THERESA JO
PRINTMAKING
AVAILABLE
Cape Town based artist, designer, printmaker, ceramicist and metalworker, Theresa Jo Wessels has been owner and curator at Artvark Gallery in Kalk Bay for 22 years.
Since opening in 1998, Artvark Gallery which has always aimed to showcase and support South Africa’s art talent, has grown in reputation to be a well-established institution on the Cape Town Gallery circuit.
In 2023 the Gallery celebrated it's 25th year.
Theresa's body of work as a multidisciplinary artist demonstrates an impressive versatility.
She expresses herself through a variety of mediums, including, jewellery-making, sculpture, printmaking, photography, animation and textiles.
Theresa is passionately creative, describing the process of creating as ‘intoxicating’, and describes the way in which the artwork leads her as inspiring, unintentional and distinctive.
Her approach to the materials with which she works is inherently playful and exploratory.
She describes herself as proudly unconventional, finding that by eschewing conventional rules, new and interesting combinations and unique outcomes are revealed by means of innovation.
With relevance to her etching and mark making, she acknowledges how the interplay of aspects of control and the unknown inform the process. It is this challenge, “to move from complete chaos on your desk to a sterile environment where mishaps are fatal”, that Theresa finds inspiring.
''I follow the tenet of 'Undisciplined imagination with disciplined execution', Theresa explains.
This, is what, in her view, unites the polarities of discipline - the element of uncontrollability of the monoprint and the precision of etching.
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Theresa Jo
CONTINUUM II​
Etching A/P
77 X 100 cm
Framed
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R12 500
SOLD
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CONTINUUM
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Mankind will destroy his environnment and ultimately himset but the waves of time will continue, and ife will regenerate.
Paradise revisited...
The activity of waves happens at the water's edge
This edge symbolises a borderline in space and time
We as humanity are at the water's edge in terms af our own destruction.
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Continuum' delves into themes of the ocean's enduring and cleansing power through the use of bold spirals which act as metaphors for the ocean's continuous movement, resilience, and capacity for renewal.
The spirals capture the essence of waves that have shaped the Earth's coastlines for millennia, symbolizing the timeless and cyclical nature of the sea.
This work is also a protest against the seismic drilling by Shell, foregrounding the catastrophic impacts on marine ecosystems.
The boldness of the spirals can be interpreted as a representation of the strength and
fthe orce of the ocean, juxtaposed against the fragility of marine life threatened by human actions.
This stark contrast emphasizes the urgent need for environmental preservation and the
protection of our oceans. Additionally, it addresses the tension between human industry and nature, urging
collective responsibility and action to protect our planet.
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The artist invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature and the broader implications of environmental degradation
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'Leaving'
This pair of artworks narrate the tale of our contemporary globe, where numerous individuals must depart from the steadiness, safety, and familiarity of their households and native lands, to gamble their lives in the face of uncertainty, disorder, and devastation.
The print titled "Leaving” depicts an etching that faithfully reproduces the
matrix found on the brass plate.
"Leaving I" is a monoprint that conveys the notion of risk and unpredictability.
Theresa Jo
Etching on Fabriano
Print size: 54 cm x 76 cm
Framed size: 98 cm x 78 cm
Edition of 15.
2023​
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Framed 98 x 78 cm
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Please enquire at artvark@iafrica.com for the price.
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Available editions unframed. ​
​R 11 000
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Please email artvark@iafrica.com to enquire.
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Kindly note that prints are not able to be removed from their frames at the gallery.
This service must be done by a professional framer.
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Theresa Jo
Leaving I
Monoprint on yupo paper
Print size: 54 cm x 76 cm
Framed size: 98 cm x 78 cm
2023
SOLD
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Theresa Jo
Lockdown Waves
Mono - etch.
Framed
77 x 55 cm
R11 500
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'9 Emmers'
Monotype prints on phonebook paper
Theresa Jo
Lockdown Waves
Mono - etching on Fabriano
Framed between glass size: 71.5 x 53 cm
SOLD
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From a series of works that formed part of an exhibition entitled Die Emmer Obsessie, Woordfees March 2019.
