Fabian Saptouw
Fabian Saptouw completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a distinction in studiowork in 2006, and a Master of Fine Arts with distinction in 2009 at UCT Michaelis School of Fine Art. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the school and teaches a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. His disciplinary base is Painting but he has also made contributions to the Printmaking, New Media and the Art History and Discourse of Art section. He supervises in the MFA, MAFA and the BA Honours Curatorship programs as well as Postgraduate Diploma students. He has a vested interest in teaching projects that intersect with social responsiveness and has collaborated with the Office for Inclusivity and Change to develop projects with students and external parties.
Saptouw’s research interests include Bookmaking, Text-Image studies, the history of the printed word and the relationship of these concepts to the contemporary manifestation of the artist’s book. This interest in the infinite possibilities of text is paired with an interest in Process Art, Materiality and Conceptualism.
His research projects include exhibitions of his own creative work as well as curated exhibitions. Notable solo shows include Unraveled and Rewoven Canvas at the Michael Stevenson Side Gallery, Cape Town in 2007 and Engaging the Archive at the University of Cape Town Chancellor Oppenheimer Library, Bellville Library and Cape Town Central Library in 2015.
Group shows include New World Order at The Turbine Art Fair in 2020, Conversations at the Michaelis Galleries in 2019 and Booknesses: South African Artists’ Books at the FADA Gallery in 2017. Earlier shows include Difference Loom at the SANG Annex in 2013, Regions A-G at the Johannesburg National Library in 2013 and However at the Arthub Gallery in 2015.
Curated exhibitions include the following: Context at the Michaelis Gallery in 2012 and co-curated Suspicious Mind with Nina Liebenberg at the Michaelis Gallery in 2013. Suspicious Mind was represented at the Iziko South African Gallery Annex as part of Brainstorm the City - a World Design Capital project 2014.
Fabian Saptouw is currently registered for his PhD and his research project entails delving into the archive as a site for meaning making through curatorial investigation. The project investigates the slippages between the archival object and its digital surrogate, with specific reference to the manuscript object. An additional interest is the consideration of what the library of the future will become in light of the multi-sensorial nature of reading as a performative act that simultaneously reaches into the past and the future.
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6876-2616
PUBLICATIONS – PEER REVIEWED
Saptouw, F. 2020. An Analysis of the Strategies Employed to Curate, Conserve and Digitize the Timbuktu Manuscripts. ICCH 2020: International Conference on Cultural Heritage - Tokyo, Japan
March 23 - 24, 2020. IRC 2020 IX – International Research Conference Proceedings. Open Science Index. online ISSN: 1307-6892. 2020 (14): 1674 – 1679.
Saptouw, F. 2020. A Case Study of the Digital Translation of the Lucy Lloyd and Wilhelm Bleek |Xam and !Kung Notebooks into the Digital Bleek and Lloyd. ICCH 2020: International Conference on Cultural Heritage - Tokyo, Japan March 23 - 24, 2020. IRC 2020 IX – International Research Conference Proceedings. Open Science Index. online ISSN: 1307-6892. 2020 (14): 1669 – 1673.
Alves, S & F. Saptouw. 2018. Artistic Responses to Gender-based Violence. Open Journal for Studies in Arts, 2018, 1(2), 61-74. ISSN (Online) 2620-0635. https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojsa.0102.02061s. [Online]. Available: http://centerprode.com/ojsa/ojsa0102/coas.ojsa.0102.02061s.pdf
Volks, C., Reddy, L. & F. Saptouw, 2016 ‘It opened my eyes to the problem of stigma on campus': Training art students to be HIV stigma commentators’. South African Journal for Higher Education 30(4). [Online]. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.20853/30-4-678.
Reddy, L. & F. Saptouw. 2015. Social Awareness and Praxical Knowledge. International Science Index. ICAH 2015: 17th International Conference on Arts and Humanities. Oral Presentation. Fabian Saptouw and Lucina Reddy. 17(7):1180-1184. eISSN: 1307-6892. Paris: WASET
Saptouw, F. 2015 Contemporary Materialities. International Science Index. ICAH 2015: 17th International Conference on Arts and Humanities. 17(7):1185-1195. eISSN: 1307-6892. Paris: WASET
PUBLICATIONS – NOT PEER REVIEWED
2017. Artistic Texts. In Booknessess Book Arts Colloquium conference proceedings, David Paton & University of Johannesburg. Fabian Saptouw. Johannesburg. Page 91-100. [Online]. Available: http://www.theartistsbook.org.za/booknesses/downloads/booknesses_colloquium_prodeedings.pdf. 2019-03-22
PUBLICATIONS – PRESS
Saptouw, F. 2019. Socially responsive art for GBV awareness. [Online]. Available: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-10-07-socially-responsive-art-for-gbv-awareness. 07 October 2019.
