Learning through art: The Museum as classroom

Venue:  Main Building, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein

Dates:  14 June 2024 – 11 August 2024

Learning through art: The Museum as classroom was curated to enhance the learning experience for Grade 10-12 visual art learners by providing them with the opportunity to view and engage with artworks that are directly related to their curriculum. This initiative aims to bring the classroom to life by allowing students to see the artworks in person, rather than just in a handbook, and to analyse them in a real-world setting.

By transforming the museum into a classroom, it provides a unique and immersive learning experience for both teachers and learners, allowing them to explore and appreciate the artworks in a new and meaningful way. The exhibition covers a diverse array of subjects, placing special emphasis on socio-political matters, gender politics, South African artists influenced by African art, and digital art and new media. Learning through art: The Museum as classroom provides an in-depth exploration of the creations of well-known artists who are prominently featured in visual art textbooks, including Irma Stern, Norman Catherine, Diane Victor, and William Kentridge. Other contemporary artists’ work to enjoy, include a recently acquired artwork by Mary Sibande, and artworks by Nandipha Mntambo, Nomusa Makhubu and Helen Sebidi.

In addition to benefiting students, this thought provoking exhibition also caters to a wider audience who have an interest in art, offering a visual celebration of South African artworks from Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection that are not commonly on display.

Learning through art: The Museum as classroom can be viewed until 11 August 2024. For inquiries about booking a free guided tour, contact Natley Barnardo, the educational officer at Oliewenhuis Art Museum, via email at education@nasmus.co.za.

Oliewenhuis Art Museum is located at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein and is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 09:00 and 16:00. A ramp at the entrance of the main entrance provides access for wheel chairs, while a lift provides access to the Permanent Collection display areas on the 1^st floor. R10 parking fee will be charged but entrance to the museum is free.