Prof. Helene Strauss, a highly esteemed faculty member in the Department of English at the University of the Free State (UFS), achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious 2022 UFS Book Prize for Distinguished Scholarship at the annual UFS Research Awards ceremony.
In the face of stiff competition from outstanding contenders, Prof. Strauss emerged victorious, securing the award for her exceptional book titled ‘Wayward Feeling: Audio-Visual Culture and Aesthetic Activism in Post-Rainbow South Africa’, which had its official launch in 2022. As a token of recognition, she received a certificate of honour and a monetary prize, both of which served as fitting tributes to her outstanding achievements in this field.
“The book explores my long-standing interest in the emotional afterlives of historical injustice in South Africa, and in the many messy ways in which this history has settled into our bodies and our ways of relating to one another,” Prof. Strauss said as she reflected on her work. The book explores diverse expressions of aesthetic activism, which have engaged the sensory experiences of South African communities in recent times. These endeavours aim to channel the energies of the human body in ways that foster connections and contribute to the pursuit of enhanced social justice ideals.
Prof. Crain Soudien, a respected reviewer, praised Prof. Strauss’ work, noting that it comprehensively encapsulated the entire range of her scholarly pursuits. Prof. Strauss expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the significant influence of eminent South African creatives such as Berni Searle, Zanele Muholi, Rehad Desai, and Gabrielle Goliath on her book. She emphasised that their contributions facilitated a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between aesthetics and politics within contemporary South African public culture.
The book delves into pivotal political events from recent South African history, serving as an indispensable resource for scholars and students looking to untangle the intricate emotional nuances stemming from South Africa’s history of racial capitalism. Prof. Strauss further expressed her hope, stating that “readers will draw inspiration from the many imaginative means, by which South African artists and audio-visual activists have refused to relinquish their dreams of a better future”.
Despite her recent recognition, Prof. Strauss remains deeply engrossed in other significant projects. She is presently dedicated to a new book that explores the detrimental chemical and atmospheric consequences arising from South Africa’s history of extraction. Additionally, she is actively participating in a collaborative international initiative centred around decolonial efforts focused on acknowledging, repairing, and reshaping the world in response to the global climate crisis. This initiative involves the creation of a forthcoming special issue of the journal ‘Studies in Social Justice’.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
