A Celebration of South African Printmaking in March

As the seasons change, March brings a vibrant celebration of South African printmaking in two dynamic cities: London and Johannesburg.

These cities are home to a series of must-see exhibitions showcasing the best of South African printmaking.

Whether you’re in the UK or South Africa, there’s plenty to experience in the world of printmaking this month.

Atelier Le Grand Village at the London Original Print Fair

For art lovers and printmaking enthusiasts, the 40th London Original Print Fair is the perfect destination.

Atelier le Grand Village, led by Francis van der Riet, is renowned for its mastery of traditional printmaking techniques and its collaborations with contemporary South African artists.

This year, the exhibition presents an impressive lineup of talent, including Diane Victor, Tatenda Chidora, Walter Oltmann, and Shakil Solanki.

Diane Victor, a trailblazer in South African art, will be presenting new works that highlight her incredible skill in manner noire and smoke drawings. Alongside her, Tatenda Chidora’s Postage Stamp series will merge photography with lithography, offering a fresh take on African identity.

Côme Touvay will also showcase his experimental prints that connect beautifully with his textile work, showing the continued evolution of printmaking as both an art form and a way to bridge traditional methods with contemporary visions.

Dates: March 20–23, 2025
Location: Somerset House, London
Website: London Original Print Fair

Showtime by Maja Maljević at David Krut Projects

In Johannesburg, David Krut Projects is hosting Maja Maljević’s solo exhibition, Showtime, which brings her theatrical and energetic prints to life.

The exhibition features a series of works that were created in collaboration with the David Krut Workshop, with Behind the Scenes taking center stage.

This series introduces abstract characters performing as if on a stage, blending printmaking with collage.

Maljević’s work draws inspiration from theatrical set design, evoking the styles of David Hockney’s stage drawings and Oskar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus Ballet. With monotype brushstrokes, drypoint engravings, and hand-cut collage elements, she creates layered narratives that blur the lines between performance and abstraction.

This exhibition offers a fascinating look at visual storytelling and the creative potential of print.

Opening: March 15, 2025
Closing: April 15, 2025
Location: The Blue House, 151 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Website: David Krut Projects

Why Not a Print? at The Firestation, Johannesburg

Why Not a Print? at The Firestation in Johannesburg challenges the idea that printmaking is a traditional or outdated medium. This exhibition, featuring artists like Bevan de Wet, Christiaan Diedericks, Anton Kannemeyer, and Senzo Shabangu, celebrates the innovative and contemporary side of print.

The range of works, from linocuts and etchings to silkscreens and woodcuts, pushes the boundaries of printmaking, showing its relevance and versatility in today’s art scene.

Alongside the exhibition, attendees will enjoy a special listening party for Imibuzo, a new album by Lowfeye, blending the worlds of sound and visual culture in an immersive experience.

For those eager to explore the full potential of printmaking in the modern age, this is an essential event.

Opening: March 7, 2025
Closing: April 30, 2025
Location: The Firestation, 16 Baker St, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: Lizamore

Investment in South African Print Art: Peter Mammes

For collectors, a new opportunity has emerged with the release of limited-edition prints by South African artist Peter Mammes.

These hand-drawn silkscreen prints, printed by Atom Gallery in London, explore deeply symbolic themes rooted in ancient Egyptian and medieval European influences.

Mammes, who recently showcased his work in Johannesburg and at the London Art Fair, is quickly establishing a reputation for his distinctive artistic voice.

Each print is part of a limited edition of just 20, signed by the artist, and available for purchase.

Mammes’s work touches on social and environmental issues through complex, enigmatic imagery, making these prints not only a valuable artistic addition but also a meaningful investment.

Title: Memento Mori
Size: 50cm by 70cm
Edition: Signed by the artist, 1/20
Price: £160
Contact: info@patterndiscord.com

These prints are an exciting opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Mammes’s thought-provoking art.

Whether you’re in London or Johannesburg, these exhibitions offer a unique chance to dive into the world of South African printmaking, from historical craftsmanship to contemporary innovations.

Don’t miss the chance to see these stunning works in person this March!