We are very excited to announce the LGBTQIA+ Artist Studio Exchange 2024 Winner as Dustin August.

The hope is that this provides the artist with the freedom to explore their creativity and develop a voice in the visual arts industry.

Dustin August is a multimedia artist, with a formal background in architecture, he is currently working with photography, graphic design, and illustration. His practice is anchored in process and experimentation. This foundation informs his exploration of deconstruction, layering, and transparency, creating works that celebrate the queer body and the nuanced experiences within the community. August’s identity as a gay, coloured man motivates him to take up space and create work that confirms that the queer image and experience should be visible, accessible and relevant.

August’s artistic journey emphasises the importance of process and experimentation. “My work speaks to the act of experimentation,” he states. “It often deconstructs the final image into sequential layers, celebrating the process itself.” His work is an evolving dialogue, offering room for growth while capturing the essence of queer identity. His mural projects, include a public mural with HALLS at the Playground in Braamfontein and more murals at the Black brick Hotel and Math Restaurant.

In 2024, he showcased at the Turbine Art Fair and has just completed the RMB Talent Unlocked artist program. August’s latest project, A SECOND, GUESSING, builds on themes from his earlier piece, PROLOGUE. It delves into the emotional complexities of self-reflection, using visual elements that portray the push and pull of confidence. The use of tracing paper in these works softens the gaze, inviting viewers into a contemplative experience.

Additionally, his PAPERDOLLS project serves as a playful exploration of public art, where he has created and pasted portraits in urban spaces, seeking immediate engagement with the community. As August continues to develop his artistic voice, he aims to create work that not only occupies space but also resonates with the broader narrative of the LGBTQIA+ experience.

This 12 month studio exchange provides the artist with the following
– A free studio space at August House
– An opportunity to participate in ongoing activities of the community.
– A parking space within August House
– Uncapped internet
– Support from the META foundation team.