David Krut Projects is pleased to announce a new solo exhibition by Maja Maljević titled Showtime. The exhibition comprises of paintings and unique works on paper created in collaboration with the David Krut Workshop.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is Maljević’s new series of works on paper, titled Behind the scenes, which brings her vibrant imagination to life. In these works, Maljević creates playful, abstract characters and arranges them as if performing on a two-dimensional stage. The process begins with the artist setting the scene using bold monotype brushstrokes or drypoint-engraved curtains, establishing a frame in which her ‘characters’ can interact. What makes these works particularly exciting is the application of a variety of printmaking techniques facilitated by collaborators Kim-Lee Loggenberg-Tim and Roxy Kaczmarek, alongside hand-cut shapes for collage and additional handwork by the artist, all coming together to weave a rich tapestry of creativity.

Maljević’s new works challenge the viewer’s imagination with intricate and playful icons that are part of her creative process. After visiting the artist’s Johannesburg studio, her collection of little objects, toys, and visual references began to appear in her work. While Maljević’s creations are not directly linked to any specific stage design tradition, there is a clear resonance with artists like David Hockney, particularly his stage design drawings. The vibrant color palettes in Maljević’s work share a similar energy to Hockney’s, while her incorporation of humor and playfulness further strengthens this connection. Like Hockney, Maljević embraces a theatrical approach to space and form, drawing viewers into a world of visual storytelling where the boundary between reality and imagination blurs

The artist also draws inspiration from Oskar Schlemmer’s Triadic ‘Bauhaus’ ballet. This production, known for its choreography rooted in elementary geometry and stereometry, reduced the human figure to geometric shapes. By combining bright colours, asymmetrical characters, and robotic figures, Maljević invites the viewer into a surreal yet familiar realm of associations. These images encourage a deeper appreciation for visual cultural narratives that seek to expand the viewer’s imagination. These images encourage a deeper appreciation for the visual cultural narratives that endeavour to expand the viewers imagination.