March is Unofficial International South African Print Month

March and April see a range of top South African printmakers in notable shows globally. Most notably the LONDON ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR from March 20-23.

Maljevic, M, 2024, Behind the scenes 1, Monoprint with Drypoint, collage and hand work on Hahnemuhle 300gsm, 45,6 X 54 cm. Image: Supplied).

As the seasons shift, London and Johannesburg become hotspots for a celebration of South African printmaking. Check out these must-see exhibitions in March highlighting the cream of SA printmaking.

ATELIER LE GRAND VILLAGE AT THE LONDON ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR

For those passionate about printmaking, Atelier le Grand Village’s presence at the 40th London Original Print Fair is not to be missed. Under the stewardship of Francis van der Riet, the studio has gained international acclaim for its dedication to traditional print techniques and its collaborations with contemporary artists. This year’s showcase features an impressive roster, including Diane Victor, Tatenda Chidora, Walter Oltmann, and Shakil Solanki.
Diane Victor, a pioneering South African artist, will unveil new works at the fair, demonstrating her extraordinary technical prowess in manner noire and smoke drawings. Meanwhile, Tatenda Chidora’s Postage Stamp series blends photography with lithography, offering fresh perspectives on African identity. Complementing these works is Côme Touvay, whose experimental approach to printmaking seamlessly connects with his textile artistry. This exhibition is a testament to the ongoing evolution of print, bridging historical craftsmanship with contemporary vision.

Dates: 20–23 March 2025
Venue: Somerset House, London
Website: London Original Print Fair
Dianne Victor talk: Here

*Hispa III, 2024 I Monoprint by Walter Oltmann, 60 x 40 cm. Printed at Atelier le Grand Village. Image: Supplied*

MAJA MALJEVIĆ’S SHOWTIME AT DAVID KRUT PROJECTS

David Krut Projects brings the energetic and theatrical world of Maja Maljević to life in Showtime, a solo exhibition that presents paintings and works on paper crafted in collaboration with the David Krut Workshop. Maljević’s Behind the Scenes series is the centrepiece, offering playful and abstract characters that interact as if performing on a stage. Her work, a vibrant fusion of printmaking and collage, invites the viewer into a realm where reality and imagination blur.
Taking inspiration from theatrical set design, Maljević constructs a visual world reminiscent of David Hockney’s stage drawings and Oskar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus Ballet. Through monotype brushstrokes, drypoint engravings, and hand-cut collage elements, she creates layered narratives that play with form and movement. As much about performance as it is about print, Showtime is an exploration of visual storytelling through the lens of abstraction.

Opening: 15 March, 2025.
Exhibition closes: 15th April. 2025.
Venue: The Blue House, 151 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Website: David Krut Projects

*Maljevic, M, 2024, Behind the scenes 2, Monoprint with Drypoint, collage and hand work on Hahnemuhle 300gsm, 45, 6 X 54 cm, HR. Image: Supplied*

WHY NOT A PRINT? – AT THE FIRESTATION – JHB

Printmaking has long been revered for its historical significance and technical complexity, but Why Not a Print? at The Firestation in Johannesburg, demonstrates that the medium is as vital and innovative as ever. Featuring an impressive lineup of artists—including Bevan de Wet, Christiaan Diedericks, Anton Kannemeyer, and Senzo Shabangu—this exhibition celebrates the intersection of traditional techniques and contemporary artistic expression.
Visitors will encounter a range of approaches, from linocuts and etchings to silkscreens and woodcuts. These works push the boundaries of what print can be, reaffirming its place in today’s visual arts scene. As a bonus, the exhibition will be accompanied by a listening party for Imibuzo, a new album by Lowfeye, merging the worlds of sound and visual culture in a unique experience. This is an essential visit for anyone eager to explore the full potential of printmaking as a contemporary artistic medium.

Opening: March 7, 2025
Venue: The Firestation, 16 Baker St, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Exhibition closes: 30 April 2025
Website: Lizamore

*Senzo Shabangu I Lapho ongibeka khona, 2021 I belong I 100x70cm. Image: Supplied*

SA PRINT ARTWORK INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

New South African fine art prints have just become available. These silkscreen prints were created by Peter Mammes and printed by Atom Gallery, based in Newington Green, London.
The limited collector’s series, comprising just 20 prints each, showcases Mammes’s distinctive hand-drawn technique, masterfully blending esoteric themes with ancient Egyptian and medieval European influences. Through enigmatic and deeply symbolic imagery, Peter’s work explores social and environmental issues.
Peter Mammes is fast establishing his reputation outside of SA, held his last solo show in Johannesburg at the Firehouse in Rosebank with Lizamore and Associates in August 2024, and his artwork was featured at the London Art Fair in 2024. He is a South African artist based in London who specialises in drawing and printmaking.

The prints are limited to an edition of 20 available email: info@patterndiscord.com
Title: Memento Mori
Size: 50cm by 70cm
Edition: Signed by artist 1/20.
Price: £160