By: Bliss Ndapasowa

Art will always stand as a sustainable narrative when it comes to voicing out the unspeakable.

This notion was confirmed at Durban University of Technology’s Fine Art and Jewellery Design departments exhibition for all yesterday evening.

The exposition was mainly a display of work done by diploma and b-tech students throughout the year for the purposes of assessment and marketing.

Artwork displayed carried various local themes. These included democracy, homophobia, political issues for instance Marikana, global warming, health, media sensationalism and modern technology, to name but a few.

The finely sculpted clay artwork, portraits and shimmering jewellery, despite being facilitated by undergraduates, sufficed to attract buyers.

Students and other individuals who attended the presentation highlighted the impact it had on both their professional and personal lives.

“I am deeply inspired by the educational themes behind these pieces. I have also identified how to portray a message as an artist regarding things that people are afraid to confront- I am inspired,” said Mfundo Gumede, a Fine Art first year student at DUT.

Mhlengi Duma, a township artist who also attended the exhibition said as an artist he had been exposed to various mediums and ideas, therefore enhancing his creativity.

DUT Fine Arts lecturer for sculpture and ceramics, Nkosinathi Khanyile, emphasised the importance of such exhibitions for both students and the institution as a whole in terms of exposure.

“This is a priority and prerequisite to kick start careers for our students. As they open doors to the public, they showcase their talent and also the competency of the institution,” he said.

The exhibition is currently running at DUT’s City Campus at the Fine Arts and Jewellery Design department and is open to all until Friday the 7th of November, midday.