Investigating "othering" in visual arts spaces of learning

Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of South Africa Press
Abstract
In the political, social, cultural and economic context of South Africa, higher education spaces provide fertile ground for social research. This case study explored “othered” identities in the Department of Visual Arts of Stellenbosch University. Interviews with students and lecturers revealed interesting and controversial aspects in terms of their experiences in the Department of Visual Arts. Theoretical perspectives such as “othering”, symbolic racism, the racialised body and visual art theory were used to interpret these experiences. It was found that “othering” because of indirect racism and language or economic circumstances affects students’ creative expression. Causes of “othering” experiences should be investigated in order to promote necessary transformation within the visual arts and within higher education institutions.
Description
CITATION: Biscombe, M., Conradie, S., Costandius, E. & Alexander, N. 2017. Investigating "othering" in visual arts spaces of learning. Education as Change, 21(1), doi:10.17159/1947-9417/2017/1070.
The original publication is available at https://upjournals.co.za/index.php/EAC
Keywords
College buildings, Art -- South Africa, Other (Philosophy), Education, Higher -- South Africa, Diversity -- South Africa
Citation
Biscombe, M., Conradie, S., Costandius, E. & Alexander, N. 2017. Investigating "othering" in visual arts spaces of learning. Education as Change, 21(1), doi:10.17159/1947-9417/2017/1070.