Rene Koch

Many students see Visual Art as a subject that teaches us how to draw or paint, but I see it as a subject that teaches us to think. Each learner is on an individual journey through life and must make sense of their experiences. Visual Art provides a safe place to explore different ways of thinking about experience and received knowledge. We value the individual’s perspective and the contribution that thinking differently makes to society. The subject also teaches us to think clearly and defend a position.

Visual Art is hard work: following in the footsteps of others is easy, but being truly original is difficult. It is not necessary to be able to draw, but dedication and a love of art is essential.

I am currently working towards a PhD in Art Education at Wits. You can follow part of the research project by visiting www.howart.co.za