ESTEEMED GLOBAL ARTISTS JOIN UFS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS

Ibrahim Mahama

By: Neo Ntsele

The International Institute of the Arts (IIA) at the University of the Free State (UFS) will welcome two distinguished Artists-in-Residence in 2026.

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama will join in March, and Dr Ashraf Jamal, a respected scholar and cultural commentator, will join in April.

Prof. Alexander Johnson, Director of IIA, expressed enthusiasm for their arrival, highlighting the support of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust in fostering dialogue on materiality, memory, and decoloniality.

Ibrahim Mahama, known for his work in material histories and collective memory, has established cultural initiatives in Ghana, including the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art. His global exhibitions and numerous awards, such as the Principal Prince Claus Laureate (2020) and the inaugural Sam Gilliam Award (2024), underscore his influence.

Dr Jamal’s appointment aligns with IIA’s dedication to intellectual excellence and contemporary artistic knowledge.

Dr Jamal Ashraf

Dr Ashraf Jamal is renowned for his work in visual art, cultural studies, and African creative knowledge.

He is affiliated with the Visual Identities in Art and Design Research Centre (VIAD) at the University of Johannesburg and advises the ARAK Collection of African Art.

His research on contemporary African art, the African diaspora, and global cultural relations aligns with the IIA’s focus on decolonial scholarship and African-centred knowledge systems. Dr Jamal has produced influential work, including books, essays, and lectures at leading international institutions, bridging academic and public discourse on art and culture.

During his residency, he will contribute to the academic program at the UFS Department of Art History and Image Studies through lectures, seminars, public events, and new research, enhancing the IIA’s research profile.