ARTdacity
by Jo-Ann Strauss
Art is not just something to be glanced at - it is meant to be engaged with, wrestled with, and absorbed. ARTdacity is my invitation to listeners to slow down, look longer, and listen more intently to the stories that contemporary African artists are telling us. In a world consumed by the fleeting nature of digital content, this podcast is a call to reclaim presence - to step away from screens and immerse ourselves in the depth and intention of African art.
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Why? Because contemporary African art is not just an aesthetic movement; it is a revolution of identity, a reclamation of narrative, and a force that is reshaping the global artistic landscape. Too often, these voices are underrepresented, their works admired but not deeply considered. ARTdacity seeks to change that. Through conversations, insights, and storytelling, this podcast will bridge the gap between the artist and the audience, making their work not just seen but felt.
At its core, ARTdacity is a love letter - to the artists who dare, to the collectors who cherish, and to the curious minds willing to engage beyond the surface. It is about celebrating the impact of African art as it carves out space on the global stage, slowly but undeniably. This podcast is an act of devotion: to art, to identity, and to the audacity it takes to create.
Season Two
Episode 1: Season 2 Introduction
We reflect on the impact of the late Koyo Kouoh, a towering figure in African contemporary art. We reflect on her legacy and how her passing reshaped the season’s direction. The episode also spotlights the 3 South African galleries who have achieved international success at Art Basel and who are showing again this year. We also speak one of the founders of Africa Basel, a new platform amplifying African voices in the global art scene.
Episode 2: Jonathan Garnham of Blank Projects
I sit down with Jonathan Garnham of blank projects, a trailblazing Cape Town gallery known for its focus on abstraction. We talk about his journey from artist to gallerist, the challenges of showing at Art Basel, and what it takes to put African art on the global stage.
Episode 3: Liza Essers of Goodman Gallery
I speak with Liza Essers, owner of Goodman Gallery, about her remarkable journey from economics and film into the art world. We explore how she’s helped shape South Africa’s art ecosystem, taken African voices to the global stage, and what to expect from her booth at Art Basel this year -including works by El Anatsui, Shirin Neshat, and the next generation of African talent.
Episode 4: Marc Barben of Stevenson
Marc Barben of Stevenson speaks about the gallery’s collective model, curating for Art Basel, and how a diverse team brings fresh energy to their programme. From historic works like a rare 1947 Ernest Mancoba to new pieces by Penny Siopis, Portia Zvavahera, and Simphiwe Ndzube, we unpack what’s heading to Basel -and how South African galleries are shaping the global art scene.
Episode 5: Benjamin Fueglister of Africa Basel
Benjamin Fueglister, co-founder of the newly launched Africa Basel chats to us about his ambitious new fair spotlighting contemporary African art during one of the world’s biggest art weeks. We explore the motivations behind its creation, the challenges African galleries face in global markets, and how this fair hopes to carve out a bold new space in Basel’s historic heart.
Episode 6: Mandla
Sibeko
This week on ARTdacity I spoke to Mandla Sibeko who is the person behind Joburg Art Fair as well as BMW Art Generation. He has made a huge impact on an entire generation, but this impact extends far beyond collection to also curating events that really help to highlight the significance of art and the lifestyle that accompanies all things art.
Episode 7: BMW Young Collectors
The BMW Young Collectors was started in 2020 as a network for emerging collectors to learn more through the likes of Mandla Sibeko an incredible art professional. I had the pleasure of joining Mandla and one of the collectors who was featured on the program Veronique Savigne at her incredible house in Cape Town as we chatted about what collecting means.
Season One
Episode 1: Introduction
Welcome to ARTdacity, a podcast exploring contemporary African art and its power to shape our lives. I’m Jo-Ann Strauss, and I invite you to join me in celebrating bold, visionary artists and their global impact.
Episode 2: Thania Petersen
I’m excited to speak with Thania Petersen, a brilliant contemporary African artist whose work explores identity and heritage. Her art creates a powerful space for reflection, and seeing her pieces at Art Basel left a lasting impact on me.
Episode 3: Jana Terblanche
I sit down with Jana Terblanche, curator at Southern Guild, to discuss her journey from Namibia to shaping the global art scene. We explore curation, creativity, and the rising influence of African artists as she prepares to open a group exhibition in Los Angeles.
Episode 4: Venice Biennale
This episode explores the Venice Biennale’s growing connection to African artists and curators. With insights from Anelisa Mangcu, Kimberly Drew, Siwa Mgoboza, and more, we discuss representation, storytelling, and the future of African creativity on the global stage.
Episode 5: Breeze Yoko
In this episode of Artdacity, I speak with Breeze Yoko, a muralist and street artist using art as resistance and universal language. Fresh from a London residency, he shares his journey, the power of satire, and how African street art is making a global impact.
Episode 6: Lerato Nkosi
I sit down with Lerato Nkosi, inaugural winner of the ANNA Award, to discuss her unique ink-based practice exploring identity and memory. With her latest exhibition at Gallery Momo, she’s redefining contemporary African art and amplifying important conversations.
Episode 7: Liese van der Watt
In this episode, we sat down with Liese van der Watt, curator of We the People, an exhibition at the Norval Foundation that reflects on 30 years of South African democracy. Liese’s curation sparks vital conversations about identity, belonging, and resilience. Join us as we explore how art can question, inspire, and ultimately shape our shared narrative.
Episode 8: Art Education
I’m joined by Zain Nazier, who leads the Norval Foundation’s education program, and Evaan Jason Ferreira, a Zeitz MOCAA UWC Fellowship alumni, both of whom are shaping the future of art accessibility. Join us as we explore how investing in art education can empower the next generation of African artists and thinkers.
Episode 9: Stellenbosch Triennale
We’re at the opening of the Stellenbosch Triennale, a visionary exhibition curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa - with the theme Ba'zinzile: A Rehearsal for Breathing. Join us as we explore how art can heal, provoke, and remind us to take a breath.
Episode 10: Cape Town Art Fair
Art fairs serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing emerging and established artists while fostering connections between collectors, galleries, and the public. The Cape Town Art Fair, the largest of its kind in Africa, is a vibrant hub where local and international artists converge.