester 2, 2020 Schedule: 2 hoursaaweek week - -toto bebe Schedule: 2 X 22Xhours arranged with participants. arranged with participants.

For queries contact Garreth August garretha@dut.ac.za queries contact Garreth August

For garretha@dut.ac.za Fee : R5500 Fee : R5500