Digital Encounters – Workshop & Exhibition with Prof. Elfriede Dreyer and Sanet du Plessis, at the Smuts Museum, Irene Centorion. Workshop: 2-5 March 2026 Exhibition: 8 March – 11 April 2026. R3400
Read more at https://www.cap-institute.com/event-details/digital-encounters-digital-art-workshop-exhibition
Digital Encounters Workshop & Exhibition
Introduction
The CAP Institute for Contemporary Art Practice once again presents an exceptional opportunity for artists to participate in a three-day workshop at Snowflake in Potchefstroom https://www.snowflakevenue.com/ followed by an exhibition at the same venue of the work produced during the workshop.
The workshop merges art practice, theory, and history in a dynamic, interactive format. Participants can expect:
- Informative practical sessions exploring new avenues in artmaking;
- Individual mentorship and group critique;
- Discussion on theory and process; and
- Peer learning through observation and dialogue.
Each artist will receive focused guidance while benefiting from the collective exchange of ideas.
The workshop culminates in a professional group exhibition at the Snowflake Building.
The project is led by Prof Elfriede Dreyer – professional artist, curator, and mentor, www.elfriededreyer.com.
Theme: Unmaking to Make
Unmaking to make is about taking things apart to discover something new. It’s a creative process where breaking down, erasing, or reworking what already exists becomes part of making art. Instead of starting with a blank canvas, the artist begins with something that already has meaning—an image, an object, or an idea—and then disrupts it to find new forms and stories hidden underneath. It’s about letting go of control, allowing accidents and changes to shape the work, and finding beauty in transformation. In this way, unmaking isn’t about loss—it’s about discovery, renewal, and seeing the familiar in a completely fresh way.
The workshop theme explores notions of convention, tradition, deconstruction, and rethinking. ‘Unmaking to make’ considers deconstruction as both a conceptual and practical approach in artmaking—one that dismantles and reconfigures familiar forms to reveal hidden layers of meaning.
Objectives of the Workshop
The CAP educational programme in contemporary art practice aims to take artists further in their development as artists. During the workshop, critical and creative thinking will be cultivated while technical skills will be advanced.
Participants will:
- Refine their technical and conceptual competence;
- Gain theoretical and practical insight into artmaking processes;
- Strengthen their capacity for critical reflection and research; and
- Deepen their understanding of idea development and transformation.
- Develop an awareness of context as a generator of meaning;
- Learn to understand the strategic use of titles and forms of presentation to extend interpretation;
- Investigatemetaphor, association, and connotation; and
- Develop individuality and identity in visual expression.
Programme
Days 1–2 (12–14 November 2025)
- Daily sessions from 09:00–16:00 (arrive at 08:30 on Day 1);
- Studio-based exploration in the Snowflake venue;
- Experimentation with materials and ideas, assessment, and development;
- Tea, coffee, and water will be provided. Bring your own lunch or enjoy the onsite restaurant;
- Tools and materials may remain in the gallery for the workshop duration.
Day 4 (14 November):
Finalisation and refinement of work. Selection of work for exhibition.Exhibition Installation:
19 November 2025Exhibition Opening:
20 November 2025 at 18:00Preparation
Upon registration, participants will receive a detailed preparation document with suggested reading, reflection prompts, and material guidelines.
Participants should however begin exploring a personal interpretation of the theme Unmaking to Make. Preparation involves:
- Identifying a material of specific interest in the own direct environment;
- Taking and printing photographs of the material;
- Researching related visual references.
Artists are required to bring their own materials and tools.
Venue
The Snowflake Building in Potchefstroom provides a spacious, inspiring environment for creative experimentation and exhibition.
Cost and Booking
Workshop Fee: R2,800 per participant
(Payable upon booking; confirmation by 31 October 2025)
A minimum of 8 participants is required for the workshop to proceed.Bookings:
📧 elfriede.dreyer@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +27 83 271 2342Banking Details:
Elfriede Dreyer
FNB Current Account: 62170130836
Branch Code: 259745
