
PRINT PORTFOLIO EXCHANGE EXHIBITION (EKURHULENI EDITION)
The Springs Art Gallery (SAG) is pleased to present the PRINT PORTFOLIO EXCHANGE EXHIBITION (EKURHULENI Edition).
This group art exhibition features the original work of 25 artists commissioned by The Soweto Arts Company (TACS) carved using lino plates.
The exhibition forms part of post-support intervention offered to beneficiaries of the City’s Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture programmes created through a collaboration between the department’s Visual Arts and Galleries section and TACS.
A portfolio exchange is a collection of prints, usually addressing a common theme, with consistent size restrictions and edition size. The portfolio exchange is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for participants to have their work displayed in public and private collections all over the world. Approximately 25 artists were invited by TACS to participate in the call for such an exchange portfolio.
This invitation drew artists from a variety of disciplines, including sculpture, multimedia, painters, and non-printmakers.
In its fullness, the portfolio exchange illuminates key issues that the pandemic brought forward. The prints carry peculiar weights and have translated differently. The storytelling offers hope to the consumers of the artwork and has taken shape to become what it is supposed to reflect themselves and their surroundings.
The Portfolio Exchange is an archival process that not only includes the production of the prints but also incorporates a collection of essays from various writers. TACS is in the process of creating a publication to document the entire process and further engage the idea of creating an artistic legacy beyond the pandemic.
Participating in the exhibition are Zandile Tshabalala, Zanele Mashinini, Vivian Kohler, Thokozani Madonsela, Baba Tjeko, Themba Khumalo, Thabo Motseki, Thabang Lehobye, Tebogo Moerane, Sindiso Zwane, Senzo Shabangu, Phumzile Buthelezi, Philip Mabote, Paul Molete, Thea Castro, Nkhensani Rihlampfu, Molefe Thwala, Mbali Tshabalala, Mariapaola McGurk, Lloyd Maluleke, Lerato Motau, Lehlohonolo Dhlamini, Lehlogonolo Mashaba, Jan Tshikuthula and Hiten Bawa.
The exhibition includes art created by students from the Ekurhuleni Elementary Printmaking and Art Classes at Rhoo Hlatshwayo Community Art Centre in Daveyton. This programme is presented by the City’s Visual Arts and Galleries. It is aimed at helping both learners and the youth who are out of work to hone their skills and tweak their artistic abilities.
The exhibition opens on Saturday, 11 June 2022, at the Springs Art Gallery in Springs at 12h00. The opening features printmaking demonstrations and artist presentations. The walkabout is scheduled for Saturday, 25 June 2022. This is the last leg of the exhibition and aims to provide an opportunity to meet the curators, mentors and exhibiting artists. This exhibition will run until Friday, 29 June 2022 – the gallery is open Monday through Friday, 09h00 – 16h00 for public viewing (closed on Sundays and public holidays).