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.
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13:35
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.
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16:46
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.
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19:52
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.
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19:32
Season 2 Episode 1: 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.
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