PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION OF VISUAL ARTS GRADUATES IN CULTURAL INDUSTRY
By Themba Nyovane 30 June 2022
On Wednesday, 22 June 2022, the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Visual Arts and Design (VAD) department held an informative and knowledge enhancing workshop at the Bodutu Gallery to commemorate youth month.
The topic of the workshop was: “the development of the emerging artists for future artistic career through a professional of integration of designers and visual artists in Africa”.
The VAD department had the privilege to be visited by Dr Razafindakoto Idah Holiarisoa, who originally hails from Madagascar. The workshop emphasized to students and professionals post their qualifications, about Entre-African Activity and understanding of Visual Art standards and rules within Africa.
Dr Idah is a visual arts educator and workshop worker in schools and cultural centres. Academically, she is a PhD student and specializes in transitional governance. Up her sleeves, Dr Idah holds the title of a designer of travelogues, comics, and illustrations. She is also endowed with an artistic sensitivity towards cultural mediation and inter-culturalism. Her passion for visual arts granted her an opportunity to explore and exposed her to more than 30 countries; predominantly central African countries, where she constantly transmitted messages relating to education, expression of personalities and valorisation of women, personal development, and environmental awareness.
In the workshop, Dr Idah presented under the topic: Young Visual Artists and their professional integration explaining the technological advancement which led to digitalization of traditional Art to Visual Art. In her presentation, she explained some psychological and mental health issues that artists should be aware of while exhibiting their Art in different art institutions.
“One of the key elements of visual art is originality; this entails uniqueness and creativity, which leads to marketing yourself by exhibiting your artwork in galleries and to gain social recognition,” said Dr Idah.
She further alluded that the application of creativity in artwork increases information retention. The latest scientific research data from Dr Idah revealed the need for relationship-building in terms of understanding some of the challenges faced by students and institutions in most parts of the world such as insufficient resources, financial strains, and insecurity.
Representing the VAD department, Ms Lebohang Radebe (Fine Art Lecturer), expressed words of gratitude to Dr Idah and handed over a handcrafted artwork by students in appreciation of her visit. “The initiative of her visit is through the (Visual Arts Forum for Educators in Southern African) which VUT is one of the founding members, we are truly honoured to have her in our midst,” said Ms Radebe.