APS Welcomes Class of 2026
We are excited to have kicked off 2026 with a vibrant and diverse new cohort of students from across the country. We warmly welcome our first-year students as they embark on their creative journey with Artist Proof Studio. The academic year officially began on 02 February with an engaging orientation programme, where students were introduced to the APS ethos of I SEE U — Innovation, Self-awareness, Excellence, Engagement, , and Ubuntu — along with the studio’s rules, regulations, and learning culture.
The orientation featured an exciting Amazing Race initiative, thoughtfully designed by our dedicated education team. Students were placed into mixed-year groups, encouraging peer connection while helping first-year students familiarise themselves with the APS ecosystem, key venues, and resources they will use throughout the year.
Meet Our New Team Member
Visual artist Lonwabo Mzamo is our new Drawing Facilitator, originally from Molteno in the Eastern Cape, interrogates masculinity, ritual, and cultural knowledge systems within isiXhosa traditions. He holds a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts from Walter Sisulu University, a BA Honours in Visual Art, and a master’s degree in visual art from the University of Johannesburg.
Mzamo’s early practice was rooted in painting and drawing; however, over the past three years, his work has expanded into mixed media, sculpture, and installation. This experimental approach enables him to examine masculinity through symbolism, exploring how meaning is constructed, negotiated, and transformed within society. Central to his work is an engagement with isiXhosa cultural practices, particularly initiation, ritual, and spirituality, and how these traditions shape identity and knowledge creation.
His work has featured in several group exhibitions, including the Advanced Diploma End-of-Year Exhibition (Ann Bryant Art Gallery, 2021), Breaking the Fourth Wall (2023), and Us and We (Limbro Park, 2021–2023). In 2023, he was a mentee at the University of Johannesburg and participated in the MTN #WeAreConnecting collaboration, serving as a docent at the Wits Art Museum for Encounters with the (Im)material.
Driven by both research and practice, Mzamo views art as a tool for critical inquiry, cultural preservation, and transformation. His current body of work bridges academic and creative spaces, positioning his practice within ongoing discourses on masculinity, ritual, and spirituality. He plans to pursue doctoral study to deepen his exploration of spirituality and materiality and to develop new methodologies for integrating cultural knowledge into contemporary art.
ABSA Jasiri Awards Gift Prints
Artist Proof Studio had an opportunity to execute a commissioned project with long-time collaborator and partner Absa. Anchored by the theme “The Power of One,” the project brought together African artistic excellence and meaningful symbolism to create a series of bespoke gift prints across 14 award categories. Rather than conventional trophies, each honouree received a carefully conceived artwork, a contemporary African heirloom representing courage, leadership, service, and collective impact.
Developed in collaboration with seven Artist Proof Studio alumni, the artworks reflect a unified visual language while honouring the distinct values of each award category. From leadership and service to innovation and excellence, every piece was crafted to embody the spirit of Jasiri - bravery, purpose, and bold action.
This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, thoughtful curation, and the role of art in celebrating achievement and shaping legacy.
APS Participating Artists: Bheki Sibiya, Boitumelo Lethoko, George Mokwena, Jason Langa, Nkosana Nhlapo, Samkelo Matomela and Tsako Hobyani.
APS Printers: Hlelo Molefe (lead), Hlavutelo Ngobeni, Bokang Makoe, Vonani Hlongwani
Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2026
Artist Proof Studio is proud to announce our participation in Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2026. Join us at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 20-22 February, Booth E4, as we showcase works by our featured artists including Kagiso Diale, Raymond Fuyana, Mosa Kaiser, William Kentridge, Sizwe Khoza, Lebogang Mabusela, David Madlabane, Thokozani Madonsela Ramarutha Makoba, Methembe Hlelo, Molefe Mongezi, Ncaphayi Lungile, Ngcobo Nkosana Nhlapo, Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng, Mary Sibande, Bambo Sibiya, Bheki Sibiya, Thabo Skhosana, David Tsoka as well as Kim Berman.
