International artists discuss creativity
An audience of almost 30 local and international artists joined by university rectors from across the globe attended a brain colloquium to discuss different aspects of creativity and where it origins at the Polokwane city library last Thursday. The colloquium was organised by Polokwane Municipality and led by Peter Vale, a professor from the Johannesburg …
An audience of almost 30 local and international artists joined by university rectors from across the globe attended a brain colloquium to discuss different aspects of creativity and where it origins at the Polokwane city library last Thursday.
The colloquium was organised by Polokwane Municipality and led by Peter Vale, a professor from the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study (Jias) at the University of Johannesburg.
“Jias’ objective is to bring a group of specialists together on a yearly basis and to discuss a certain topic. This year is all about the human brain and creativity. We are planning on focusing on language next year and money the year thereafter,” Vale said.
He added that the topic on the brain in sub-topics: What is brain studies, the cognitive part of the brain, the creative side of the brain and the social side of the brain.
Among the guests and participants in the discussion were Zachary Walker from the National Institute of Education in Singapore, Willem Hendrik Gispen a former rector at the Utrecht University in The Netherlands, Taga Nuwagaba an artist from Uganda, Yewande Omotoso a novelist from Johannesburg and Vonani Bila a local poet.
“As a teacher I do not really have a definition for creativity. In my daily routine with students I try to create opportunities for students to be more creative. We all are creative, some are just fostering it more,” Walker said.
Omotoso said her creativity comes from observing herself internally and the world around her. “Creativity comes with patience. It is a waiting game while collecting information and ideas,” she said.
Story and photos: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com
Featured photo: Attending the brain colloquium are Ugandan artist Taga Nuwagaba, local poet Vonani Bila, Polokwane Municipal Cultural Services Manager Stefan Bosman, novelist Yewande Omotoso, Polokwane Municipal Cultural Planner Malose Lekganyane, former rector at Utrecht University Willem Hendrik Gispen and educator from the National Institute of Education in Singapore Zachary Walker.
