Context (CMS Context)
(Bio) 'Paul Molete graduated as a professional printmaker from the Artist Proof Studio and has been affiliated with the Studio as a teacher, outreach facilitator and professional artist since 1995. In 2003, Paul won the Brett Kebble Award for Printmaking and has since become increasingly well-known for his contentious subject matter and excellent technical abilities in lino-cut.
Paul does not hesitate to confront sensitive social issues in South Africa, often creating a certain level of discomfort among viewers of his work. His artwork has dealt with controversial issues such as the sexual molestation of children, abortion, the corruption of the priesthood, and homophobia. Inevitably, his works challenge the viewer and provoke serious reflection.
Paul had a well-received solo exhibition at Gallery Art on Paper in 2005 as well as a group exhibition in 2007/8. He produces prints regularly in the APS Pro Print Studio working in collaboration with master printer Tim Foulds. His 2007/8 show included a series of two or three-plate etchings, in which he used ‘aquatint and line etching in superb combination’ (Gallery AoP). His prints at this most recent exhibition were described as follows: ‘completely redolent of the evocative images of such printmaking masters as Albrecht Durer and James Ensor, and such contemporary painters as Jean-Michel Basquiat, fuses emotional, psychological and physiological aspects of the contemporary human condition. Like Basquiat, he adorns his work with numerous pieces of writing… His etchings certainly constitute the best of contemporary social criticism in South African art’. (Gallery AoP)' [From http://artistproofstudio.co.za/home/index.php/dikgwale-paul-molete].
Event Date 26/8/2014
Author: Remke van der Velden

Context (CMS Context)
Presented by The Art Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. An acquisition project to build a collection of modern and contemporary work on paper from Australia, Canada and South Africa was undertaken over 2011-13 with the support of a grant under The Art Fund's RENEW programme. The collection was developed with the expert advice and generous assistance of Annie Coombes and Norman Vorano in relation to South African and Inuit artists respectively. Khadija Carroll, Anita Herle and Diana Wood Conroy also contributed to the selection process. Obtained from Robyn Nesbitt, Artist Proof Studio Curator, The Bus Factory, 3 President Street, West Entrance, Newtown Cultural Precinct, Newtown/ PO Box 664, Newtown, 2113, Gauteng, Johannesburg.

Part of the Portfolio 'Volatile Alliances', 1995 with 23 prints (2014.258 - 2014.280), edition 50/65. Participating artists included Paul Molete, Gordon Gabashane, Nhlanhla Xaba, Joe Ndlovu, Simon Mthimkhulu, Ezekiel Budeli, Pepe Jose Abela, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Philippa Hobbs, Dominic Tshabangu, Giulio Tambellini, Moleleki Frank Ledimo, Lothar Riedel, Mbongeni Richman Buthelezi, Velaphi Mzimba, Elvin Sefati Nethononda, Sokhaya Charles Nkosi, Vincent Baloyi, Simon Sejake, Durant Sihlali, Diane Victor, Muzi Donga and Kim Berman.
Event Date 26/8/2014
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Etching by Paul Molete titled 'Rural to City', 1995. Edition: 50/65. Inscribed, signed and dated: '50/65 Rural to City Paul Molete 95'. Condition: Good. Part of the Volatile Alliances 1995 portfolio, edition 50/65.
Event Date 26/8/2014
Author: maa