Celebrating Women in Printmaking: The Printing Girls at Artvark Gallery

To commemorate its 25th anniversary and Women’s Month, the Artvark Gallery in Kalk Bay is hosting a fascinating exhibition entitled ’25 Years 25 Prints,’ which features the works of The Printing Girls (TPG) collective. The exhibition is a tribute to the significant contributions made by female printmakers and marks the opening of the gallery’s much-anticipated new exhibition space.

The Printing Girls: A Female Collective of Printmakers

The Printing Girls (TPG) is a South African-based collective of female printmakers. Founded by six graduates of Rhodes University’s Arts program in 2016, TPG now boasts a membership of 93 artists. The collective’s focus on printmaking inspired them to exhibit their works together, and they have been doing so under the name The Printing Girls.

The Collaboration Between Artvark Gallery and TPG

Theresa Jo Wessels, the owner of Artvark Gallery, is an artist, printmaker, and member of TPG. She spearheaded the collaboration between the gallery and the collective. Wessels expressed her satisfaction with the exhibition, stating that it pays tribute to women as artists and the often-understated art form of printmaking.

The Exhibition: 25 Years 25 Prints

The ’25 Years 25 Prints’ exhibition features 25 carefully curated prints from the TPG collective, highlighting the unique talents of these exceptional female artists. The exhibition is a celebration of Women’s Month and Women in Printmaking.

The Future of Women in Printmaking

Madelize van der Merwe, a senior printmaking technician at the University of Cape Town’s Michaelis School of Fine Arts and a TPG member, expressed her belief in the bright future of women in this artistic medium. Reflecting on the quality of work showcased at the Artvark Gallery, van der Merwe said that she felt blessed to be part of TPG and to be exhibited among some of the most renowned women in the industry.

The ’25 Years 25 Prints’ exhibition at Artvark Gallery is a testament to the remarkable achievements of female artists and the incredible diversity and depth of the printmaking discipline. The collaboration between the gallery and TPG is a triumph of creativity and the power of women in the world of printmaking. It is sure to inspire future generations of female artists and leave an indelible mark on the history of this fascinating art form.