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The only way Capetonians can survive the drought is by cultivating an obsession with water and to save every drop you need a bucket. A bucket is an object in which you can carry and store water, a centuries-old symbol once again entering our psyche. The artist’s use of buckets is a deep recognition of the work of women who have been carrying water in buckets for years.
Buckets are depicted on the worthless paper of Cape telephone directories – an icon of the past that, just like water, we saw as a self-evident, inexhaustible commodity. The paper with its lists of people and addresses has been raised from the background mounting and placed under glass. The paper that is usually wasted, like water, now enjoys a raised status.
A clay bucket, the inside of which has been glazed, reflects glittering water reminds us that
water is gold!
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'Die Emmer' II'
Photograph framed behind museum glass
40 x 47 cm
R4950
SOLD
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'Die Emmer'
Photograph framed behind museum glass
50.5 x 54 cm
R5500
SOLD
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'Die Emmer Obsessie'
Monoprints on phonebook paper
Framed in kiaat
30 x 36 cm
Paper size: 21.5 x 27 cm
R 3500 each
SOLD OUT
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SOLD OUT
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'Ek wil die Ek Wat Ek Is Bly'.
(Antjie Krog)
Etching
Framed
75 x 92cm
R 9500
SOLD
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“I illustrated a poem by Antjie Krog for the Breytenbach Gallery in Wellington. She was the honorary poet of the Festival at the Tuin of Digters. "Ek wil die ek wat ek is bly"...want to retain the I that l am”.
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Water Is Goud
(2022)
Etching on Hahnemuhle paper.
EV 1/10
Framed in kiaat wood.
30.5 x 30.5 cm
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R1850
SOLD
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Water Is Holy
(2022)
Etching on Hahnemuhle paper.
EV 1/10
Framed in kiaat wood. #
Available.
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Oumense Moenie Met Die Water Speel Nie,
die Kinders Moet Dit Drink.
(2022)
Etching on Hahnemuhle paper.
EV 1/10
Framed in kiaat wood.
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'Amsterdam'
Etching
Edition of 25.
28.5 x 31 cm
Framed
R1850
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'Amsterdam'
Etching
Edition of 25.
20 cm x 22 cm
Unframed
R 950
Framed available.
28.5 x 31cm
R1850
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'Die Pijpe'
Etching
Edition of 25
19.5 cm x 22cm
Unframed - R 950
Framed - R1850
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'Ek Is Jy Is'
(Antjie Krog)
Etching
A/P
24 x 18cm
Unframed
R 850
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Framed: R 2800
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Immigration
Etching on Fabriano.
Framed.
76 x 93cm
R12 500
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A Sense Of Place
Etching.
A/P
Framed.
55 x 49cm
R4500
SOLD
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Adam Small : Die Here het gaskommel en die dice het verkeerd geval vi ons.
Etching.
Edition of 25.
Unframed: 35 cm x 38 cm
R2.200
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SOLD
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Adam Small : Die Here het gaskommel en die dice het verkeerd geval vi ons.
Etching print on aluminium.
Kiaat frame
51.5cm x 51.5cm
R 6200
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SOLD
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A recurring theme elaborated upon in my work is my love for the Afrikaans culture , literature and poetry and most definitely the humour.
The poem by Adam Small , who was involved in the Black Consciousness Movement wrote this endearing verse“ Die dice het verkeerd geval vir ons”
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To read the poem by Adam Small, in the original Afrikaans, and translated into English click here.
My motivation is described by the words of Joseph Campbell in “The Mythic Imagination” - “A profound respect for inherited forms has generally suppressed innovation.”
My work has an emotional connection to the natural environment which surrounds my hometown, as well as socio-political and environmental issues.
The plight of women as preservers ‘women’s work’ as portrayed in”5 to 5” formed part of ‘My Obsessie – Die Emmer’ installation at Woordfees 2019.
5 tot 5 II.
5 tot 5 II.
Mono Etching.
Unframed.
SOLD
5 tot 5 I.
Mono Etching.
Framed.
84cm x 63cm
R5 500
SOLD
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Die Emmer Obsessie. 2017.
Monoprint.
