Studying Art without Art Background: South African University
- Tebogo J. Khalo
- Sep 8, 2023
- 10 min read
I will be sharing my personal experience, ideas, and opinions in this blog post, so it shouldn't be seen as truth but rather as a tool to help people who might be unsure about pursuing art as a field of study, particularly in the context of South Africa. The target audience for this blog is primarily aspiring black artists who will be starting their academic careers in 2024 and beyond. Its goal is to help you navigate the uncertainties, apprehensions, and concerns that frequently accompany such decisions.
Please keep an open mind while you read this.
My Story
My high school subjects focused on mathematics, physical science, geography, life science, life orientation, English as a first additional language, and Sesotho, my home language. I did well enough in these fields to get accepted into one of South Africa's prestigious colleges, which is something I am truly grateful for. The important thing to remember is that you don't necessarily need to have formal artistic background to study art in college or university. Depending on the university you choose, the admissions procedure may differ, but what counts most is your commitment to getting good marks and developing an impressive art portfolio.
My own artistic career started in 2019 during my gap year, and at the time, I knew very little about how to pursue university-level art. It's crucial to underline that, as long as you're prepared to put in the work to study and develop your skills, beginning from scratch in the field of art is perfectly achievable. Despite the first challenge, no matter your background or experience, you may start a fulfilling path in the field of art education with persistence and proper guidance. Being an art student, my time at university has been very enriching. Although the institution may not have directly contributed to the enjoyable events, I must admit that it had a huge impact on the road that brought me to this moment, writing this.
It is undoubtedly a privilege to study art here, one that many Black people aspire to but may not always have the chance or resources to pursue. Multiple difficulties, such as limited access to resources, financial limitations, and societal challenges, can make the pursuit of an artistic education difficult. These obstacles frequently make it impossible for gifted people to realize all of their artistic potential. The blessing of being able to study art comes with a duty to acknowledge inequalities and seek to improve inclusivity and accessibility within the artistic community. It's important to recognize the ability and creativity that may go unutilized as a result of these obstacles and to work toward a more varied and equal cultural world. By doing this, we can contribute to making art education more inclusive and available to all people, regardless of their circumstances or background.
My experience has been very different from what I anticipated at the inception of my journey here. It obviously doesn't resemble how art schools are sometimes portrayed in films, where the emphasis is frequently on figure drawing, painting techniques, and practical artistic abilities. At my university, the focus of art is much more on theory and history.
Although this shift in emphasis toward theory and historical background may surprise some people, it does make some sense. After all, history, society, and societal influences are all firmly ingrained in art. Any prospective artist can build a strong foundation by understanding the theoretical and historical underpinnings of art and its influence on the world. You can get a better understanding of the bigger picture of how art develops as well as the many styles and influences that have shaped it over time. By providing information on what to anticipate while beginning your art studies at this university or another similar school, this blog attempts to shed light on this element of art education. By giving you this knowledge, it can assist in putting you in the best possible position for a more thorough and well-rounded art education that covers both the theoretical and practical facets of this amazing profession.
Studying Art and History
This institution, along with others like it, places a lot of attention on the meeting point of history and the field of art. Here, the course material explores the rich history of African art and its significant impact on the world of visual culture. As a result, learning about complicated subjects like slavery, colonialism, and apartheid, as well as all that happened in between these historical turning points, is a natural part of your academic path. But what makes this method unique is that you're not just learning about history in a vacuum; rather, you're doing so through the eyes of art.
This implies that you are studying both history and art simultaneously, with art acting as a special means of communicating and comprehending historical narratives. If history isn't your strongest subject, this approach could be difficult, especially in the first two years. However, I would advise aspiring art students to continue keeping an open mind and let the learning process happen with you rather than simply for you. This method, which combines art and history into an entertaining educational experience, is likely to be particularly interesting and satisfying for those who have a passion for history.
Your grasp of art will be enhanced as a result of this experiential learning method, which also enhances your understanding of how other fields are interconnected. By studying history through art, you can get a fresh perspective on how society, politics, and culture have influenced artistic expression and vice versa. For those who might not consider themselves history enthusiasts, the initial challenges can be overcome with a proactive attitude and a willingness to engage with the subject matter. While it may seem daunting at first, this approach can transform history from a mere sequence of dates and events into a vivid tapestry of human experiences, struggles, and triumphs as seen through the eyes of artists.
