Kayla Barker spoke to Johandi du Plessis, lecturer, artist and researcher in the Fine Arts Department at the University of the Free State, about pursuing a degree in BA Fine Arts. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fine Arts and Visual Arts studies embrace the holistic development of individuals, particularly with regard to their innovative abilities, critical artistic judgement, creative skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the power of imagination. These underlying principles of artistic activities can be applied to all aspects of life. Students are immersed in all aspects of the visual creative process and are guided by knowledgeable and experienced lecturers who are accomplished artists.

The Department of Fine Arts is dynamically aligned with international Visual Arts standards and practices, while still insistent on maintaining a unique character rooted in its specific cultural, geographical, and traditional contexts.

Our lecturers, students, and alumni consistently excel as Visual Arts practitioners on national and international stages. Their accomplishments are particularly exceptional in light of the fact that Bloemfontein as a region is relatively isolated from the country's main art centres.

Fine Arts is a selection-based course, which ensures relatively small class sizes. This allows our students to receive ample individual attention, contributing to a well-rounded academic experience. This positive aspect has been recognized on multiple occasions by national and international professional artists as well as academics from other universities.

For more information, visit:
https://www.ufs.ac.za/humanities/departments-and-divisions/fine-arts-home