Artists Dr Noria Mabasa Receives Honorary Doctorate from UJ

Photo Credit: University of Johannesburg

Dr Noria Muelwa Mabasa has been honoured by the University of Johannesburg with an honorary doctorate for her incredible work over the decades.

South Africa (04 May 2023) – The Melrose Gallery is honouring Dr Noria Muelwa Mabasa’s (84) accomplishment of being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg in April 2023. The talented artist has been inspiring others for decades, so it is wonderful to see her hard work pay off.

According to the gallery, Dr Mabasa is a Venda artist, who works primarily in ceramic and wood sculpture. She is known for her pottery and wood sculptures and was a recipient of the 2002 Silver category of the Order of the Baobab. In her career, Dr Mabasa has received several other national and international accolades and awards for her outstanding artistry and creativity.

“Mabasa’s works deal mostly with the metaphysical and feminine, particularly issues pertaining to women, as well as subjects of Venda mythology and spirituality. She mainly works with clay from her local river bank and wood for her art pieces. Her choice to create wooden sculptures was partly informed by practicality – she stated that wood “isn’t as fragile as clay.” – The Melrose Gallery

The University of Johannesburg honoured Dr Mabasa with a doctorate in Art and Design. The ceremony took place at the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) on the 19th of April 2023.

She broke boundaries early on in her career, becoming the first Venda woman to work with wood, a material previously only used by male sculptors in her culture.

“We applaud the way Noria Mabasa has courageously encouraged other women to explore artistic labour, outside of the conventional domains of male art. She has also shared her indigenous knowledge with her community, and the wider world. We believe that it is timeous that Noria Mabasa be recognised for her valuable contribution to cultural life, education, and contemporary art over the last 50 years.” – Professor Bettine van Vuuren, University of Johannesburg Registrar

Speaking to the audience after accepting her honorary doctorate, Dr Mabasa shared how she plans to continue her work for as long as she can.

“My legs ache now from old age, but my hands are pretty strong. And I look forward to continuing my work for as long as I can. I am so happy to have this honour from UJ”, – Dr Noria Muelwa Mabasa