Madelize van der Merwe
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a printmaker drawn to the slow, tactile process of making. Through linocut, etching, screenprint and other traditional techniques, I explore how repetition, mark-making and material can carry memory and meaning. Printmaking allows me to build images through layers- both physical and symbolic-where the technical rigour of the medium opens space for intuition, emotion and reflection.
Nature, the body, and the quiet spaces in between often surface in my work. I am interested in how internal landscapes can be translated into form, and how the act of printing becomes a conversation between control and accident. The discipline of the studio is where I process experience: carving, inking and pulling prints that hold traces of time, gesture and intention.
Working within education and community contexts has shaped my practice deeply. I value printmaking not only as an art form, but as a democratic and therapeutic medium—one that invites engagement, learning and shared creativity. My work continues to evolve through both personal practice and the collaborative environments I move through.
Education
2025: Bookbinding with George Wentzel, CT
2024: Paper properties with Zhane from Warren Editions, CT
2022: Stone Lithography workshop with Stephen Inng at The Print Kitchen,CT
2021: Eco Printing with Sanet, Deckle Edge, CT
2020: Gelli-Plate Printing with Cleo, Deckle Edge, CT
2020: Screenprinting with Wim from Blackriver Studios, CT
2018: Attended Art workshops, NAF, “Colour Woodblock Printing” with Ian Tainton, " Zen and the Art of the Painted Clay Bowl" with Graeme Germond, "The Art of Etching on Aluminium Plate", by Mimi van Der Merwe
2013: Two month Internship course at Warren Editions, Cape Town
2011 PGCE Visual Art + Design, Rhodes University, Grahamstown
2005: Degree: B-Tech Fine Art Degree, Nelson Mandela University, Distinctions in Printmaking, Painting, Sculpture
2000: Secondary Education: National Senior Certificate, Hudson Park High School,ZA
Community Engagement and Art Workshops
2025: Worked with The Children’s Art school, guided printmaking workshops
Workshops at Deckle Edge: Drypoint and Monotype, Colour Reduction Printing. Workshop at Artsauce on screenprinting. All ages welcome
Presented printmaking as a subject to Portfoloi Development Programme run at Michaelis
2024: Presented printmaking as a subject to Portfoloi Development Programme run at Michaelis
2023: Involvement with ASAI (Africa South Art Initiative) facilitating 2 x screenprint workshop as assistant and technician. Curated an exhibition called Co-Lab with ASA at Michaelis Galleries.
Presented printmaking as a subject to Portfolio Development Programme run at Michaelis
Artistic Career
2019:
Facilitation of Printmaking Workshop, NAF
Curatorship = Group Exhibition @ National Arts Festival
2018:
Start Printmaking classes for Adults= offer 8 x week course per printing medium
Facilitation of Printmaking Workshop, NAF
Curating Group Exhibition ‘Expressions’ at NAF
Participant in group exhibition ‘Summertide’ @ National Festival gallery
2017:
Facilitation of Printmaking and Creative Expression Workshops at Dakawa Art Centre
Curating Art Exhibition, Longtable, National Arts Festival
2016:
Workshop with Raphael centre youth, “Blue Tree, Green Tree, Your Tree My Tree” exhibition and auction, NAF
2015:
Workshop with youth from Raphael Centre ‘My Town” Exhibition and Auction at NAF
Workshops with youth from Dakawa Art Centre
2014:
Environmental awareness workshop with youth from Raphael Centre. Exhibition during NAF “Finding Beauty” and participation in Festival parade.
Curated an exhibition during NAF @ Longtable ‘Surface Interest’
2013:
Internship for two months at Warren Editions, Cape Town, SA
Group exhibition, Port Elizabeth
Presented an Art Workshop at ARTFACTORY, National Arts Festival, Grahamstown
Started a Creative Workshop Programme at Raphael Centre and curated exhibition of their artwork during National Arts Festival, Grahamstown “Ingaphakati”
Curated an exhibition at Longtable, National Arts Festival, Grahamstown, SA
2012:
Curation of group exhibition at Long Table, Grahamstown Art’s Festival, SA
2011:
Curated and took part in group Exhibition at the Long Table Restaurant during National Arts Festival, Grahamstown, SA
2010:
Artwork selected for Nelson Mandela Biennale Exhibition, Port Elizabeth
Exhibition during National Arts Festival, called “Echo”, Cube Gallery, Albany Science Musuem, Grahamstown, SA
Attended Colour Colloquium workshop hosted by Rhodes University and took part in group exhibition, “Colour”, Albany History Museum, Grahamstown
Took part in Absa Le ‘Atelier, exhibited at Anne Bryant Gallery in East London, SA
2009:
Participant in exhibition “Loss” at the Albany History Museum, Grahamstown, SA
2006:
Exhibition during Grahamstown Festival, called “Transcend”, SA
2003:
Attended and exhibited at the 4th International Printmaking Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Took part in” Salted Lines” exhibition which travelled to Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, SA
2003/4
Printmaking Technician, Buffalo City FET College, South Africa
2001-2005
Took part in various Group Exhibitions at the Grahamstown Festival, Anne Bryant Art Gallery, Vincent Park Art gallery and pop up art exhibitions while still a student
Permanent Collection
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum: A3 Etching called “Desolation”
Various artwork in Private collections