Written by: Lungile Ngcobo
July has been an eventful month at our Workshop in Maboneng, Johannesburg, marked by dynamic studio visits from learners, artists, and old friends. From mentorship tours to spontaneous reunions and student engagements, our workshop remains a thriving hub for collaboration and exchange.
1 July 2025: Future Curators Programme with UJ Art Gallery
On the first of July, we welcomed a group of high school learners participating in the Future Curators programme, an initiative by the UJ Art Gallery led by Dineke van der Walt. Accompanied by seven dedicated mentors, the learners visited the David Krut Workshop for an immersive session.
The workshop tour was led by master printer Sbongiseni Khulu, who introduced the group to ongoing projects, including a highlight on Mary Sibande’s current in-progress woodblock series. This series expands on her earlier prints Leisurely Reading: Sophie with her Newspaper and Leisurely Sailing: Sophie with her Binoculars, created in collaboration with Sbongiseni.
Adding a personal and inspiring touch to the visit, Mary Sibande joined the group to give a brief artist talk. She spoke about her career journey, her creative process, and the importance of storytelling through art—leaving the learners feeling motivated and inspired.
16 July 2025: A Surprise Visit from Photographer Barney Kulok
Mid-month brought a delightful surprise as we were visited by long-time friend and New York-based photographer Barney Kulok. Barney’s relationship with David Krut Projects dates back to 2007, when he collaborated on the publication Painting Then for Now alongside Svetlana Alpers and James Hyde, exhibited at David Krut Projects gallery in New York.
Barney, visiting Johannesburg with his family, enjoyed a tour of the space and was introduced to South African artist Blessing Ngobeni, who happened to be in the workshop and collaborating with Master printer Sbongiseni Khulu for an upcoming body of work adding to the day’s excitement, master printer Roxy Kaczmarek hosted an impromptu monotype print workshop with Barney’s two daughters—proving that art really is for all ages.
7 July 2025: UNISA Fine Art Student Visit with Lawrence Lemaoana
On the 17th of July, we were pleased to host a group of second-year Fine Art students from UNISA, led by artist and lecturer Lawrence Lemaoana. The visit was part of a broader Johannesburg art studio and gallery tour arranged by Lemaoana, who is a long-time collaborator with David Krut Projects since 2011.
The group stopped by both the David Krut Gallery in Parkwood and our Maboneng workshop. Master printer Roxy Kaczmarek welcomed the students with a walk-through of our current projects and shared insights into the printmaking processes that drive our collaborations with local and international artists.
These visits reflect the spirit of engagement and education that continues to shape the David Krut Workshop’s daily rhythms. From emerging curators and young learners to global artists and university students, our doors remain open to all who wish to connect, create, and be inspired.