Artist Proof Studio marks 35 years of printmaking excellence with KZN Art Fair debut
By CityLife Arts Writer
Artist Proof Studio (APS) will make its debut at the KZN Art Fair from 6–9 August 2026 at Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, presenting a curated exhibition that celebrates 35 years of collaboration, experimentation and excellence in South African printmaking.
Following its successful exhibition in KwaZulu-Natal in May this year, the Fair marks an important milestone for the renowned Johannesburg-based printmaking centre as it deepens its engagement with the province’s vibrant visual arts community while celebrating the legacy of one of South Africa’s most influential printmaking institutions.
Thirty-five years in conversation
Curated for Booth 03, this year’s presentation is built around the idea of dialogue.
Archive prints sit alongside newly released editions, creating conversations between generations of artists, different techniques and evolving approaches to printmaking.
Some works return from the APS archive after years out of public view, while others will make their public debut at the Fair. Together they tell the story of a medium that continues to evolve through experimentation, collaboration and artistic exchange.
The exhibition brings together original fine art prints by established, mid-career and emerging artists, reflecting both the rich history of Artist Proof Studio and the exciting future of contemporary South African printmaking.
Some works have spent months in development. Others have waited years to be seen again. From celebrated South African artists to emerging voices redefining the medium, the presentation reveals unexpected combinations of technique, scale and material, demonstrating how printmaking continues to expand beyond its traditional boundaries.
While Artist Proof Studio has earned international recognition over more than three decades for producing many of South Africa’s leading printmakers, its presence in KwaZulu-Natal has historically been limited. Its participation in the KZN Art Fair reflects a growing commitment to building lasting relationships with collectors, galleries and audiences in the region.
“Every region has its own collecting culture, its own interests and its own rhythms,” says Nathi Simelane, APS Chief Operating Officer. “Our exhibition in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year was an encouraging experience, and returning for the KZN Art Fair allows us to continue those conversations. We are excited to share the breadth of South African printmaking while learning more about how collectors and audiences in the region engage with the work.”
The exhibition has been carefully curated to include works across a range of scales, styles and price points, creating opportunities for seasoned collectors as well as those acquiring an original artwork for the first time.
“We’ve been very deliberate in presenting a balanced body of work,” says Simelane. “Printmaking offers remarkable diversity – not only in artistic expression but also in technique, scale and accessibility. We want visitors to discover work that surprises them and artists they may encounter for the first time, while recognising many of the established names that have shaped South African contemporary art.”
Produced through a range of traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques, including lithography and screen printing, the exhibition highlights the versatility of printmaking and its enduring relevance within South Africa’s visual arts landscape.
Beyond the artworks themselves, the presentation reflects APS’s enduring commitment to nurturing artistic talent and advancing printmaking as one of the country’s most dynamic creative disciplines. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Studio’s internationally respected training programme, which has produced generations of leading South African artists.