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5 of 17

Kialy Tihngang on history, myths and identity
I’m delighted to share this laughter-filled conversation I had with Kialy Tihngang. Kialy is British-born Cameroonian visual artist working in sculpture, video, textiles, animation and photomontage, often in collaboration with performers and musicians. I love the way Kialy’s work combines the humour of Nollywood with retrofuturism, satire and the visual language of adverts for Western audiences. She often creates fantastical artifacts which are animated and activated through film. Creating glimpses into poetic and humorous speculative worlds that raise a mirror to Blackness, queerness, Britishness, and the crushing structural oppressions that surround these personal themes.We had a rich conversation about Kialy's fluid approach to mediums, the influence of Nollywood, exploring history as mythologies, and the challenges and joys of navigating multiple identities.Find out more about Kialy’s work at https://www.kialytihngang.com/The works we talked about were; Fetissoes, 2023Sculptural Installation, dimensions variableFor Those In Peril On The Sea, 2023Single channel video, 8'36''Fetissoes solo show at God's House Tower, SouthhamptonNeyinka and the Silver Gong, 2024Single channel video installation, 24'28''Originially made for ‘fir gorma’, a Glasgow International duo show with Josie KOinterior life/abstract thought, 2023Single channel video, 4'45''Moving Parts Arts Digital Puppetry CommissionWatch online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If1CZzKS0ew Toghu: Episodes 1 & 2Single channel videos, 9'59'' and 11'51''British Council New Narratives Commission
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1:18:46
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1:18:46
Jackie Kay on community, keeping hope alive and the strength in openness
It was an honour and joy to speak with the brilliant Jackie Kay on the podcast. Jackie Kay is a prolific and award-wining poet, playwright and novelist. From 2016 to 2021 she was the Makar, the poet laureate of Scotland.Reading Jackie Kay’s work feels like such a warm balm to my spirit. She thoughtfully explores the beauty, challenges and complexities of life with love, grace and humour.In our conversation we talk about the importance of community, keeping hope alive on the journey of activism, the strength in honesty and disguise in openness and how growing older reconnects us with our younger selves. We talk about some of Jackie’s works; Coorie Doon, 2025, children’s book,May Day, 2024, poetry collection,The Lamplighter, 2009, which has been performed as a stage and radio play, Red Dust Road, 2010, an autobiographical journey.Find out more about Jackie Kay; 'In My Own Words’ BBC DocumentaryJackie Kay on the Scots language, ’Word of Mouth’ radio ‘Authors Live’ BBC television
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29:11
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29:11
Mae Diansangu on weaving poetry, spoken word, and drag
I’m delighted to share this joyful conversation with Mae Diansangu. Mae is a queer poet and spoken word artist from Aberdeen. Her debut poetry collection, Bloodsongs, was released by Tapsalteerie poetry press in 2024. Reading Bloodsongs felt like a call and response—each poem invited something from me: a quiet hum at a powerful ending, laughter at the humour, or the urge to try voicing the Scots language. Listening to Mae’s spoken word poetry carries the same resonance, movement and rhythm. In our conversation, we talked about: Mae’s beginnings with spoken word poetry ,moving between performing, drag and writing for the page,how writing in Scots influences her writing, the vulnerability of putting your work out into the worldmaintaining a creative outlet while balancing a day job, and the significance of having a supportive environment.For more of Mae’s work, check out: Mae’s instagramBloodsongs- pick up a copy from Tapsalterie PressNational Library of Scotland Fresh Ink – Watch Here  Symphony in Grey – Listen HereHope you enjoy the conversation!
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1:29:00
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1:29:00
Professor Herbert M. Cole on the relationship between Mbari clay houses and nature
Professor Herbert M. Cole (Professor Emeritus) taught the history of African Art and Architecture at the University of California Santa Barbara between 1968-2003. Professor Cole co-authored the seminal book "Igbo Arts: Community and Cosmos" with Chike Aniakor. He is author, co-author, or editor of twelve books and more than 60 articles, essays or chapters. Professor Cole turned 89 in 2024, we had a fascinating conversation about the deep relationship between Mbari and the rest of nature. Mbari are temporary large scale clay buildings filled with large clay figures made in the Owerri region of Igboland in Nigeria. They are communally made and created as an offering often to honour the Earth Goddess, Ala. We explore their role as offerings to nature deities, the use of termite clay, the use of colour, recurring symbols and body art. As well as the humour and play embedded within the artform. We talk about three of Professor Cole’s books; - Mbari: Art and Life Among the Owerri Igbo, 1982 - Igbo Arts Community And Cosmos, co-authored with Chike Aniakor, 1984 - Igbo: Visions of Africa series by Five Continents, 2013 Check out the images we discussed here; PDF with images The link will also be on my instagram @gracebrowne African Women's Art Podcast is hosted, produced and edited by Grace Browne.
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48:07
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48:07
Beulah Ezeugo on memory work and creating a community archive
I am delighted to share this inspiring conversation I had with Beulah Ezeugo. Beulah is a researcher and curator. Her practice engages with postcolonial geographies, archives and memory, and expands outwards through exhibition-making, programming, and publication. Recent engagements and awards include SIRIUS Critic-in-Residence (2024), 11:11 x iniva Stuart Hall Library Residency (2024), and Platform Commissions, 41st EVA International, selected by Iarlaith NI Fheorais and Roy Claire Potter (2025). Beulah is currently a research associate at CCA Derry~Londonderry, and one-half of the collective Éireann & I Archive, a migrant memory project. In our conversation we explored the complexities and possibilities of creating a community archive. Beulah shared thoughtful insights on what it means to be an empathetic witness and custodian. We also explore the importance of play, building trust and the patience that’s needed to sit with gaps in histories. Hope you enjoy the conversation and you can find out more about Beulah's work; Beulah’s website: https://bio.site/beulahezeugo Éireann & I: https://eireannandiarchive.com/
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1:16:52
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1:16:52