Course General Description

The training privileges the intimacy of direct observation as a means of training the eye and the gaining of formal skills. This is balanced by teaching methodologies which accent the expressionistic, feeling, experimental and playfulness critical to creative engagement on all levels, in all media. The drawing programme is divided into three sections. The first section concentrates on formal investigations of objects, figures, architecture and landscape. In the second section, the focus lies on each student developing an individual approach to drawing and includes the use of new and experimental approaches to media and concept. The third approach requires a rigorous engagement with research in the form of visual journals, the documentation of all observations, source material and process, the recording and developing of ideas and the repository of personal writings that that form the nexus of the development of an individual artistic persona.

School General Description

Nelson Mandela University (NMU), formerly known as University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), is a South African university with its main administration in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. Nelson Mandela University was founded through a merger of three institutions in January 2005, but its history dates back to 1882, with the foundation of the Port Elizabeth Art School. Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university offering professional and vocational training. The University has seven campuses – six in Port Elizabeth and one in George. The main campus of the university is South Campus. Students at Nelson Mandela University can study towards a diploma or a degree up to doctoral level qualifications. A number of courses include workplace experience as part of the curriculum at Nelson Mandela University. English is the university's medium of instruction.