Avi Sooful is a Senior Lecturer in Fine Arts at the School of the Arts. In this interview, she tells us about her experience in the art world and shares her ideas on change.

Tell us about yourself and what you do at UP?

I joined the University of Pretoria in 2015. My career in higher education spans 24 years. I started as a teacher in Umlazi, Durban, in 1990 and moved to the Vaal University of Technology in 1999, eventually heading the Department of Visual Arts and Design in 2011. Throughout this journey, I have accumulated the following qualifications: BA(FA), MA(FA), DTech, HDE (Post School), and FDE (Educational Management).

As a woman in academia, what specific contributions do you believe you've made to your field or to the university community?

As a practising artist, I have held various national and international exhibitions that include solo and group shows, and I have curated various exhibitions. My contributions to the visual arts include being elected as the National President of the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA, 2017-2022). I am the first black female to hold this position. Since 2019 I have chaired an international network called Exploring Visual Cultures (EVC) that includes art educators from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Germany, and South Africa. A current project is the development of a single art textbook for educators and learners both in Germany and Ghana. The network will host a conference at Future Africa titled (A)Gender Matters from 19 to 22 September. I am in discussions with colleagues at Germany’s Dortmund and Bayreuth Universities about future projects with University of Pretoria Fine Art students and staff members.

Are there any women mentors or role models who have influenced your academic/professional journey and how did they inspire you?

I am inspired by Graça Machel, her continued advocacy for women and child rights, as well as her humanitarian work that continues to foster a positive view on Africa. I was part of the student anti-apartheid struggle during the 1980s, and the women’s struggle remains an important part of my life and career as an artist. My artmaking is both sociopolitical and feminist images. The world in which we live as South African women must change urgently, and we need to engage in this change.

How can we ensure that women are equally represented and empowered in leadership positions at UP?

Change is a mindset, and the patriarchal mindset is entrenched at this University. Women need to be acknowledged regularly within the different spheres so that there is greater visibility of women who work at this institution. Familiarity is necessary for changing a mindset and empowering women who occupy positions that are springboards to leadership positions. 

Have you experienced any gender-related biases or discrimination during your academic/professional career, and how did you respond to them?

My response is to find personal areas of interest that create harmony in my life, that also nurture students who are living through challenging times globally.

How can we promote work-life balance and address the challenges women may face in balancing academic/professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments?

There should be a supportive culture exhibited by and within the institution. Fortunately for me, my partner is an academic, so we are supportive of each other with shared responsibilities.

Are there any specific projects or research areas that you think are essential to address gender-related issues or improve the status of women in society?

Matters of sustainability should be a priority. Together with this are issues on land, migration, etc that affect women. There should be platforms for discussions on women in the arts, and what their voices are saying.

As we celebrate Women's Month, what message would you like to send to young women aspiring to pursue higher education or careers in academia?

Our future as women is in our hands. We educate ourselves so that we can educate others.