This month, we’re excited to share some of our latest projects and educational initiatives here at Artist Proof Studio (APS). From our graduates’ incredible mural launch in Fallo, Italy, to our involvement in two impactful exhibitions At the Threshold marking 30 years of democracy, In Collaboration with JSE and Art Share. APS is dedicated to expanding learning and showcasing the voices of young artists. We’re also gearing up for our much-anticipated 3rd Year Graduation Show at the end of the month, celebrating the hard work and growth of our graduating students. Read on for more details and join us in supporting the next generation of printmakers!
At the Threshold (in an election year): Visual Voices Marking 30 Years of Democracy is a powerful exhibition that brings together artistic voices to reflect on South Africa’s journey over three decades of democracy. This collaborative exhibition, presented by the University of Johannesburg's Arts & Culture division in partnership with the FADA Gallery, features diverse perspectives that explore democracy’s triumphs, challenges, and the ongoing journey towards inclusivity and justice.
Karen Fiorito, President of the Los Angeles Print Society (LAPS), recently visited Johannesburg, bringing with her prints created by 12 American artists. She joined the 12 participating South African artists from Artist Proof Studio at our studio to prepare and collate the At the Threshold portfolios. This portfolio is dialogue on democracy and identity, uniting perspectives from both sides of the globe.
The exhibition opened with a special program on the 2nd of November 2024, featuring distinguished speakers who set the stage for this thought-provoking showcase. Federico Freschi provided an insightful welcome, introducing Victoria Graham, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, who shared UJ’s commitment to global excellence and support for this 30-year milestone. Former Constitutional Court Judge, Justice Edwin Cameron, delivered an impactful keynote, reflecting on the journey of democracy and its meaning in today’s context. This enriching program concluded with Kim Berman’s introduction of the three portfolios—At the Threshold, Embedded, and the Student Portfolio, each uniquely exploring democratic ideals through visual dialogue and cultural exchange.
The portfolios featured include:
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At the Threshold (APS-LAPS Collaboration): Represented by Karen Fiorito, President of the Los Angeles Print Society, this cross-cultural portfolio brings together artists from Johannesburg and Los Angeles, showcasing distinct perspectives on democracy through printmaking.
APS has 6 portfolios from At the Threshold portfolio which are available for viewing at our studio, priced at R42,000 each. For more details or to arrange a viewing, please contact tracey@artistproofstudio.co.za.
- Embedded: A portfolio by FADA staff members, highlighting democratic themes through handmade papermaking techniques, paying homage to UJ’s Phumani Paper Mill.
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Student Portfolio: Created by students from APS and UJ, this portfolio explores democracy from the viewpoint of the younger generation, fostering dialogue and creative exchange.
To view highlights from the opening program, watch the live video on Instagram here.
Celebrating the Fallo Mural Launch in Italy
The NAREVE mural project has officially launched in Fallo, Italy! This impressive 84-meter mural, painted by graduates from Artist Proof Studio, captures the shared history and cultural ties between Italy and South Africa. Created in honor of Gianni Mariano’s legacy, the mural celebrates the heritage, resilience, and enduring stories of Italian emigrants and symbolizes the deep bond between these two countries. It’s a powerful reminder of art’s unique ability to bridge cultures and foster unity.
We invite you to support this legacy by contributing to the Gianni Mariano Fund. This fund plays a vital role in our Printmaking Education Programme, providing essential materials, resources, transportation, and funding for student-led projects and exhibitions. Your support helps our students access the tools they need to excel, empowering them to carry Gianni’s legacy forward through their creativity. Read more
Upcoming Exhibitions
Join us for our much-anticipated 3rd Year Graduation Show, an annual highlight at Artist Proof Studio! This year’s showcase will be held on 30 November at 12:00 and will feature the exceptional work of our graduating students as they present their final projects. This event celebrates their hard work, creativity, and growth, offering a glimpse into the future of printmaking. Don’t miss the chance to support and connect with the next generation of artists!
Last Chance to RSVP! Don’t Miss the In Collaboration Art Exhibition
Please don’t forget to RSVP for our In Collaboration Art Exhibition with JSE Art Share, curated by Refilwe Nkomo! Happening on 9 November from 11:00 - 13:00 at the JSE Building in Sandton, this exhibition will showcase a variety of works celebrating artistic partnership and exchange. Please RSVP by today, 7 November, to talita@artroute.co.za and secure your spot for this inspiring event. We look forward to seeing you there!
This event marks the finale of the 2024 Art Share initiative, celebrating a year of artistic partnerships and shared creativity. In a field often perceived as solitary, this exhibition shines a light on the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and creativity in the visual arts. By bringing together diverse skills and perspectives, artists push boundaries and create works that resonate with audiences on a deeper, collective level. 
Featuring 20 prints by renowned and emerging artists such as William Kentridge, Mary Sibande, Nelson Makamo, Wim Botha, and more, In Collaboration embodies the transformative potential of artistic teamwork. Join us to experience this dynamic showcase and reflect on the power of art to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Raymond Fuyana, an Artist Proof Studio graduate, presents his first solo exhibition in South Africa, Beyond the Board, opening on 7 November at 18:00 at Guns & Rain in Parkhurst. This exciting show provides insight into Fuyana’s unique artistic vision. A walkabout with the artist will be held on 23 November at 11:00. In the same week, his work will also debut in the United States at the Toledo Art Museum, Ohio, as part of Strategic Interplay: African Art and Imagery in Black and White, an exhibition exploring the connection between African art and the game of chess.
At APS, we believe in the transformative power of printmaking to not only develop technical skills but also to inspire change and foster connections across diverse communities.
