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JCAF Knowledge Talks

Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF)

JCAF Knowledge Talks is a series of one-on-one conversations led by art-critic Ashraf Jamal. Recorded in JCAF’s Reading Room, in each episode we learn about a d...

Arts

Building Conviviality
Ilze and Heinrich Wolff speak about the concept of an ‘architectural practice of consequence’, a concern that ties into their ethical stance on advocating for spatial justice and research-based design projects. They expand on the concept of conviviality, as it applies to spatial practice and knowledge creation. Ilze and Heinrich also provide insight into the process of creating JCAF’s Reading Room, and what it means for them to practise as architects in the context of South Africa. Mentioned in this episode:Rahul MehrotraCheré Botha School project in Cape TownLe CorbusierAlessandro Petti and Sandi Hilal – DAAR Paulo Tavares and Gabriela de MattosPaul Gilroy’s concept of ‘planetary humanism’‘Strange Fruit’ performed by Billie Holliday (1959) and Nina Simone (1965) The Group Areas Act (1950) The Native Land Act (1913)Sol Plaatjie – ‘Native Life in South Africa’ (1916)Sol Plaatjie – ‘Mhudi’ (1930)Bessie HeadSteinkopf Community CentreAmartya Sen – ‘Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation’ (2003)Manuel (Manolo) Callahan’s concept of ‘renewing our habits of assembly’Manuel (Manolo) Callahan and Fred Mutton – joint lectureJCAF Reading Room designed by Wolff architectsBag FactoryPolly Street Art Centre To know more about Ilze and Heinrich Wolff’s work visit their website or follow them on Instagram. Music for the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcast was commissioned by JCAF.‘INGWENYA’, performed by the Afrikan Freedom Principle, led by Mandla Mlangeni, © MM Publishing. Website URL: https://jcaf.org.zaInstagram: instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/
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Homage Through Clay
Reflecting on the influence other women had on her early artistic development, Zizipho Poswa shares her trajectory in relation to the cultural and historical context of the Eastern Cape. She explores the symbolism of ceramics as vessels, relating them to motherhood and traditional Xhosa customs. Zizipho also discusses the creative process behind her recent bodies of work and explores the relationship between spirituality and her artistic practice. Mentioned in this episode: Imiso ceramicsPractice of ‘lobola’Zizipho Poswa – iLobola (2021)Zizipho Poswa – uBuhle boKhokho (Beauty of Our Ancestors) (2022) Zizipho Poswa – iiNtsika zeSizwe (The Pillars of the Nation) (2023–2024) Zizipho Poswa – ‘uNa’kaMzingisi’ (Mzingisi’s Mother) (2024) shown in the Ecospheres exhibition at JCAF. African textile traditionJ.D. Okhai OjeikereCenter for Contemporary Ceramics at California State University Andile Dyalvane To know more about Zizipho’s work follow her on Instagram Music for the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcast was commissioned by JCAF.‘INGWENYA’, performed by the Afrikan Freedom Principle, led by Mandla Mlangeni, © MM Publishing.Website URL: ⁠https://jcaf.org.za⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/
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Seed as Relation
Drawing from her experience working with food and land justice initiatives, Zayaan Khan examines ways to retrieve knowledge that have become extinct to us. She introduces the notion of ‘seed as relation’, a perspective that encourages using seed as a lens to see and relate with the world and all other living beings. Zayaan shares insights of the process behind her sound-piece ‘Seeds from the Streets to the Seas’ (2019), speaks about fermentation, how grief is embedded in the land in South Africa and much more. Mentioned in this episode: Zayaan Khan and Coila-Leah Enderstein – ‘Seeds from the Streets to the Seas’ (2019) June Bam – ‘Deep listening’Ecocide Aboriginal dreaming tracks Magical realism⁠⁠J.M. CoetzeeZayaan’s research project supported by Prince Claus Fund Fermentation Necropolitics Jorge Luis Borges – “Undivided divinity” in ‘Labyrinths’ (1962) To know more about Zayaan’s work follow her on Instagram Music for the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcast was commissioned by JCAF. ‘INGWENYA’, performed by the Afrikan Freedom Principle, led by Mandla Mlangeni, © MM Publishing. Website URL: https://jcaf.org.zaInstagram: instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/
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38:44
Neuroaesthetics
Dr Kirti Ranchod is a neurologist who explores the relationship between art and brain health. She dives into the concept of neuroaesthetics and shares how exposure to art can enhance our brain’s well-being. With an emphasis on perspectives from the African continent, she speaks to the critical role of food, culture, and the integration of diverse knowledge systems in our approach to mental and brain health. Mentioned in this episode: Dr Kirti Ranchod’s project Memorability‘Ecospheres’ exhibition at JCAF Eric Kandel – work on memory Nobel prize winner Jane Alexander – 'Butcher Boys' (1986) Irving Stone – 'The Agony and the Ecstasy' (1961) Exhibition featuring Zina Saro-Wiwa at the Brooklyn Museum (2016) Paul Klee – 'a line is a dot that went on a walk' Martin Buber – 'I and Thou' (1923) Henry David Thoreau Michel Foucault - 'Discipline and Punish' (1975) E.M. Forster –'Howards End' (1910) Dr Phuthuma Seoka Music for the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcast was commissioned by JCAF. ‘INGWENYA’, performed by the Afrikan Freedom Principle, led by Mandla Mlangeni, © MM Publishing. Website: jcaf.org.za Instagram: instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/
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Trailer
JCAF Knowledge Talks is a series of one-on-one conversations led by art-critic Ashraf Jamal. Recorded in JCAF’s Reading Room, in each episode we learn about a different discipline with an expert in the field. The conversations range from astrophysics and sustainable food practices, to AI, art and architecture. Through these talks, we explore how keeping a closer relationship between art and science can expand the way we see the world. Website Instagram
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JCAF Knowledge Talks is a series of one-on-one conversations led by art-critic Ashraf Jamal. Recorded in JCAF’s Reading Room, in each episode we learn about a different discipline with an expert in the field. The conversations range from astrophysics and sustainable food practices, to AI, art and architecture. Through these talks, we explore how keeping a closer relationship between art and science can expand the way we see the world. jcaf.org.za instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/

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