The "Other Universals Summer/Winter Institute," held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 12 to 16, 2024, addressed key themes in postcolonial politics and aesthetics. Organized by the Centre for Humanities Research (CHR) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the conference focused on "Theorizing from Postcolonial Locations on Politics and Aesthetics." On Wednesday, August 14, Elizabeth W. Giorgis, Professor of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, Sharjah, delivered a keynote titled "Traces of Her: Reading Ethiopian Women Through History (1974-1991)." Her presentation explored Ethiopian women's roles and their impact on art, history, and cultural citizenship during anti-colonial and postcolonial periods. The conference concluded on Friday, August 16, with a roundtable discussion on "Aesthetics and Politics," which featured further contributions from Professor Giorgis. Her participation highlighted her commitment to examining the intersections of art, memory, and identity in shaping postcolonial narratives. Central to the "Other Universals" initiative are political debates and discussions, alongside aesthetic and literary practices from the late-colonial period, which continue to influence desires for equality and solidarity across subaltern locations in postcolonial spaces. This summer/winter school focused on three interrelated themes:
  • Anti-colonial Internationalisms
  • Identity, Identification & Cultural Citizenship
  • The Comparative Method
The "Other Universals" initiative is a supra-national consortium supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. It unites scholars from several universities across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, including the University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, Addis Ababa University, University of Ghana (Legon), the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus), and the American University of Beirut. By fostering interdisciplinary conversations around shared intellectual and political preoccupations, "Other Universals" provides a platform for critical dialogue on anti-colonial internationalisms, identity, and the comparative method. The CHR, known for its commitment to public engagement and scholarly collaboration, continues to elevate African and global South perspectives, challenging conventional narratives and promoting alternative understandings of global citizenship and cultural heritage.