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. From the Tomorrow’s Today section championing young talent to internationally acclaimed booths, the fair provides visibility and growth opportunities for artists like Boemo Diale, last year’s winner, whose career has soared. Gallerists like Daudi Karungi from AfriArt emphasize the importance of curating globally resonant works, while artists like Charlene Komuntale interrogate themes of beauty and identity. Art fairs not only celebrate creativity but also make art more accessible, inviting audiences to engage, reflect, and invest in the evolving African art scene.
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Artdacity 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, the Triennale calls us to pause, reflect, and acknowledge history while engaging with powerful site-specific installations. From Manyaku’s kraal to Simphiwe’s thought-provoking structures, artists were challenged to create in the moment, breathing life into the landscape. We also speak to Ernestine Deane, who led a moving ceremony to welcome ancestors and embrace the land’s layered past. Join us as we explore how art can heal, provoke, and remind us to take a breath.
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Artdacity 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. Zain shares how art became his lifeline, helping him navigate dyslexia and trauma, and how he now fosters creativity in young minds. Evaan reflects on the impact of the Zeitz MOCAA fellowship, opening doors for aspiring art professionals. From hands-on workshops to mobile museums, we discuss why art education is vital for self-expression, identity, and opportunity. Join us as we explore how investing in art education can empower the next generation of African artists and thinkers.
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Artdacity 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. Through four themes—To Belong, To Protest, To Care, and To Be Heard—this powerful exhibition challenges us to engage critically with our past and future. From Bronwyn Katz’s installations to Igshaan Adams’ evocative works, 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.
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Episode 6: Lerato Nkosi
I sit down with Johannesburg-based artist Lerato Nkosi, the inaugural winner of the ANNA Award. Lerato’s unique practice—using ink, stamps, and water—challenges ideas of identity, memory, and self-discovery, particularly from a female perspective. We discuss how her upbringing shaped her artistic voice, the role of social media in expanding visibility, and the challenges of navigating the art world as a woman. With her latest exhibition at Gallery Momo, Lerato is carving a distinct space for herself in the industry, creating thought-provoking works that push important conversations into new spaces. Join us for a deep dive into her journey, her inspirations, and how she’s redefining contemporary African art—one layered, evocative piece at a time.
Welcome to ARTdacity—a podcast dedicated to contemporary African art. I’m Jo-Ann Strauss, a media professional from Cape Town, and this is my love letter to art and its power to shape our lives.
South Africa