Saptouw, F. 2018. Spotlight on gender-based violence. [Online]. Available: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2018-10-22-spotlight-on-gender-based-violence. 22 October 2018.
Saptouw, F. 2017. ‘What is gender-based violence to you?’. [Online]. Available: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2017-10-18-what-is-gender-based-violence-to-youa .18 October 2017.
Saptouw, F. 2017. Collaborative UCT Teaching Project Engages Contentious Issues in Public Spaces. In Arts & Health Newsletter – An initiative of the Free State Arts and Health Organization. Editor MC Roodt. (1)1-4.
Saptouw, F. 2013. Suspicious Mind(s) – Curator’s Essay. [Online].
Saptouw, F. 2009. Subtropicalia' and 'The Street' - Paul Edmunds and Meschac Gaba at Michael Stevenson. Artthrob. 141 - November. [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/Reviews/Review-of-Subtropicalia-by-Fabian-Saptouw-at-Michael-Stevenson.aspx.
Saptouw, F. 2009. Nation State at Goodman Gallery Cape. Artthrob. 135 - May. [Online]. Available:http://www.artthrob.co.za/09may/reviews/goodmanc.html
Saptouw, F. 2008. Clive van den Berg at Goodman Gallery Cape. Artthrob. 135- November. [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/08nov/reviews/goodmanc2.html.
Saptouw, F. 2008. Michaelis Graduate Show at Michaelis. Artthrob. 125 - January.[Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/08jan/reviews/michaelis.html.
Saptouw, F. 2008. 'Graduate Exhibition' at Skone Kunste Gebou. Artthrob. 125 January [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/08jan/reviews/stellenbosch.html.
Saptouw, F. 2007. Moshekwa Langa at Goodman Gallery Cape. Artthrob. 124 - December. [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/07dec/reviews/goodmanc.html.
Saptouw, F. 2007. Cape '07 and Churchill Madikida at Iziko SANG. Artthrob. 116 - April [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/07apr/reviews/sang.html.
Saptouw, F. 2007. Wim Botha at Michael Stevenson. Artthrob. 114 - February. [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/07feb/reviews/stevenson.html
Saptouw, F. 2006. Pierre Fouché at Bell-Roberts. Artthrob 112 - December. [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/06dec/reviews/bellroberts.html.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS - INTERNATIONAL
2015 ICAH 2015: 17th International Conference on Arts and Humanities. Social Awareness and Praxical Knowledge. Oral Presentation. Fabian Saptouw and Lucina Reddy. Paris.
2015 ICAH 2015: 17th International Conference on Arts and Humanities. Contemporary Materialities. Oral Presentation. Fabian Saptouw. Paris.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS - LOCAL
2020 Saptouw, F. 2020. Digital Bleek and Lloyd. APC Research Development Workshop. 29 September - 1 October 2020
2019 Saptouw, F. 2019. The Digital transfiguration of the archive. Paper Presentation. “Decentralizing the History of the Humanities” The Making of the Humanities VIII C Conference. 21-23 November 2019, University of Cape Town
2017 Saptouw, F. 2017. Artistic Texts. Paper Presentation. Booknesses: Taking Stock of the Book Arts in South Africa - COLLOQUIUM, from 23rd-25th March at the University of Johannesburg. Fabian Saptouw. Johannesburg.
2017 Artistic Texts. Booknessess. Paper Presentation. Bookness Book Arts Colloquium and Exhibition, from 23rd-25th March at the University of Johannesburg. Fabian Saptouw. Johannesburg.
2015 World Scripts: Concepts and Practices of Writing from a Comparative Perspective. University of Cape Town, September 4 – 14,
2015. Deconstructing the Book. Oral Presentation. Fabian Saptouw. Cape Town.
2014 UCT Teaching and Learning Conference. Making art: equipping Fine Art students for art and university life. Oral Presentation. Carmelita Lee Shong, Fabian Saptouw and Jean Brundrit. Cape Town.
2013 Annual South African Visual Art Historian Conference (28th) (SAVAH) ‘How does what I do now influence what I do tonight?’ : An innovative, integrated approach to developing HIV/AIDS engagement among 17 to 25 year olds. Fabian Saptouw, Cal Volks & Lucina Reddy. Cape Town.
2013 Conference on Masculinities & HIV/AIDS in South African Universities, Process evaluation of curriculum integration: Public Practice and socially responsive art exploring masculinity and HIV/AIDS. Oral Presentation Fabian Saptouw, Lucina Reddy and Sianne Abrahams. Cape Town.
2013 SAAIDS Conference - “How does what I do now influence what I do tonight?”. Poster Presentation. Fabian Saptouw, Lucina Reddy and Sianne Abrahams. Johannesburg.
