‘Where you are’ Opening Highlights: A Fusion of Art, Activism and Music
‘Where You Are’ a group exhibition, hosted by Artist Proof Studio (APS) at the Constitutional Hill opened on the 2nd of March. The opening event was beautifully intertwined art, music, and insightful discussions. The exhibition showcased 10 emerging South African artists, presenting a collection of prints that explore themes of freedom, identity, and society's pressing issues.
The day was marked by the soulful performance of Sfiso Atomza, a musician and producer whose work explores the essence of Southern African culture and democracy. Kim Berman’s speech emphasized the significance of Constitutional Hill as an exhibition space and the vital role of art as an act of activism. Masonwabe Ntloko shared invaluable insights with students on building a career in the arts, while Heidi Mielke’s official opening of the show recognized the hard work and journey of the students in the APS Printmaking Programme.
The artists, born between 1993 and 2001 during the transformational period of Constitutional Hill, have created work that addresses critical societal issues such as socio-economic inequalities, gender-based violence, and the challenges of post-colonial identity.
The choice of the Women's Prison at Constitutional Hill as the venue adds a profound historical context, reflecting on South Africa’s painful past while looking forward to a hopeful future. The exhibition is a bold exploration of personal and collective identity, pushing the boundaries of traditional printmaking by integrating mixed media techniques.
Did you miss the opening? The students will have a Walkabout on Human Rights Day!
Walkabout: Date: 21st March 2024 Time: 11:00 - 14:00
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the exhibition, led by the featured artists. This walkabout offers insights into the curation of the exhibition and the messages conveyed by the artworks. It is a chance to engage with the artists, ask questions, and share opinions.
The exhibition is open to the public and will end on the 28th of March. We encourage you to view the show. All sales from the exhibition will support the students and APS Education Programme furthering the mission to cultivate artistic talent and social consciousness.
Our graduates’ show arrived just in time to welcome our new students to the Printmaking Education Programme. They were greeted with an engaging and educational 'Amazing Race' themed game in the studio. This creative introduction served not only as an icebreaker but also as a learning experience, revealing the studio's values, the curriculum, out units, and the dedicated staff that form the APS community. The 'Amazing Race' allowed students to immerse themselves in the organization's ethos, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose from the outset.
By engaging students in not only the technical aspects of printmaking but also the values and activism that the art can embody, APS is nurturing a new generation of artists who are not only skilled in their craft but are also conscious of their role as agents of change within society.
APS PARTNERS AND COLLABORATIONS
Roedean School (SA) is set to host its Annual Art Fair from March 14th to 16th. This event promises a rich display of artworks from Artist Proof Studio alumni, alongside pieces from renowned artists and the talented students of Roedean School (SA). Artist Proof Studio will be doing print demonstrations on the 16th of March.
Exhibition details
Our three-day event has an exciting exhibition lined up, with works from Artist Proof Studio, the Gallery and other well renowned artists. Our students will again have the chance to showcase their own art amongst South Africa’s up-and-coming and elite artists. Our Gala evening will be opened by Nelson Makamo, and enjoyed in a classic, cocktail evening, style. A fun Art Day will end our event, where families can explore their creative side, enjoy food from our vendors and grab the last opportunity to invest in a new art piece. Tickets available here
Exhibition dates and times:
14 March: Art Exhibition: 09H00 – 19H00
15 March: Art Exhibition: 09H00 – 15H00
Gala Evening: 18H30 – 10H00
16 March: Family Art Day: 09H30 – 15H00
Vintage Art in the Park: Pop up exhibition
We're excited to share the highlights of our participation in the Vintage Art in the Park hosted at the Modderfontein Bird and Sculpture Park! It was a memorable Sunday filled with iconic classic and sports cars, live jazz music, and plenty of family fun. Among the display of vintage cars, including rare Bugattis and Alfa Romeos, Artist Proof Studio added an artistic touch with live print demonstrations and a showcase of fine art prints. As the day unfolded, attendees were treated to the intricate process of printmaking and could explore a diverse collection of artworks available for purchase.
We would like to extend an invitation to other spaces interested in hosting pop-up events. With a wide range of works available at different price points, there is something to suit every audience. For inquiries, please contact us at gallery@artistproofstudio.co.za Let us bring art to new spaces and audiences together!
OUTREACH AND PRINTMAKING SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
The Youth Power Group (YPG) successfully hosted the Mega Help Event on February 24th, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to nurturing responsible and well-rounded young individuals. With the goal of empowering youth to positively impact their families and communities, the event brought together high schools from Soweto to showcase their artistic talents. A collaboration with Artist Proof Studio (APS) added a unique dimension to the day, promising not only exposure for the young artists but also the opportunity to win essential art supplies to further their creative journeys.
Artist Proof Studio's Special Project Unit made a memorable impact at the event, offering live printmaking demonstrations and providing valuable career guidance in the art industry. Our involvement went beyond demonstrations, we donated printmaking linocut kits and materials to the winning school, ensuring the participants and community organizations left with not just inspiration but tangible support to continue their artistic journeys. This event underscored the transformative power of art and community collaboration in fostering the next generation of creative minds and leaders.
PRINTMAKING SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Artist Proof Studio recently teamed up with the talented students from Trinityhouse Little Falls and De La Salle Holy Cross College for an exciting Linocut printmaking workshop. Led by our experienced printmakers, the workshop offered a fun and hands-on introduction to the art of printmaking. During the workshop, students were taken on a tour of the studio and were shown the different techniques we offer at the studio and our print collections.
The atmosphere was buzzing with creativity as the students explored their artistic potential and discovered the joy of printmaking. Through teamwork and experimentation, they gained valuable skills and insights of printmaking.
We invite other schools and groups to join us for a printmaking experience. Whether you're a teacher looking to inspire your students or an individual looking for a create outlet we welcome you to reach out and join us for a memorable workshop experience.
For inquiries and bookings, please contact Precious at projects@artistproofstudio.co.za.
