Our graduates continue to make their mark around the world, and two recent examples are Phillipah Rumano and Tshegofatso Phore, who have just completed an inspiring art residency at the Tazishan Art Center in Chengdu, China. This residency provided a transformative experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in a new culture, collaborate with international artists, and hone their artistic skills.
The project, titled "Sir, Where is This Place?” (Series 02), was led by Megan Mace, a South African artist and curator based in China. This dynamic residency and collaboration culminated in an exhibition that showcased prints from Artists Proof Studio (APS), emphasizing the studio's rich printmaking traditions. The exhibition brought fresh energy and new narratives about African art to China, creating a vibrant cross-cultural dialogue through the medium of printmaking.
The residency kicked off with a warm welcome from the Tazishan Art Center team, who introduced Phillipah and Tshegofatso to the lively art scene of Chengdu. During their stay, they collaborated with Pao, a Chinese beverage brand, blending artistic expression with brand elements to create unique works. Phillipah led two workshops—one on monotype printmaking for adults and another on watercolour techniques for children—allowing her to share her skills and connect with the local community in a meaningful way.
Tshegofatso Phore also led two engaging workshops: a watercolour workshop that explored various materials like wax, salt, and textured objects to create different effects, and a linocut workshop combined with watercolour and subtractive monotype techniques. These sessions provided a platform for cultural exchange, where he could both share his expertise and learn from others.
Outside the studio, Phillipah and Tshegofatso, guided by Megan, explored Chengdu's rich cultural landscape. They explored the vibrant heritage of Sichuan, discovering its history, language, and unique cuisine. The Tazishan Art Center team went the extra mile to enrich their experience by teaching them local phrases and introducing them to authentic Sichuan dishes.
The exhibition curation was exceptional, featuring prints from Artists Proof Studio artists, scrolls with profiles of each artist, which highlighted the profound cultural importance of scrolls in Chinese tradition as a means of storytelling and art. This innovative display blended African and Chinese art styles seamlessly, celebrating both contemporary creativity and cultural heritage. The local community showed great enthusiasm, attending the exhibition, and engaging deeply with the art on display.
At APS, we are dedicated to providing opportunities that encourage our artists to grow, push boundaries, and engage with global audiences. We are proud of Phillipah and Tshegofatso for embracing these opportunities, representing the essence of Artist Proof Studio on an international stage and sharing the skills they acquired while they were students.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Megan Mace, the Tazishan Art Center, Pao, Brand South Africa, Global South Africans Network, Chengdu Jinjiang Contemporary Art Center and the Chengdu community for their support and for fostering such meaningful cultural exchanges.
