August 5 – 30, 2019
Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg is an innovative printmaking center in the heart of South Africa. The mission of Artist Proof Studio is to provide an environment to develop citizens with a common set of values, expressed in the notion of Ubuntu, that have talent and passion to achieve artistic excellence. APS focuses on printmaking and its allied outreach programs to build capacity of people to reach self-actualization and make a difference in society. Artist Proof Studio is founded on a sense of shared humanity whereby people of talent and passion can reach for excellence in art making to achieve self-sustainability.
Liz Chalfin, founding director of Zea Mays Printmaking, Florence, MA recently visited Artist Proof Studio to share non-toxic etching techniques and to work with their studio artists. She returned with an exhibition of prints by teachers, students, and master printers from APS, showcasing their incredible talents and their compelling stories.
In addition, she had the opportunity to work with William Kentridge. First showing him the etching technique “coffee lift” and subsequently making 3 plates with him. The printer’s proof from the first plate is included in this exhibition.
All of the work in the show is for sale and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artists. . APS offers a 3-year, subsidized course of study to talented young artists from the townships around Johannesburg. They are trained in drawing, printmaking, visual literacy, and critical studies. They go on to internships and workplace training in and out of the studio. This educational program equips students with skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the arts.
Printmaking in Johannesburg is supported by grants from: Augusta Savage Gallery, UMass, Artist International Residency Program; The Northampton Arts Council and the Amherst Arts Council, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency; and Zea Mays Printmaking.