The DUT Department of Fine Art and Jewellery Design will host its year-end exhibition which will be held from November 4 to 8, 2013, at the KZNSA art gallery for the first time.

Traditionally, the exhibition which features the work of selected graduates, has been held in the Departmental studios. This year however, it was decided, after the Durban University of Technology was in contact with Perth University, Australia, that the Department will this year host the annual event in a public sphere to give students more exposure to the professional environment.

Christiaan De Beer, Associate Director in the Jewellery Design Programme said, “After having talks with Perth University, we decided to give our students an experience similar to universities abroad, where they can have the opportunity to exhibit to a broader audience.” In past years, the exhibition was only open to the students’ family and friends. This year, the University is giving students the opportunity to showcase their work professionally with the support of the University’s Corporate Affairs Division and the office of the Arts and Design Faculty Executive Dean, Dr Kenneth Netshiombo.

The exhibition will showcase work produced by this year’s (2013) Fine Art and Jewellery Design diploma and BTech students. According to a report compiled by the Department, students’ work will reflect on a range of issues affecting South Africa, such as class, relationships, homelessness, personal identity, our relationship with nature, the city and the rural/urban cultural divide.

Approximately 50 students from both programmes will to be exhibiting during the course of the week.

Students are excited about the event, saying that they feel the opportunity will open doors of employment for them, particularly because they will be exposed to the general public for the first time this year. Roisan Shevlin and Carlo Assumption, both BTech students, said the exhibition will allow the general public to have a better understanding of the programmes and the methodology that goes into the pieces of art as a study rather then pieces found in jewellery and art shops.

“I am delighted to have such an opportunity. More people will be able to see our work which will help us in establishing a relationship with possible employers”, said Shevlin.

According to De Beer, renowned jeweller Vijay Shah and the likes of Shikanth Shah who owns a jewellery shop in Overport, Durban, will be amongst the attendees. The students’ pieces will be on sale upon request to those interested in buying them.

– Mbali Madlala

Pictured from left in the first picture: Carlo Assumption and Roisan Shevlin; both BTech students as well as Slindile Mbelu and Ayanda Myeza; both third-year students. The four DUT Jewellery Design students will be present at the weeklong exhibition at the KZNSA gallery.

In the second picture is Jongani Mzukwa’s Ethiopian Cross, which was used as inspiration for his jewellery range. Mzukwa’s range will be on show at the exhibition.