Reimagining Irma Stern through youth voices

Since 2022, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Irma Stern Museum and the Western Cape Education Department have been working hand in hand on a vibrant and forward-thinking practical assessment task (PAT) that celebrates the connections between visual art and design. This collaboration not only honours the legacy of Irma Stern but also encourages a new generation of learners to explore their own creativity through the lens of one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists.

Every year, Grade 11 visual art and design learners in the Western Cape are invited to step into Stern’s world by visiting the museum. Here, they are challenged to critically observe, analyse, re-think, re-imagine, and re-interpret her work within the context of their own lives. Through hands-on education workshops led by the museum’s educator, Nobukho Nqaba, learners are equipped with both practical and theoretical skills. After the museum visits, under the guidance of their teachers, learners work through the PAT, and the final results are the artworks now on display at the museum.

The visual art task, themed “My World, Portraits and Possessions”, called on learners to create personal responses to Stern’s work. They were encouraged to explore identity by reflecting on themselves and the diverse individuals in their own communities, while also considering the objects that hold meaning in their lives. Drawing inspiration from Irma Stern and contemporary artists alike, learners created artworks that wove together people, places, and possessions; portraits that reveal character and objects that tell stories of culture, memory, and belonging.

The design task, under the theme “Irma and My World”, opened up a wide range of creative possibilities. Learners were asked to respond to imaginative design scenarios, blending personal inspiration with Stern’s artistic world. Options included product design, fabric and poster design, an education centre design for the museum, handbags, or functional household products. Each design became a dialogue between past and present, where Stern’s influence intersected with the learners’ creativity and contemporary realities.

To highlight excellence, Nqaba, together with respected contemporary designers and artists Thandiwe Msebenzi, Ellene Louw, Azola Dyonta, and Stephanie Simpson, selected the most outstanding works from various schools in the province. These artworks now form the heart of this year’s exhibition.

“I am so proud to have been part of this project for the past few years,” Nqaba said. “I love that the exhibition echoes the ecosystem of the province. We have all kinds of schools represented, including special needs schools. Seeing the work on display and how everything works well together makes me proud. My biggest highlight was working with the curatorial team, and treating the process as a two-way learning curve – for me and for them. They took on their tasks in a serious manner, and we worked tirelessly trying to piece together all these different strong artistic voices, turning them into a beautiful tapestry.”

Internship opportunity

The 2025 edition brings an exciting new dimension: a curatorial internship opportunity. A select group of Grade 11 learners were invited to spend a week working alongside Nqaba at the museum, gaining firsthand experience in curating an exhibition. From planning and layout to poster design and administrative support, the interns played a vital role in shaping the final presentation. This innovative addition not only enriches the exhibition but also offers learners a glimpse into the professional world of museums, curatorship, and creative industries.

This project is more than an exhibition – it is a celebration of youth voices, creativity, and heritage. By connecting with Stern’s legacy, learners find new ways to see themselves, their communities, and the world they are part of.