Natalie Paneng blends digital dreams with hand-printed art
Natalie Paneng’s latest exhibition, Uncanny Valley, has captivated audiences with its masterful blend of digital innovation and traditional printmaking, transforming The Blue House into a surreal realm where the familiar meets the fantastical.
The Blue House in Parkwood hosted the opening of Natalie Paneng’s much-anticipated solo exhibition, Uncanny Valley on June 27. Known for her innovative digital artistry, Paneng has taken a bold new step, blending her expertise in digital media with traditional hand-printed fine artworks.
Paneng now explores monotype and paper lithography with Chine Collé in art pieces such as Holding On to My Inflated Head, created with master printer Sbongiseni Khulu. This exhibition delves into the eerie discomfort of the Uncanny Valley, where almost human forms disturb and intrigue.
Her work blurs the lines between the digital and real, crafting dreamscapes filled with connections and memories. Paneng’s fictional characters invite viewers into whimsical worlds, reflecting her journey of self-perception.
Khulu describes her artistic journey as akin to Alice in Wonderland, where the notions of self and reality are constantly in flux, creating a space for profound self-awareness. “With each piece, Natalie takes us through a journey of self-perception,” Khulu said. “Much like when a vivid dream turns lucid and suddenly, you’re awake.”
A Johannesburg-based multidisciplinary artist, Paneng holds a BA in Dramatic Arts from the University of Witwatersrand. Her foray into printmaking began with a residency at the Leipzig International Art Programme (LIA), supported by David Krut Projects.
Anya Lureman, exhibitions manager, said, “Natalie, primarily a digital artist, brings this uncanny essence into her prints. Though handmade on paper, these works share digital processes of pronto lithography.”
Uncanny Valley is a testament to Paneng’s innovative spirit, merging the digital with the tangible. The exhibition runs until July 30 at The Blue House in Parkwood. Don’t miss this captivating blend of digital and traditional art.
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