Two new exhibitions open at Durban's KZNSA Gallery, at 166 Bulwer Road, on Tuesday, March 11.
Both will feature a selection of works by top students from two of Durban's prestigious institutions of learning: the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design (CFAD).
Participants were selected according to their academic excellence, technical mastery and conceptual depth.
Collectively they represent the cream of the crop of mature students from the two schools, and give an indication of the future of South African fine art and animation production.
Cream of the art crop, from DUT, exhibits the work of Jacintha Ellappa, Bongomusa Hlongwa, Clayton Human, Sabelo Khumalo, Blessing Maphumulo, Nothando Mkhize, African Mzobe Witty Nyide, Jess Nicholson, Mxolisi Sithole, Saskia and Tamlyn Young. The latter was the recipient of the 2007 Emma Smith Scholarship.
In Toon Age Moments, projects by the Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design showcase the animation projects completed by its students.
Social satire, observation and commentary are key to many of these works.
Taxi, by lead animators Zayne Nakamura, Ryan Janse Van Rensburg and Nanda Soobben, deals with Durban public transport. Birds relates to environmental issues. Also on view is a 3-D robot created by Chris De Jaager.
The majority of animation projects and assignments are industry-based, with students having created award-winning clips for Life-Line, the World Wildlife Fund, Childline and a range of HIV and Aids awareness campaigns.
CFAD was established in 1994 by Nanda Soobben to provide previously disadvantaged students with access to the latest computer, animation and design technology. It has, since then, developed into a contemporary thriving art school where a system of mentorship is used as the educational methodology. CFAD works closely with the Parsons School of Design in New York, the San Francisco Art Institute, the University of California and the National Institute of Design in India.
The centre's close relationship with the design and printing industries, and with the education sector, allows students to participate and contribute to "live" projects.
Soobben has been presented with awards from the San Francisco Leadership Academy, the Mayor of San Francisco and the US Congress, in recognition of his achievements as a cartoonist, animator and journalist.
The exhibitions close on March 30. - Tonight Reporter