2013 UCT Teaching and Learning Conference (UCT T&L). Art has the power to……..reframe public debate about the past and help transform popular memories and histories: Generating critical discourse amongst art students in discipline specific programmes. Oral Presentation. Fabian Saptouw, Lucina Reddy, Call Volks, and Sianne Abrahams. Cape Town.
2013 The Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) – “We need the culture shock as we are not making the right decision for our personality”. Fabian Saptouw, Lucina Reddy, Call Volks, and Sianne Abrahams. Cape Town.
2012 The Higher Education HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) – Applying the Research and Research the Applied. Fabian Saptouw & Lucina Reddy. Cape Town.
RESEARCH GRANTS and AWARDS
2012 UCT Research Development Grant
2014 Lotto – Fieldworks project
2014-16 UCT Teaching Grant (with Jean Brundrit and Carmelita Lee Shong)
2015-17 NRF Community Engagement Programme (with Lucina Reddy and Sianne Abrahams)
2019 URC Travel Grant
2019 UCT Research Development Grant
2020-22 NRF Thuthuka Grant
EXHIBITIONS and CURATIONS
Solo Exhibitions
2015 “Engaging the Archive”. Solo exhibition. University of Cape Town Chancellor Oppenheimer Library, Curated by Fabian Saptouw. 29 July 2015 – 30 June 2016.
2015 “Engaging the Archive”. Three part exhibition. University of Cape Town Chancellor Oppenheimer Library, Bellville Library & Cape Town Central Library, 18 June – 30 July Curated by Fabian Saptouw
2007 “Unravelled and Rewoven Canvas”. Solo exhibition. Michael Stevenson. Greenpoint.
Curated Exhibition
2014 “Suspicious Mind” Curated by Fabian Saptouw and Nina Liebenberg. Iziko South African Gallery Annex. Cape Town.
2013 “Suspicious Mind” Curated by Fabian Saptouw and Nina Liebenberg. Michaelis Galleries. Cape Town.
2012 “Context” Curated by Fabian Saptouw. Michaelis Galleries. Cape Town.
Group exhibitions
2020. New World Order. New World Order at The Turbine Art Fair, 27 Aug - 2nd Sept 2020.
Curator(s): Johan Thom. [Online].
2019. Conversations: An exhibition of work by the staff of the Michaelis School of Fine Art. Michaelis Galleries, Cape Town. 05 March – 12 April 2019. Curator(s): Virginia MacKenny & Stephen Inggs
2017. Booknesses: South African Artists’ Books. FADA Gallery, University of Johannesburg (March 24 - May 5). Curator(s): David Paton, Eugene Hon, Gordon Froud and Rosalind Cleaver
2016 Bonafides, Curated by Michelle Aucamp, The Jan Royce Gallery, 64 Church Street, Cape Town, 6-30 July
2016 - The Art of Humanity at The Pratt Institute The Rubelle And Norman Schfler Gallery. Chemistry Building 200 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn NY, New York http://www.imagomundiart.com/exhibitions/art-humanity-pratt-institute. 23 – 28 May 2016.
2015 - MAP OF THE NEW ART FONDAZIONE GIORGIO CINISEP 1 - NOV 1 2015 Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice http://www.imagomundiart.com/exhibitions/map-new-art-0
2015 - Imago Mundi: The Art of Humanity - Rome Museo Carlo Bilotti â Aranciera Di Villa Borghese NOV 20 2014 - JAN 11 2015 viale Fiorello La Guardia 6, Rome http://www.imagomundiart.com/exhibitions/imago-mundi-art-humanity-rome
2014 - Imago Mundi: The Art of Humanity – Treviso. CASA DEI CARRARESIJUL 9 - AUG 3 2014 via Palestro 33, Treviso http://www.imagomundiart.com/exhibitions/imago-mundi-art-humanity-treviso
2015 However, Curated by Nadja Daehnke, ArtHub Gallery, Creekside, London, SE8 4SE, 20-25 October
2015 “10x12@SA - Imago Mundi” – Luciano Benetton Collection - Small Canvas Project, South Africa”. Venezia – Fondazione Cini, Isola di San Diorgio. Curated by Nadja Daehnke. 31 August - 30 November 2015
2014 “10x12@SA - Imago Mundi” - Luciano Benetton Collection - Small Canvas Project, South Africa”. Curated by Nadja Daehnke
2013 “Difference loom” Curated by Winnie Sze. South African National Gallery Annex. Cape Town
2013 “Regions A-G” Curated by Ruth Sacks and Talya Lubinsky at the Johannesburg City Library. Johannesburg
2012 “May exhibition” Curated by Ruth Sacks and Simon Gush. Parking Gallery. Johannesburg.
