Lino cut and responses to leaders

June 20, 2022 - June 24, 2022

online

In 2016 the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which details 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goals are a call for all countries, irrespective of their economic wealth, to address inequality, poverty, and climate change through action. This call to action shapes questions of agency, advocacy, leadership, and the role of Universities. The SDGs have seen attention in various international drives at institutional and individual levels. Although idealistic the goals demonstrate a deep impetus to vision a renewed collective humanity. Where our being part of the world is conceived as both, a return to sustainable practices and a vision for new better processes.

The project was presented to first year Fine Art students and the students participated at the University of Pretoria (UP). The project intended to work though the basics of relief printing, specifically lino cut, working to address its unique potential as an autonomous medium of visual expression. The resulting print engaged conceptually with the values presented in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the concept of Leadership and the life of leadership advocate Chief Albert Luthuli. Their art practice focuses on visualising the SDGs. The student’s art practice was framed with the question “if you could be the Albert Luthuli of your day, what would be your championed concern?”. Areas of concern to the students include, gender equality, good health and wellbeing, peace, justice, and strong institutions, life on land, renewable affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and clean water and sanitation. At the centre of the student experience during the project was the approach to process and the use of the figure, object and text to communicate intended meaning. There was also a research component through which the student refined their intended meaning related to the theme.

The project discussed was part of a larger event in November 2021 at UP. The event was formed in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, each participating to bring the Life of Chief Albert Luthuli through the Arts to the public. Stakeholders including, the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute (ALLI), the Javett-UP Art Centre, the School of the Arts (SOA), Art Education, Historical and Heritage Studies, and Philosophy at UP. The artworks produced during the project were finally exhibited and included in a panel discussion on the day of the event.