Held in the Scholtz Hall, the show captivates visitors by diving deep into the meaning of the concept “breaking ground” through various art forms and powerful ideas.

The exhibition flows effortlessly, featuring everything from installations and performances to paintings, printmaking, sculptures, and new media. These artworks push viewers to think about change, transformation, and resilience.

The exhibition also tackles difficult subjects, including painful memories and loss, as well as how boundaries, technology, and our perception of location are always changing.

The exhibit features special guided tours, giving deeper insights into key themes:

• “Spotlight Exhibitions: Art That Connects and Challenges”;

• “The Ostrich Strategy Exhibition” by Lyrene Kühn-Botma; and

• “Art for a Better Planet”.

UFS lecturer and fine arts student Lyrene Kühn-Botma presented “The Ostrich Strategy Exhibition”. This thought-provoking collection encourages people to make healthy choices that benefit society and the environment.

“We often visit Richmond on our department’s yearly excursion with our students,” Kühn-Botma noted, highlighting the real-world experiences that inspire her art.

‘The Empathetic Apprentice’ by Dylan McGarry

‘A Decade of Feeling Through Art’

Dylan McGarry unveiled “The Empathetic Apprentice”, a personal exhibition spanning ten years. McGarry, who became a cultural sociologist after beginning his career as an environmental scientist, described how he has learned to be more empathic.

Using art as a scientific tool, he develops what he refers to as tactile theories which examine important global issues that include environmental degradation to genocide. He places a strong emphasis on meaning-making, in which the act of creating art directly influences its meaning.

McGarry’s varied writings emphasise the importance of empathy in fostering a sense of community.

A standout piece is a 30-minute film, created with Lasizwe Mahlangu, made over an entire day in the gallery, revealing raw human vulnerability.

‘In Resonance’ by Sbahle Mabaso and Jacobeth Selinga

‘Women’s Stories, Woven Together’

Sbahle Mabaso and Jacobeth Selinga collaborated on “In Resonance”, a powerful piece addressing the struggles women face. Their core message, “I am because you are”, emphasises how deeply connected human experiences are. This connection is beautifully symbolised by threaded wool, representing memory, spirituality, and care.

“In our African experience, we grieve together,” Mabaso shared, stressing the power of collective healing. This unique artwork blends Mabaso’s background in performing arts with Selinga’s expertise in installation art, creating a moving story of shared experiences and strength.

Numerous other compelling artworks from the thirteen participating artists also added to the exhibition’s rich and impactful story.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cvs