2011 “Open Books” Curated by Tim Leibbrandt and Johann du Plessis, I-Art Gallery. Cape Town.
2011 “Michaelis Alumni Auction” Curated by Nadja Daehnke.. Michaelis Galleries. Cape Town.
2009 “Social Pattern” Curated by Kirsty Cockerill. AVA, Cape Town.
2009 “In Principle”. Michaelis School of Fine Art. Cape Town.
2009 “In Principle”.Wits Gallery, Johannesburg.
2009 “Graduate Exhibition” Curated by Justin Brett. Michaelis School of Fine Art. Cape Town.
2009 “Graduate Exhibition”. Michaelis School of Fine Art. Cape Town.
2008 “Come Again: New Work by Michaelis Masters Students”. Michaelis School of Fine Art. Cape Town.
2008 “Come Again:New Work by Michaelis Masters Students”.Wits Gallery, Johannesburg.
2006 “Graduate Exhibition” Curated by Kathy Coates. Michaelis School of Fine Art. Cape Town.
COLLABORATIVE TEACHING AND PUBLIC ARTS PROJECTS
The OIC (Previously HAICU) & Michaelis School of Fine Art Collaborative Public Arts Project was included in the first year curriculum from 2012-19. Students engaged complex social justice through artistic interventions in the UCT landscape. These projects combine education, art and social responsiveness, with a view to publicly present and publish the student projects and the accompanying research.
2019 OIC – First year projects – Gender-based Violence Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Gabriel Khan, review of proposals, student feedback, material purchases and project guidance.
2018 OIC – First year projects – Gender-based Violence Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams, review of proposals, student feedback, material purchases and project guidance.
2017 HAICU – Third Year Students & Injabulo Anti-Bullying Projects Gender-based Violence Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams, -
2016 HAICU – Third Year Students & students Desmond Tutu Youth Centre Gender-based Violence Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams, -
2016 HAICU – First year projects – GBV (September 2016) Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams, review of proposals, student feedback, material purchases and project guidance.
HAICU – Third Year – Gender-based Violence (students from 2014-16) – Molly Blackburn Hall (August 2016) Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams, curatorial culmination of three years or teaching the Public Practice Elective
2015 HAICU – Third Year Students – Gender-based Violence Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams,
2014 Green Week – Fine Art projects (April 2014)
HAICU – HIV/AIDS, LGBTQI & Stigma (May 2014)
HAICU – HIV/AIDS & GBV Gender Based Violence (August 2014)
HAICU – Third Year Students - LGBTQI & Stigma Exhibition – UCT library/CAS (September 2014)
2013 SATVI –TB vaccines Third Global Forum Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Lucina Reddy, Adam Penn\
HAICU – Unibag Project (June 2013) Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Sianne Abrahams
HAICU – HIV/AIDS & Stigma (May 2013)
HAICU – HIV/AIDS & Masculinity (August 2013) Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Lucina Reddy,
HAICU – Third Year Students - Masculinity and HIV/AIDS Campaign
2012 HAICU –HIV/AIDS & Stigma (May 2012)
HAICU – HIV/AIDS & Sexual Concurrency (August 2012) Collaborative project by Fabian Saptouw & Lucina Reddy,
EXHIBITION REVIEWS
Wilkinson, G. 2019. Conversations’: the distance between. [Online]. Available: http://www.cca.uct.ac.za/news/%E2%80%98conversations%E2%80%99-distance-between-geena-wilkinson.
Stielau, A. 2013. Suspicious Mind - Various Artists at Michaelis Galleries. [Online]. http://www.artthrob.co.za/Reviews/Anna_Stielau_reviews_Suspicious_Mind_by_Various_Artists_at_Michaelis_Galleries.aspx
Williamson, S. 2013. The Difference Loom - Various Artists at Iziko South African National Gallery. [Online]. http://www.artthrob.co.za/Reviews/Sue_Williamson_reviews_The_Difference_Loom_by_Various_Artists_at_Iziko_South_African_National_Gallery.aspx.
Pollock, D. 2012. Exhibition a response to artist's book. Monday Paper. 11 March 2012. Volume 31.02. [Online]. Available: http://www.uct.ac.za/mondaypaper/archives/?id=8971.
Stupart, L. 2011. A Paper Issue. Art South Africa. July-September. 34-36.
Jacobs, K. 2009. 'Social Pattern' at the AVA. Artthrob. 139 - April. [Online]. Available: http://www.artthrob.co.za/09apr/reviews/ava.html
Minnaar, M. 2009. Exhibition stimulates in an odd way. Cape Times. Monday 6 April 2009.
McIntosh, T. 2007. Fabian Saptouw at Michael Stevenson Side Gallery. Artthrob.120 - August.[Online].Available:http://www.artthrob.co.za/07aug/reviews/stevenson.html