Also, it's critical to understand that this all-encompassing approach to art education may give you a solid foundation. It gives you the ability to think critically, appreciate different viewpoints, and link seemingly unconnected ideas—skills that are useful not only in the field of art but also in other areas of life and academic endeavors.
The journey is rewarding and intellectually stimulating even though studying art at institutions like this one may force you to confront your preconceptions and engage with history more deeply than you had anticipated. An open mind and acceptance of this method can result in a deeper and more meaningful understanding of art and its complicated connections to the outside world.
Additionally, educational opportunities like this one have a significant impact on young black artists. Being a black artist frequently implies that your art is inherently connected to your identity. It's crucial to be aware of these linkages since they have a significant impact on how you express yourself creatively. I believe this training is extremely valuable for all black artists, especially those from hard backgrounds. You will learn about the complexity of blackness in this course, and you will also be given the tools necessary to embrace and enjoy your individuality. It gives you the freedom to express your blackness in ways that speak to your unique experiences and moral principles. This course highlights the value of accepting and expressing your genuine self in a world where there may be pressure to fit into particular stereotypes or hide your identity.
More importantly, it serves as a reminder that, despite your best efforts, external factors can frequently highlight your blackness, despite any efforts you may make to downplay or dismiss it. Your contacts with others in society, particularly those who could have biased beliefs, might serve as a daily reminder of your ethnicity. This education gives you the skills to deal with such circumstances, enabling you to react with assurance and resilience.
This education essentially gives you a deeper appreciation of the significance of your identity as a black artist while simultaneously improving your artistic abilities. It gives you the ability to artfully and proudly express your blackness, cultivating pride and resiliency in the face of societal difficulties.
Benefits of Studying Art
Studying art offers a multitude of valuable benefits and unique opportunities:
1. Exploration of Diverse Art Forms: Studying art introduces you to a variety of artistic forms, such as sculpture and photography, as well as painting and printmaking. This variety enables you to identify and hone your individual artistic interests and abilities.
2. Access to Art Supplies: In a world where art supplies can be expensive, art programs frequently provide access to materials and equipment, which can be a huge financial relief. This assistance allows you to experiment and develop without fear of financial repercussions.
3. Personal Studio Space: Having your own studio space is a major benefit for an artist, especially if you are just starting out. It gives you a dedicated space to work on your projects, experiment, and cultivate your creativity.
4. Artistic Community: Studying art exposes you to a community of artists. These connections can be highly beneficial as they allow for collaboration, inspiration, criticism, and a shared understanding of the creative process.
5. Self-Exploration: Art allows you to explore and understand yourself on a deeper way. It fosters personal growth and introspection by encouraging self-expression, self-reflection, and self-discovery.
6. Creative Freedom: Studying art promotes and celebrates artistic independence. You have complete freedom to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and feelings, allowing you to push limits and defy conventions.
7. Unique Skill Set: Problem-solving, critical thinking, and flexibility skills learned as an artist are transferable to other facets of life and can be useful in different job lines.
8. Cultural Awareness: Art frequently combines cultural, historical, and societal backgrounds, allowing you to have a better knowledge of many cultures and perspectives. This cultural awareness can improve your art as well as your life.
9. Influence and Inspiration: As you study art history and the works of famous artists, you will get inspiration and insights that will help you shape your own artistic journey and style.
10. Contribution to Society: You have the power to create a significant impact on society through your creativity by stimulating conversations, questioning norms, and bringing beauty and meaning into the world.
11. Portfolio Development: As you establish a body of work during your studies, you build a professional portfolio that can help you pursue a job in the arts or other creative industries.
12. Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Art frequently overlaps with other disciplines, providing opportunity for collaboration with professionals from various fields such as science, technology, or healthcare, resulting in creative initiatives and views.
13. Therapeutic Benefits: Making art may be therapeutic and stress-relieving. Many people find peace and emotional expression through art-making, which contributes to better mental health.
