“Working closely with Prof Karen von Veh and Bronwen Findlay (my supervisors), guided my process and aligned my trajectory throughout. I remain ever grateful to all of them.” This artist found his way to the arts from a young age, realising a vital skill in what the majority of people do in childhood: drawing, painting, and creating new things. Generalis says that this has been a certain good choice for the future. “Choosing fine arts has held me in good stead. Over the years, I have become proficient in many practical and technical skills – including painting, drawing and design, mould making, and sculpture.” Some of the most important lessons learned during his studies centred on self-motivation, he says. “Completing my dissertation taught me to allow my instincts and yet still allow space for transformation.” He paints a picture of a future lived in the arts. “My ambition is to solidify many of my career goals into fruition
through new collaborations and art residencies here and abroad. Art and art-making can still be considered undiluted modes of depicting culture and identity – and my research focused on hybridity, specifically the idea of Hybrid Vigour, a term borrowed from genetics.” Generalis finds an overlap of visual and aesthetic codes used by artists to create entirely new narratives. “Such redefinitions of the narrative are of particular interest for me and my work as a queer person.” Right now, the arts need artists – and Generalis hopes that a life lived in the arts can make a worldwide difference. “The arts need long-term support and funding – but I’d like to see more ‘buy-in’ from the government and private sector as well as genuine support from the public.” “I believe that through the creative arts we can achieve both sustainable economic growth as well as new job creation. Art and artmaking have the power to educate, create awareness, and challenge societal norms.”
“It is a very prestigious medal for any recipient,” says Generalis, calling the news of winning the award a great way to lift the spirits during COVID-19. “It is actual recognition of the hard work that is implied by any well-completed project – and it offers artists a sense of credibility and validation of their work.” “The true value of such an award, to me, lies in the fact that it recognises ongoing steadfastness that characterises the career paths of every successful artist – and this, the prize will always be such a reminder,” he says. Generalis attributes perseverance to success. “It was important to remain focused and motivated, even when the process seemed to challenge my physical, mental and emotional limits. I was also fortunate to have had the invaluable support and encouragement of many people. Other than my family and close friends, the academic staff at the Department of Visual Art at FADA were an integral part of this success.
Faculty of Education University of Johannesburg (UJ) Chancellor’s Medal education in a changing world Mafor Penn: Embracing changing
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