THE PERCH

North West University THE PERCH

Written by Nokukhanya Khumalo

In 2017, the North-West University came to the conclusion that there was a need to have an artwork that would be placed all over the three campuses, which are Vaal, Mafikeng, and Potchefstroom. The NorthWest University sent out a public artwork open call in 2019 for design proposals from artists. The strategic intent behind this was that there was a need to demonstrate a shared purpose and values in accordance with the North-West University’s mission to unite the three campuses. Having spent the better part of the last two years in a pandemic, on my return to campus in 2022, I was surprised to see that there had been a new sculpture on the Potchefstroom campus. Obviously, the sculpture did not appear from nowhere... It had been there for quite some time.

The last time I was on campus was in 2020. The sculpture was wrapped up, so one could argue that this sculpture is not new. The sculpture is located on the grass in front of the Frans Du Toit building. It looks at the Solomon Tshekisho sculpture that is situated across the financial building on the Potchefstroom campus. The Frans Du Toit building is the language building. In 2020, I still had French as a module, and I would often pass it by without giving it any attention. So when I returned to campus this year, it felt like I was seeing it for the first time as it was finally unwrapped and erected. It took a moment to take the structure in, as it stands tall and is quite large. At first glance, one can get overwhelmed and intimidated by it as it feels as though it is hovering over you.

I did not understand the significance of the sculpture, but I felt as though this sculpture was commissioned to convey some sort of meaning. Having seen some of the preliminary sketches, I got some confirmation on what I had felt. The structure is made from a multitude of connected steel tubes as well as some perforated plates. These come together to form a sculpture that imitates a Vachellia and an eagle. The symbolism in Vachellia is quite fitting given that the sculpture is located at a university. A Vachellia is an African Acacia tree. Trees are often associated with strength as well as growth. Vachellia are no different. They are a symbol of regeneration, perseverance, and integrity.

When looking at how the North-West University has been on a mission to integrate all three campuses into one, this serves as a perfect symbol of that unity. The university has a desire to grow and develop, it serves as a place for students to plant their own seeds and grow from the different things that they learn. This sculpture was given the name Perch (2021), which is a seat or other place that is high up and at times offers a great view of something below. The trunk of the Vachellia is thick, so it is symbolic of the solid foundation that the university offers to students. It then expands into branches that house a canopy, this shows one that the university also offers a place where students can branch out and explore different facets of themselves within the grounds of the university. Perch (2021) is symbolic of what the North-West University stands to offer students, for some it is an insight into what the world has to offer, for others the university offers a chance at being something great. Perhaps students will become someone who is admirable, like the structure itself.

Artist biography

Michele Mathison was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1977. He works with a multitude of materials as well as various found objects, which he reconstructs to highlight their multifaceted symbolic values. Mathison’s interest extends to sources from pockets of lived experiences, as found in the spaces in which people work, eat, and socialise.

RUST-EN-VREDE GALLERY + CLAY MUSEUM

www.rust-en-vrede.com

Above: Rust-en-Vrede Clay Museum Display. Opposite Page: Angela Gilbert, Process of Making and Carving a Bowl.

This complex is situated in the northern suburbs of Cape Town in Durbanville. This heritage building, originally built in the 1940’s as a jail, is an art-oriented community center and home to the Clay Museum with its extensive collection of mainly contemporary South African ceramics. A teaching studio is located next to the Clay Museum which provides classes for a variety of art and crafts as well as a venue for workshops. The Yoco Eatery and Whisky Library, a popular café serves light meals and refreshments both inside the building and on the shady patio outside.

On the outer periphery of the complex are several studios housing different artists and craftspeople. Rust-en-Vrede hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year and is home to the biennial Portrait Awards. In keeping with the centre’s educational mandate, many of Rust-en-Vrede’s exhibitions are accompanied by walkabouts, talks and workshops. In the heart of Rust-en-Vrede is the Clay Museum, the only one of its kind in South Africa, established in 1986 by Maarten Zaalberg. The museum contains an exclusive collection of ceramics that represents the various techniques of making, decorating and firing. This is highly appropriate to Durbanville’s history of having some of the best clay quarries and brickfields in the Western Cape. It was this aspect of Durbanville’s past that inspired the foundation of a Clay Museum. The collection on permanent display provides historical reference of 20th and 21st century South African ceramists and their work. Additions to the collection are ongoing through sponsorship and donations. A resource Centre within the Clay Museum contains South African and International reference material available for study by visitors, learners and students.

Within the Clay Museum is a unique installation unit: The CUBE, consisting of 90