Course General Description

The practice of sculpture is intertwined with architecture and its embellishments since mans first crafted dwellings were constructed. Before this time, sculpture was rooted in the service of the tribe in the form of fetish, for example, the Venus of Laspaux. Sculpture today is far-removed from the beautiful marble limb and the public monument to the fallen dead from some long-forgotten war. Sculpture is used for architectural decoration, the beautification of public spaces, as trophies for sporting and ever other imaginable award, as private and intimate object for consideration and reflection. Sculpture is especially used as a means or process for the expression of ideas and concepts which reflect contemporary issues with which society is concerned.

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.