Sip-and-Paint event reveals students’ artistic talent

The UNIMA campus quadrangle was a mesmerizing display of colour on 19th April, 2024, thanks to an exhibition of various works produced by fine art students. This was part of a Sip ‘n’ Paint event organized by the Fine Art Society, composed of students enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine and Perfoming Arts programme. The display featured paintings rendered in different art styles, from realistic and familiar still life images to mind-boggling abstract artworks. The variety of displays illustrated the students’ familiarility with various media, including oil on canvas, charcoal drawings and watercolours, used to render images varying from portraits to vegetation.

However, the event was not just about exhibiting artworks produced by current and past fine art students. It also welcomed other staff and students to participate. For a small fee, participants were equipped with the necessary tools – paintbrush, paints, canvas and professional guidance – to temporarily enter the world of the fine artists and experience the godlike power of creating life on canvas, in different art styles. Upon completion, they were allowed to take their artworks home.

Mwai Kaufulu, the Society’s president, described the event as their first, serving as both a fundraiser and an invitation for students from other programs to join their group. He emphasized that artistic talent is not limited to Fine Art students, as shown by the impressive works created by participants from various academic backgrounds.

Kaufulu stated, “We're welcoming people from all academic fields to take part in our events. Many assume that artistic talent is exclusive to Fine Art students, but today's event has proven otherwise. Whether you're studying science or economics, you can join the Fine Art Society. Furthermore, this event was an opportunity for us to promote our society. Within the university, there’s limited awareness about our program and society, so we want to showcase what we do. Our plans include hosting similar events outside the university to demonstrate our skills to a wider audience.”

Ms. Roseby Makawa, a lecturer in the Department of Fine Art specializing in art history and painting, pointed out that the event aimed to simulate the professional art industry, providing students with a platform to market themselves through exhibitions.

“Our goal was to immerse students in a real-world art experience,” she said. “This event mirrors how they will promote themselves after graduation. We wanted to give our students a platform to try and market themselves. At the same time, we also wanted to give a chance to other students that we know are talented in art but can not come to our department to learn art because of their busy schedules.”

Jacqueline Nsamala, a second-year social work student and one of the participants, shared her passion for art as a form of non-verbal expression. She, however, noted that in Malawi, art is not often taken seriously, resulting in artists earning less compared to other countries where painting holds higher value. The Fine Art Society believes events like Sip ‘n’ Paint can change the situation, fostering greater appreciation for talent.