About Mokuhanga Editions 2026
Mokuhanga Editions is an apprenticeship program designed to transfer specialist skills in Japanese woodblock printing, washi paper and woodblock carving to South African artists and artisans. The current program will run from 1 September to 15 December 2026. Apprenticeships will be hosted part-time at Natasha Norman's studio in Plumstead, Cape Town.
ABOUT THE STUDIO
Natasha Norman has attended numerous residencies in Japan to learn about Japanese watercolour woodblock printing (Mokuhanga) and washi paper. She uses these skills in her practice as an artist. She has begun Mokuhanga Editions as a means of creating original mokuhanga prints in collaboration with South Africa artists and to provide an opportunity for skills transfer to fellow South Africans.
For more about Natasha, please visit her website: http://natashanorman.co.za.
For more about Natasha, please visit her website: http://natashanorman.co.za.
Her studio is located at 4 Firfield Road, Plumstead, Cape Town. It is easily accessible via the Plumstead Train Station as well as taxi and Golden Arrow bus services along Main Road.
ABOUT THE 2026 PROJECT
Mokuhanga Editions has been generously funded by the NAC (National Arts Council) to create a Mokuhanga Edition print with recent Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner and UCT print lecturer, Stephané Conradie.
https://stephaneeconradie.com/
Conradie's work examines histories of colonialism and creolisation through domestic material culture. Her bricolage sculptures question how identity is encoded in collections of private objects. Her particular investigation of material culture traces the effects of cultural phenomena derived from displacement, particularly the historic displacements enacted by slavery, colonialism and apartheid.
https://stephaneeconradie.com/
Conradie's work examines histories of colonialism and creolisation through domestic material culture. Her bricolage sculptures question how identity is encoded in collections of private objects. Her particular investigation of material culture traces the effects of cultural phenomena derived from displacement, particularly the historic displacements enacted by slavery, colonialism and apartheid.
During the production of this print edition, Mokuhanga Editions invites part-time apprenticeships within the following three technical areas:
- Woodblock carving
- Washi paper preparation
- Mokuhanga edition printing
Apprentices are welcome to attend every aspect of the project but they will only be formally employed for one of the three skill sets. They will be provided with a place to work and materials and tools for their use while they are in the studio. They will be included in the work for the production of Stephané Conradie's print edition but will also be allowed to pursue a self-motivated project of their own choosing.
Please note that apprenticeship employment will be part-time and flexible with remuneration and a minimum number of attendance hours specified in a successful applicant's employment contract.
Each apprentice will receive a Mokuhanga Editions training manual to facilitate their education in Mokuhanga printing.
Please note that apprenticeship employment will be part-time and flexible with remuneration and a minimum number of attendance hours specified in a successful applicant's employment contract.
Each apprentice will receive a Mokuhanga Editions training manual to facilitate their education in Mokuhanga printing.