Presentations At Arts Faculty Showcase Bring Research To Life

Presentations At Arts Faculty Showcase Bring Research To Life. On 25 October, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Faculty of Arts and Design held a remarkable Research Showcase that transformed what could have been a dry, jargon-laden presentation into an engaging celebration of creativity and innovation. The event brought together staff and students to share their research in ways that captivated the audience, showcasing a vibrant blend of ideas that emphasized the impact of the arts in society. This article highlights key presentations, underscoring the importance of practical creativity, community empowerment, and the evolving landscape of research in the arts.
Innovative Filmmaking Solutions
Among the standout presentations were Tumisho Mahlase and Waldo Roodt from the Motion Picture Production program. They introduced a prototype called Moving on a Budget: The DIY Eco Dolly & Jib Mount. This innovative device, made from affordable materials found at local hardware stores, is designed to enhance filmmaking without the hefty price tag typically associated with professional equipment. Priced at around R500, the DIY dolly allows budding filmmakers to achieve high-quality cinematic shots that are usually reserved for expensive productions.
Mahlase and Roodt’s prototype not only provides an accessible solution for students but also caught the eye of patent experts present at the showcase, setting the stage for potential commercialization. This initiative underscores the importance of practical, hands-on approaches in education, making the art of filmmaking more accessible to aspiring artists.
Pioneering Perspectives
Prof Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled The Female Gaze in South African Feature Films: Katinka Heyns and Her Influence on Contemporary Women Film Directors. She shed light on the transformative career of acclaimed filmmaker Katinka Heyns, who is only the third woman to direct a feature film in South Africa. Prof Jansen van Vuuren emphasized how Heyns not only paved the way for more female directors but also portrayed strong women as central characters in her works.
Her influence can be seen in the films of contemporary directors such as Meg Rickards and Hanneke Schutte, who continue to explore female narratives in their storytelling. The presentation celebrated the evolution of female representation in the film industry, highlighting the significance of mentorship and collaboration among women in the arts.
Advancing Arts Health Research
The Department of Performing Arts showcased a series of enlightening presentations, starting with Prof Karendra Devroop’s discussion on Quantitative Research: A Model for the Arts. Challenging the notion that the arts are solely qualitative, Prof Devroop presented compelling case studies illustrating how quantitative research can contribute to a deeper understanding of issues faced by performing artists.
One alarming statistic revealed that 76% of professional musicians encounter medical issues severe enough to impede their performance. By establishing a research model that identifies these challenges and proposes preventative strategies, Prof Devroop aims to foster a healthier environment for musicians, enhancing their longevity and performance quality.
Empowering Communities Through Music
Dr Roland Moses presented a heartwarming poster on the psychological and sociological impacts of music learning within low-income communities. Focusing on the Nokuphila School in Thembisa, he shared how music education has significantly improved students’ academic performance while promoting community cohesion.
Dr Moses, a self-taught pianist and a Yamaha artist, donates the proceeds from his music sales to support this initiative, reflecting his commitment to empowering youth through the transformative power of music. His efforts exemplify how art can bridge socioeconomic divides and foster resilience in communities.
Theatrical Healing and Social Awareness
Prof Janine Lewis, an established figure in the performing arts, captivated the audience with her retrospective on Female Archetypes and Abuse Fractals. She discussed how theatre can serve as a medium for healing, raising awareness about critical social issues such as abuse.
Her innovative approach to theatre-making, which often challenges traditional narratives, emphasizes the power of performance as a tool for activism. Audience engagement was palpable, with attendees eager to learn about her future projects that continue to address social injustices through artistic expression.
Rituals in Performance
In his presentation titled Go-itata: Ritualised Theatre Performance Modes of Koma Aesthetics in a Performance as Research Production: Wela, Gifter Ngobeni explored the role of rituals in theatre-making. He analyzed how elements from the BaPedi male initiation rites could be woven into artistic performances, enriching the narrative fabric of South African theatre.
Ngobeni highlighted the challenges of accurately representing ritual within a theatrical context, emphasizing the need for authenticity and respect for cultural practices. This discussion opens avenues for integrating indigenous narratives into contemporary performance art, enriching the cultural landscape of South Africa.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Design
Inge Newport, Head of the Department of Interior Design, presented on Addressing Gender-Based Violence in South African Universities Through Design-Led Research. She discussed the urgent need to transform policies aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) into actionable frameworks within university environments.
By proposing design-led interventions, Newport emphasizes that while policies may outline goals, it is the practical application of these ideas that will lead to real change. Her research aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing actionable insights that can help create safer educational spaces.
Graphic Heritage and Everyday Design
Dr Yolandi Burger and Schalk van Staden from the Department of Visual Communication examined the concept of graphic heritage and its relevance to contemporary design. In her talk, Named After Nelson: Tracing the Threads of Graphic Heritage in Gauteng, South Africa, Dr Burger highlighted how locations named after historical figures like Nelson Mandela serve as powerful reminders of their legacy.
Through a partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, she explored the emotional connections that individuals have with these sites, offering a deeper understanding of their significance in contemporary society.
Meanwhile, Van Staden’s presentation, Constructivist Grounded Theory: A Guide to Explore the Philosophy of Design and the Everyday, argued for a more human-centered approach to design, emphasizing how everyday experiences shape design decisions. His insights advocate for a greater consideration of the social implications of design choices.
Embracing Creativity in the Age of AI
Concluding the showcase, Prof Chats Devroop tackled the pressing issue of The Role of Human Creativity in Music in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). His research posits that while AI technologies can enhance certain aspects of music education, human creativity remains vital for fostering deep emotional connections and innovative thinking among students.
Prof Devroop advocates for a balanced integration of technology, emphasizing the importance of nurturing human creativity while effectively incorporating AI into educational practices. This perspective challenges the narrative that technology may replace human creativity, instead highlighting how both can coexist to enrich music education.
Emerging Voices in Research
The showcase also provided a platform for emerging researchers like Thabiso Mothise and Nthabiseng Motsepe-Notyesi, who presented their work on the learning experiences of Pentecostal church musicians and jazz vocal pedagogy, respectively. These presentations reflect a growing commitment to exploring diverse narratives within the arts, highlighting the vibrant future of research at TUT.
Collaborative Synergies
A common thread throughout the showcase was the emphasis on collaborative synergies across disciplines. The intersections of various fields, from music and film to design and social activism, create exciting opportunities for innovative research and creative solutions to pressing societal issues.
As the Faculty of Arts and Design continues to foster a culture of collaboration and creativity, it stands poised to make significant contributions to the cultural landscape of South Africa and beyond. The Research Showcase was not just an event; it was a celebration of the power of the arts to inspire change, engage communities, and transform lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TUT Faculty of Arts and Design’s Research Showcase exemplifies the institution’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in research. As the world evolves, so too must the narratives we tell, the mediums we use, and the approaches we adopt. The future of the arts is bright, fueled by the creativity and passion of those who dare to dream and create.