Associate Professor Jenni Lauwrens of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) School of the Arts has received a National Research Foundation (NRF) C2 rating.

“Being awarded an NRF rating gives me the assurance that my research is on the right track,” says Prof Lauwrens, whose academic journey at UP began in 1990 when she was a BA (ED) student in Fine Arts.

She furthered her studies with a BA (Hons) in Visual Studies in 2002, followed by an MA in Visual Studies in 2005. Later, Prof Lauwrens obtained a PhD from the University of the Free State, establishing a robust academic foundation that prepared her for her current role.

In her position at the School of the Arts: Visual Arts, Prof Lauwrens not only lectures but also serves as editor of the academic journal Image & Text. Her research focuses on sensory studies and how people engage with art through non-visual senses such as hearing, touch, smell and movement. Contrary to the conventional emphasis on sight alone, Prof Lauwrens argues that art is a holistic experience involving the entire body.

“While focusing attention on the senses in art, visual culture has gained a large following across the globe,” she explains. “No art historians or visual culturalists are working exclusively on this topic in South Africa. Meanwhile, many South African artists include sounds, smells, tactile elements and movement in their work. In addition, we live in a visual culture that appeals more and more to the sensory body of the consumer. However, when art historians or visual culturalists analyse these examples, they tend to focus their interpretation on the visual dimension only.”

This perspective has driven her exploration of artworks that incorporate or evoke these sensory dimensions, thereby expanding the conventional understanding of art's impact and significance.

Her research not only enriches academic literature, but also aims to foster inclusivity in art appreciation.

“My recent publications have aimed to give a voice to people who are blind or partially sighted – experts in touch – who are often excluded from discussions on art, particularly in South Africa.”

By highlighting the role of senses in art, she challenges cultural norms and enhances our comprehension of artistic expression, both in South Africa and globally.

For aspiring researchers aiming for NRF recognition, Prof Lauwrens offers this advice: “The Faculty of Humanities is very supportive of applicants and arranges workshops with rated researchers. These were extremely helpful to me.”

She also highlights the importance of perseverance and utilising available support networks.

Prof Lauwrens hopes to be remembered as a pioneer in South African art research, expanding the boundaries of traditional art history and visual culture studies by integrating sensory perspectives. Her work continues to inspire new generations to explore the rich, multisensory dimensions of visual culture with curiosity and scholarly rigour.

“I would like to be remembered as someone who bridged the gap between art history, visual culture studies and sensory studies in South African research on art and visual culture.”