The ViNCO (Visual Narratives and Creative Outputs) research entity at the North-West University (NWU), a collective that includes creative practitioners, created an exhibition titled “Monsters, Myths & Fables” with the aim of showcasing and promoting their members’ creative and artistic endeavours. A total of 14 artists, including the ViNCO members and their invited artist friends, are participating in the exhibition at the Snowflake Gallery in Potchefstroom between 15 August and 16 September 2024.

“Monsters, Myths & Fables” is an exhibition that explores various interpretations of the monstrous, mythical creatures, and fables. The artworks delve into a range of themes, such as reimagined Nordic fables, ancient Greek myths, Afrikaner mythology, totemic animals and spirituality, gender and ageism, and even contemporary interpretations of the monster-like Covid-19.

The exhibition holds significant academic value and created a work-integrated experience for the honours-degree students in the Department for History of Art at the NWU. Lecturer Candice Thikeson says that students Marizé Language, Sphe Mfeka, KG Mathabathe, and Liam Kriedemann gained valuable experience in curating an exhibition. In collaboration with ViNCO members and the Snowflake Gallery team, the honours-degree students meticulously maintained a record of information about each artist's work. They assisted in wrapping and labelling the artworks and transporting them to the exhibition venue.  Student Marize Language said, “This experience taught me many helpful skills such as the correct way of wrapping and transporting the artworks, the carrying and opening of the artworks and, most importantly, that even though everything did not go exactly as planned, the end result was pretty spectacular.”

Dr Annemi Conradie-Chetty, director of ViNCO, said of their involvement with the students, “Their involvement in all aspects of the exhibition highlights the importance of hands-on learning in the arts. Not only did this experience enhance their understanding of exhibition management, but it also promoted artistic expression and collaboration.”

The students also received valuable guidance from Martie Bothma, one of South Africa’s notable curators and an art gallery owner, during the hanging process. As part of their assessment, the students wrote curatorial statements for the exhibition, which were well received on opening night.

The Department for History of Art falls in the School of Communication. School director Prof Lida Holtzhausen was impressed with the active engagement of the students. “This experiential learning opportunity allows them to explore the scholarly and artistic aspects of their discipline, fostering personal growth and academic development,” she said.

The students' involvement highlights their dedication and commitment to the success of the exhibition, which opened on 15 August. It will remain open for viewing until 16 September 2024.

Dr Annemi Conradie-Chetty, director of VINCO.

Honours-degree students, from left to right: KG Mathabathe, Sphe Mfeka, Liam Kriedemann and Marize Language.