REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
World University Rankings - Top 600

FINE ART MASTER’S STUDENT WINS EMMA SMITH AWARD

FINE ART MASTER’S STUDENT WINS EMMA SMITH AWARD

Actively expressing his concerns around issues of gender has landed DUT’s Sinethemba Ngubane a win in the 2015 Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award.

Ngubane, a Fine Art Master’s student, walked away with a R50 000 prize after being announced the winner of the award during a ceremony recently held at the University’s Arthur Smith Hall, City Campus.

The Emma Smith Art Scholarship was incepted in 1920 by KwaZulu-Natal sugar industry magnate Sir Charles Smith. Smith’s endowment, named in memory of his mother, was made in appreciation of the work of visionary Art School Head John Adams.

The 2015 selection criteria focused on work that aimed or addressed a very important issue in contemporary South African society. Ngubane’s work focused on the issue of gender and body politics. It (Ngubane’s work) spoke about the diversity of gender dynamics in society and addressed issues of gender inequality and what is considered ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ in today’s society.

In 2015, Ngubane was also awarded the Top Fine Art Student 2015 Award.

“My artwork focused on the current understanding of gender diversity. We all have a different understanding of what we think is normal and what is not and that can influence our thinking. However, what is more important is being able to understand and accept one another regardless of our gender differences,” said Ngubane, who said the Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award has given him confidence going forward on work.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Dr Rene Smith, DUT Arts Faculty Executive Dean (Acting) awards Sinethemba Ngubane his Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award.

 

No comments