Kim Berman
Through the Wire: Lowveld Fire IIEleven colour lithographSize: 57.5 x 76.5 cms
Marjorie at The Artist Proof
THE ARTIST PROOF STUDIO
Newtown, Johannesburg,
The Artist Proof Studio is a print shop in downtown Johannesburg, it has been renovated a few times and it now located in an old warehouse. It is a perfect place for a studio, alot of space and windows! I was able to speak with Kim Berman, one of the creators of the studio, over lunch and talk a little bit about her work.
Kim Berman has quite the resume. The Artist Press Studio has done a great job of decribing her resume and acheivements.
Berman is a hugely energetic person who is deeply committed to political and social transformation in South Africa. She uses printmaking as a vehicle to reflect on the social and political processes that surround her. -
"The introduction of barbed wire in this series represents a barrier that recalls the symbolic landscape of apartheid. There is a tension between the transparent layering and political deception or betrayal of the broken promises of a "new South Africa".-Kim Berman
2003Berman's first fire prints that she did at The Artists' Press in 1999 are concerned with the Truth and Reconciliation Comission hearings that were taking place at the time in South Africa under the leadership of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
What really amazed me about Kim was that she did not just create prints that addressed social issues, but she was making the effort take action. She founded the Artist Proof Studio and also helped establish several community projects including Phumani Paper and other community projects. The first thing I noticed while I was in South Africa was the prevalence of barbed wire. It was everywhere and something so simple sent such strong messages to different people. Kim uses barbed wire in several of her prints including the one shown above. She uses fire and land to discuss the "burning down of the old and creating new". A series of her prints are up the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. This court was the base for a new government and the Truth and Reconcillation Commision. It is quite fitting that her artwork is shown in such a building. Kim is currently working on her PHD from VITS University in Johannesburg. She was able to take some time out of her busy day to talk with me about her artowork, life, and also show me around the Artist Proof Studio.
Marjorie Maleka is the women striking a pose in the doorway of the Artist Proof Studio. Marjorie is currently in charge of sales at the studio and I had the pleasure to speak with her about what motivates her work. It was such a pleasure speaking with Marjorie, you could tell how much passion she has for life in general. She was just filled with excitement! It was really great to meet Marjorie after looking at her on our UWL blog. A main topic for alot of her past work was the subject of vieling and what it actually means. She has also worked with experiences from home and her childhood. She is also very innovative with her prints experimenting with various techniques like using combs and hair. I felt I could relate alot to Marjorie.
If you want to read more into Marjorie check this out!!
I met several artists including Vitiswa Mtbalela, Bongile Mkhize, Potsho, and also Nom Pezeko who had a bit of time to show me her prints. Her main topic was skin and she used cow hide in various monotypes along with dresses which created really great textures. There will be pictures coming soon!!!
" I grew up with the realization that home was not just a structure situated in a geographical location that contained a fixed collection of memories, languages and tradition. It was instead an impermant, unstabel space that was defined by and ever changing collection of experiences"