74cm x 54cm
Framed: R2 500
Die Emmer-'n Eeue ou simbool wat nou weer in ons psige ontvou.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
Framed in kiaat wood:48 x 33cms :R3 200
Unfamed: 40 x 25cms: R2 300
SOLD
Die Emmer-'n Eeue ou simbool wat nou weer in ons psige ontvou.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
Framed in kiaat wood: 48 x 33cm: R3200
Unframed 40 x 25cms: R2 300
SOLD
Die Emmer-'n Eeue ou simbool wat nou weer in ons psige ontvou.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
Framed in kiaat wood: 48 x 33cms: R3350
Unframed: 2500
SOLD
Example, framed in kiaat wood.
Die Emmer.
Etching on aluminium.
Edition of 5.
40 x 40cms
Unframed.
R3 500
Framed:
R4500.
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Die Emmer.
Etching on aluminium.
Edition of 5.
Framed in Kiaat
51.5 x 51.5 cms.
R6200
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Crime is King. 2017.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
Edition of 20.
56cm x 32cm
Available framed in Kiaat R5 500 SOLD
or unframed R4 450
The omnipresence of crime, loss and constant danger forming part of the fabric of South African society and the realities of its citizens, particularly against women and children, is another theme I draw upon. This inspired the etching ‘Crime is King’
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Dodo Days.
Framed Etching
A/P
57.5 X 52cms
R3 200
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Tennisles ( The Tennis Lesson)
Monoprint.
Framed.
83 x 73cm
R 10 000
Leucadendron II
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper. .
6/10
82.5 x 65.5 cms
Framed.
R9 500
SOLD
My Kind se Skoene.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper. Edition Variable.
52 x 37cms
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My Kind se Skoene.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper
Edition of 10.
Framed in Kiaat wood.
71 x 54 cm
R 5500
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Hoe Kan Wyn
Etching
55 x 44cms
Framed in kiaat
R3500
SOLD
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This Mythical Creature. 2019. (Die Laaste Artvarkie)
Etching. Edition of 20.
Size: 26.5 cm x 26cm
Framed in kiaat wood frame: R3500.
Last edition available. 20/20
SOLD OUT
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Die Laaste Mielie. 2020.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
32cm x 32cm
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Die Laaste Mielie. 2020.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum paper.
5/25
34 cm x 36cm
R 2850
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Flipside.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
32cm x 34 cm
Unframed: R 1850
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Framed ( smaller ) R2850
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Flipside.
Etching on Hahnemuhle museum etching paper.
​Framed in black 45.5 x 42.cm
R3250
SOLD
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Moddermure van Marrakesh.
Etching.
Unframed
R3 500
Fynbos.
Etching and Aluminium print.
33cm x 32.5cm.
Framed
SOLD
Fynbos. 2019.
Etching and photographic print on aluminium.
Edition of 5.
Unframed: 60 x 60cms
R4 500
Framed: 60 x 60cms
R5 500
Fynbos
Etching on aluminium.
Edition of 5
30 x 30cms
R950
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Fynbos
Etching on aluminium.
Edition of 5
30 x 30cms
R950
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Fynbos
Etching on aluminium.
Edition of 5.
30 x 30cms
R950
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Fynbos
Etching on aluminium.
Edition of 5.
30 x 30cms
R950
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Wat maak jy in my kop.
Etching Variable.
Printed by Popular demand.
46cm x 41cm.
Available framed
or unframed
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Unframed R3 750
Framed R5 500
Alias Stef Bos.
Etching Edition of 75.
39cm x 33cm.
Printed by Popular demand. Available framed or unframed.
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Wat Maak Jy In My Kop ( Alias Stef Bos)
Etching
Edition of 100
E.V
39cm x 33cm.
Printed by Popular demand. Available framed or unframed.
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Unframed R 3150
Framed R 3900
"Stone" drawing number 1.
Monoprint
Being passionate about v Rock art I tried an attempt at it myself. I realised that the San had it easy! They had their canvasses prepared while I first had to create the stone before I could“ draw” on it.
R4500
(SOLD)
Mirage- an unrealistic hope.
Etching
40cm x 55cm Framed: R3500
35cm x 50cm Unframed: R2500
Please enquire regarding the availlabilty of the above prints at artvark@iafrica.com
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