14. Enhanced Observation Skills: As an artist, you become more sensitive to subtleties and nuances in your surroundings. This increased awareness can lead to a greater appreciation for your environment and can be applied to other fields such as science and study.
15. Aesthetics and Design Skills: Even if you do not want to pursue a career in art, studying it will improve your sense of aesthetics and design, which may be used to interior design, fashion, graphic design, or any other sector that appreciates visual appeal.
In a nutshell, learning about art offers a rich experience that extends beyond the canvas. It fosters artistic expression, self-discovery, and personal development while offering a forum for interaction with like-minded artists. The skills and experiences gained in art education can be rewarding and transforming, both in your artistic endeavors and in your life as a whole.
Challenges that come with Studying Art
Studying art, like any academic pursuit, comes with its own set of challenges and potential drawbacks:
1. Historical Emphasis Hindrance: Art education's heavy emphasis on art history can sometimes overshadow the practical aspects of creating art. It may appear that history is impeding your artistic expression.
2. Boredom with History: Art history can become tedious or dull to some pupils over time. This can have an impact on motivation and involvement in the classroom.
3. Complexity of Art History: The complexities and complexities of art history can be bewildering. The topic matter can become quite complicated, making it difficult to comprehend and remember all of the material.
4. Overlap of Challenges: The deep and multifaceted nature of art history can be intimidating. The topic matter can become extremely complex, making it challenging to absorb and retain all of the material.
5. Uncertain Career Path: In contrast to other industries, the route to a steady and financially satisfying career in art can be less clear. Many artists face career prospects and economic stability uncertainties, which can be frightening.
6. Assumption of Prior Knowledge: Some art schools assume that students have fundamental artistic talents from their high school education, such as drawing, painting, or sculpture. Students who are new to art may be disadvantaged as a result of having to catch up rapidly.
7. Limited Art Activities: While creativity is at the heart of art education, certain schools may place a greater emphasis on theory and history than on hands-on creative activities. This can leave students yearning for more hands-on experience.
8. Lack of Job Security: Many art-related occupations, such as independent artists and art educators, may not provide the same level of job security as more traditional occupations. This can result in job insecurity and financial stress.
9 Limited Formal Education in Business: Many art programs emphasize creativity while providing limited education on the business side of art, such as marketing, contracts, and financial management. This can leave artists ill-prepared to negotiate the professional art industry.
It is important to highlight that these difficulties are not universal and might vary greatly depending on the school and the individual art program. However, it is equally important to recognize that the challenges you confront during your art education may contribute to your personal growth and resilience. Overcoming these obstacles can help you get a better knowledge of yourself as an artist and, in turn, shape your own artistic path.
Why should you study art?
Eventually, studying art is a very personal decision that should correspond with your hobbies, interests, and professional aspirations. If you're reading this and thinking of studying art, it's a strong sign that you're interested in the subject. In such a situation, it appears that the response is a resounding "Yes." Explore your creativity, follow your passion, and enjoy the path of self-discovery through art. Your dedication and passion are strong signs that pursuing an education in the arts might be a happy and gratifying career for you.
Why should you not study art?
The decision to study art, like any other topic of study, is very personal. It should be focused on your personal interests, ambitions, and professional goals. If you're thinking about studying art and it fits your particular objectives and interests, it may be a wonderful and enjoyable path to take. While it is true that pursuing your aspirations may provide you and your family with a sense of pride and accomplishment, the most crucial component is your personal love and devotion to the area. Follow your heart, follow what piques your interest, and make the decision that seems appropriate for your own particular path.
Final thoughts
Sharing thoughts and aiding others on their path gives me a purpose. Giving advice and help can be really fulfilling, and I feel it is a generous approach to contribute to others' growth and advancement. I intend to continue sharing my expertise and experiences in order to encourage and empower people who wish to follow in my footsteps. To make a significant difference in the lives of aspiring artists, students, and anybody who comes across my work.
So here are some of the materials for you to prepare for your journey of studying art!
Applications
And here are some links to universities where you can apply for art.
Learn how to make an Art Portfolio links:
YouTube links
Blogs
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