Impermanence concerns every aspect of our lives, yet it goes unseen often for that same reason. In my dissertation, I wish to explain what impermanence is and delve into the role of impermanence in art. I will first dive into an explanation of what impermanence is, starting from the teaching of the Buddha, then introducing impermanence as a primary quality, highlighting its distinction from the manifestation or secondary qualities, e.g. change, movement, ageing. I will then investigate three examples of how impermanence can be utilised in art. The first case is the representation of impermanence in Jackson Pollock’s abstract paintings, for which I argue that what makes it possible is the inherently unstable appearance of the pieces combined with the artist’s intention and other variables. The second case is that of Anicka Yi’s exploitation of impermanence as a medium for her installations, borrowing Sherri Irvin’s comprehensive definition of medium. I will explain how Yi uses impermanence inside her art, and how she employs the quality in the piece in an effort to achieve her purpose, that of communication. The third and last case concerns the acceptance of the impermanent nature of the medium in street art, which will be pivotal in the achievement of the goal of subversiveness.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The National Department of Basic Education is aware that it is not succeeding in providing quality education for all school children. At present the performance of grade 3 and grade 6 learners, in both international and local assessment, is a matter for great concern. The results suggest that most learners lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. Learners’ performance in the National Senior Certificate Examinations is also far from what it should be. The way in which schools are managed largely determines the quality of education learners receive. As the managers of schools, therefore, principals are held responsible for the poor performance of learners during these annual systemic evaluations. The study aimed to investigate whether the school principals are aware of their powers and whether they perceive themselves as able to use their power to influence school practices positively and thus promote quality education. The study indicates that principals rely on a combination of positional and personal power sources to promote quality education. The study also indicates that principals are aware of their power but have a limited understanding of the concept of power. They also seem to lack the knowledge and understanding to exercise these powers effectively. Although they seem able to exercise considerable power in different situations, principals are reluctant to use their power. It seems that various external and internal factors influence their ability to use their power effectively. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming