ARTdacity

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.

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, where we celebrate the bold and boundary-pushing voices of contemporary African art. In this episode, I catch up with the phenomenal Breeze Yoko—muralist, street artist, and global ambassador of African creativity. From his roots in hip-hop and graffiti to his internationally recognized murals, Breeze shares how art can be both a form of resistance and a universal language. We discuss the satire and social commentary in his work, the pressures of “fitting in,” and his mission to bridge African and global art communities. Speaking from London fresh off a residency, he reflects on his journey, the importance of representation, and how travel shapes artistic vision. This is a conversation about movement—physical, cultural, and artistic. Join us as we explore how African street art is taking up space on the world stage.

In this episode, we explore the impact of the Venice Biennale and its growing connection to African artists and curators. I speak with Anelisa Mangcu about her great-grandfather, George Pemba, and how his legacy shaped her journey in the art world. We also catch up with Kimberly Drew, Siwa Mgoboza, and other key voices shaping the African art landscape, discussing accessibility, representation, and the power of storytelling in curation. With Koyo Kouoh set to be the first African woman to direct the Biennale in 2026, we reflect on what this means for the global stage. Join us for an inspiring conversation on art, identity, and the future of African creativity.

In this episode, we explore the impact of the Venice Biennale and its growing connection to African artists and curators. I speak with Anelisa Mangcu about her great-grandfather, George Pemba, and how his legacy shaped her journey in the art world. We also catch up with Kimberly Drew, Siwa Mgoboza, and other key voices shaping the African art landscape, discussing accessibility, representation, and the power of storytelling in curation. With Koyo Kouoh set to be the first African woman to direct the Biennale in 2026, we reflect on what this means for the global stage. Join us for an inspiring conversation on art, identity, and the future of African creativity.

I sit down with Jana Terblanche, curator at Southern Guild, just before she heads to Los Angeles to open a group exhibition. We dive into her journey from growing up in a small diamond mining town in Namibia to shaping the South African art scene and taking it to the global stage. Jana shares how curiosity led her into the world of art, her thoughts on fashion’s impact on accessibility, and what it means to be a curator. We also discuss the vibrant Cape Town art scene, its differences from LA, and the young African artists she’s most excited about. With deep insights into curation, creativity, and championing African artistry, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about contemporary art. Tune in to hear Jana’s inspiring perspective on art and its evolving global influence.

I’m thrilled to be speaking with the incredibly talented Thania Petersen, a contemporary African artist whose work has captivated me for years. Thania’s exploration of identity—particularly through the lens of her upbringing in Apartheid South Africa, her royal Indonesian heritage, and her unique experiences—has made a profound impact on me. I’ll never forget standing in front of her pieces at Art Basel and feeling so seen, which is exactly what her art achieves: it creates a space where people can reflect on their own identities and histories.

Her reflections on identity—shaped by personal and historical narratives—are powerful, and we dive into her theories about the "passion gap," a fascinating concept linked to cultural practices. We also touch on how the art world can sometimes feel like an exclusive space, but through her work, Thania makes art accessible and relatable, inviting others to explore their stories and histories.

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.

In a screen-obsessed world, we rarely pause to engage deeply with art. As a mother of four, I see how vital the arts are in shaping well-rounded individuals. I believe art should be more accessible and that African artists deserve greater recognition on the global stage.

Artdacity merges "art" and "audacity"—because embracing art requires boldness. From attending Art Basel and the Venice Biennale to working with Zeitz MOCAA, I’ve explored the evolving role of art. Through this podcast, I invite you to join me in discovering, discussing, and celebrating the impact of contemporary African art.