In February 2025, Hlavutelo Ngobeni, an Artist Proof Studio graduate and printmaking assistant in the Pro-Shop, traveled to New York City for the Ampersand Foundation Residency. This was a big step, her first time traveling alone, her first time on a plane, and her first chance to experience one of the world’s major art capitals firsthand.
The Ampersand Foundation, founded by Jack Ginsberg, offers young South African visual artists and arts administrators a funded a one-month residency in New York. The residency allows artists to explore museums, galleries, and creative spaces, gaining exposure to international art communities and new ways of thinking about their work. For Hlavutelo, this meant stepping into a city full of artistic possibilities, learning experiences, and creative inspiration.
A City of Art & Endless Discovery
One of the most valuable aspects of her residency was the opportunity to visit Dieu Donné, a leading non-profit cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art and hand papermaking. Founded in 1976 by Susan Gosin and Bruce Wineberg, Dieu Donné is known for introducing artists from diverse practices to the creative potential of handmade paper, fostering collaboration and experimentation.
Visiting New York’s museums was a major highlight of her trip. "I was particularly captivated by the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim, where I discovered an impressive collection of Cubist artworks that sparked my creativity," she shares. At the Brooklyn Museum, she spent time exploring the Egyptian art collection, drawn to its intricate details and craftsmanship. Seeing these historical works made her think about how different cultures have used materials and storytelling across time—something that connects closely with printmaking.
Learning from the Artists at Dieu Donné Papermill
"I felt privileged to learn traditional handmade papermaking techniques and to witness the art of sculpting with handmade paper," says Hlavutelo. The time she spent at Dieu Donné refined her technical skills and deepened her understanding of how paper can function as both material and form in contemporary art. This experience opened new possibilities for her own practice, allowing her to think beyond printmaking as just a two-dimensional medium.
The Impact of Artist Residencies
Opportunities like this broaden creative perspectives and open new ways of thinking, making, and engaging with the world. As she returns to the studio, her journey becomes part of a larger story, one that continues to shape and inspire both her own work and the broader artistic community.
