As we move through the final months of the year, Artist Proof Studio has several exciting updates to share, including new art collaborations, exhibitions, and workshops that continue to showcase the incredible talent of our artists. From international mural projects to exclusive partnerships and alumni success stories, here’s what you need to know.
RMB Talent Unlocked Mentorship Programme: Celebrating Emerging Artists
On 18 September, the RMB Talent Unlocked Mentorship Programme came to a successful close with an exhibition at the Art and About Gallery in Sandton. The programme included emerging artists from Artist Proof Studio, Umhlabathi, and the Bag Factory Artists' Studios, all of whom spent months refining their skills under the mentorship of professionals in the art world.
The exhibition was an excellent opportunity for collectors, art enthusiasts, and the creative community to engage with fresh perspectives from South Africa’s emerging artists. It was a milestone for the mentees, as they presented their work to the public, some for the first time, marking the beginning of their professional art careers. There will be a walkabout in a couple of weeks, stayed tuned for more info.
Fallo, Italy Mural Update
Our graduates have been working on an exciting mural project in Fallo, Italy, for the past two months. As part of the Narevè Project, this mural honours the late Gianni Mariano and celebrates the rich cultural exchange between South Africa and Italy.
The mural will be officially launched on 13 October 2024 at 11:00 in Fallo. The graduates have poured their creativity and skills into this project, and the launch will be a celebration of their hard work and artistic achievements. Stay tuned for more news on this significant project.
ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme 2024: Developing the Next Generation of Artists
In 2023, Artist Proof Studio collaborated with the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme to host a successful two-day training workshop for finalists in the Visual and Digital Arts categories. The workshop introduced these talented young artists to the world of printmaking, allowing them to explore new mediums and techniques while incorporating their existing practices. This initiative aimed to broaden their artistic scope, enabling them to apply printmaking to their current works and integrate these pieces into their final exhibition collection. The hands-on sessions were coupled with remote classes, providing a solid foundation in printmaking techniques, the role of print in contemporary art, and its potential as a medium for storytelling.
We are excited to continue this partnership in 2024, following the same model of remote learning and in-person workshops. This year’s theme, #NyolohaAfrica: Our canvas, our voice, our future, encouraged participants to reimagine South Africa's artistic future by blending traditional African storytelling with modern technology. Read more about this project here.
Art Meets Comfort: APS at Pablo House
Artist Proof Studio is excited to partner with Pablo House Boutique, a unique luxury guesthouse in the vibrant neighborhood of Melville, Johannesburg. This collaboration merges the worlds of hospitality and art, offering guests not only a comfortable stay but an opportunity to experience contemporary South African art firsthand. With stunning views of Johannesburg’s landscape, the boutique guesthouse showcases works from both emerging and established artists associated with Artist Proof Studio, creating an environment that brings art into everyday living spaces. By featuring curated pieces in each of Pablo House’s beautifully designed rooms and communal areas, guests are invited to engage with art in a new and intimate way.
The partnership aligns with Artist Proof Studio’s mission to promote and uplift local talent, providing a platform for artists to reach wider audiences beyond traditional gallery settings. The pieces on display are available for purchase, allowing guests to take a piece of their stay home with them, while supporting the artists and the APS community. This initiative bridges the gap between art collectors and casual admirers, making high-quality art more accessible in a warm, welcoming environment. Please contact Louis Roux louis@hellopablo.co.za for viewing. View catalogue here.
Faces & Figures: Identity Through Printmaking Between South Africa and Washington, D.C. – Part 2
Artist Proof Studio (APS) is excited to continue its collaboration with Mason Exhibitions for Faces & Figures: Identity Through Printmaking Between South Africa and Washington, D.C., Part 2. This exhibition showcases over 100 prints by 26 South African artists, exploring themes of identity, community, and post-apartheid challenges through printmaking. Following the Arlington Art Walk on October 5th, a special book launch event will take place on the 15th of November, exploring similar themes of violence, reconciliation, and Ubuntu. APS is proud to support emerging artists and connect their stories with international audiences. Read more about the exhibition here.
Alumni News and Events
On the 30th of September, the Art Route Johannesburg team presented the JSE Art Share initiative to celebrate Heritage Day. This initiative allowed JSE staff to engage with works by significant South African artists. Among these featured creators was Artist Proof Studio graduate Sizwe Khoza, whose contributions, alongside those of Patrick Mautloa and Lerato Nntili, are now part of the prestigious JSE permanent collection. This event highlighted the growing recognition of local artistic talent, and the role art plays in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Printmaking demos at Origin Art Gallery
We’re teaming up with Origin Art once again for a hands-on printmaking workshop on Saturday, 12 October. This session offers a chance to learn from some of Johannesburg’s leading printmakers from Artist Proof Studio, in the inspiring setting of Origin Art on the Keyes Art Mile.
You’ll get to explore the technique of linocut printmaking with guidance from the experts, using professional materials such as linoleum, inks, and paper. Participants will create their own prints to take home. A great way to get creative while connecting with other art lovers. Ticket available here
Tshogofatso Nkhumeleng, an APS graduate, is part of a group exhibition titled "Our Stories," demonstrating the diversity and depth of contemporary art narratives. Additionally, the ongoing collaboration with Mason Exhibitions continues with an exciting activation tied to the Faces & Figures: Identity Through Printmaking Between South Africa and Washington D.C. exhibition. Finally, Mario Soares' solo exhibition, Back in Colour, is currently on view at Candice Berman, offering viewers a vibrant exploration of urban life and culture.
