ARTdacity
ARTdacity is a podcast dedicated to contemporary African art, hosted by Jo-Ann Strauss, a media professional from Cape Town. Each episode explores the power of art to shape our lives, featuring conversations with artists, curators, and thinkers from across the continent. The show aims to celebrate and demystify African art for a global audience.
Episodes
ARTdacity S3 E15: Mr Philip Boyd
In this deeply moving episode, Jo-Ann Strauss reunites with the man who first opened her eyes to the world of art. Philip Boyd, a towering figure in South African ballet, reflects on a career that spans the prestigious stages of CAPAB to the classrooms of Gugulethu. He recounts his transition from being a principal dancer performing roles like Albrecht in Giselle to becoming a mentor who brought "
ARTdacity S3 E14: Thebe Magugu
Jo-Ann Strauss hosts a landmark celebration at the iconic "Pink Lady" of Cape Town—the Belmond Mount Nelson—to launch the Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House. In this episode, LVMH Prize winner Thebe Magugu reflects on a decade of his brand and his mission of "Afro-encyclopedic" fashion: using cloth as a powerful tool for preservation, advocacy, and memory.
ARTdacity S3 E13: Franziska Wendler
Guest: Franziska Wendler (Director, Galerie EIGEN + ART) The Conversation: Jo-Ann connects with Franziska Wendler to discuss a historic milestone: the gallery’s participation in the inaugural edition of Art Basel Doha. This episode focuses on the presentation of Neo Rauch, the most prominent figure of the New Leipzig School and one of Germany’s most influential living painters.
ARTdacity S3 E12: Cyril Moumen
Jo-Ann connects with Cyril Moumen to explore the "nomadic" spirit of Gallery Nosco. After relocating his program from London to the South of France and Brussels, Cyril brings a globally-minded presentation to Cape Town centered on the 2026 theme of "Appropriation".
ARTdacity S3 E11: Franziska Wendler & Brett Seiler
Fresh from his residency in Germany, Brett Charles Seiler discusses his life as a "swallow," chasing the sun between Europe and South Africa. Brett and Franziska explore the creation of "Low Budget Love Story" and how his raw, poetic use of materials like bitumen and text continues to capture urgent, intimate moments.
ARTdacity S3 E10: Franziska Wendler & Gabrielle Kruger
A deep dive into the "radical experimentalism" of Gabrielle Kruger’s studio. Gabrielle explains her unique process of peeling and weaving paint into 3D sculptural "skins" and "hanging landscapes". Franziska discusses the gallery’s long-standing connection between Leipzig and Cape Town and their 2026 booth featuring Birgit Brenner’s powerful social installations.
ARTdacity S3 E9: Danda Jaroljmek & Sujay Shah
Jo-Ann sits down with the team from Nairobi’s Circle Art Gallery to discuss their return to the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. Sujay Shah reveals the evolution of his practice—moving from satirical takes on colonial trophy hunting to complex, ambiguous "hybrid" and "cyborg" figures that challenge the viewer to look closer. Danda shares the gallery’s 14-year journey and the vital importance of buildi
ARTdacity S3 E8: Cape Town Art Fair 2026
The air at the Cape Town Art Fair is electric. It feels as though the entire world has descended on the tip of Africa to experience the pulse of contemporary art. In this whirlwind episode of ARTdacity, we bridge the gap between high-level curation and the raw, human stories that power the industry.
I sat down with art historian Liese van der Watt to discuss her "labor of love and relief," the boo
ARTdacity S3 E7: A Protea Is Not a Flower
Tonight, the red walls of the Zeitz MOCAA aren't just a design choice—they are a provocation. I am honored to be at the opening of the exhibition A Protea Is Not a Flower, a deep-dive research project that places contemporary giants Robin Rhode and Lerato Shadi in a haunting, vital conversation with the legacies of Bessie Head, Gerard Sekoto, and Don Mattera.
In this segment, we stand before a st
ARTdacity S3 E6: Johannes Segogela
The beauty of the Cape Town Art Fair lies in its serendipity. While grabbing breakfast at "Between Us," I followed a "rabbit hole" led by London-based gallerist Isaac and found myself in an extraordinary, hidden space dedicated to the late Johannes Segogela.
Johannes (1936–2018) was a master of wood sculpture whose work remains a powerful, if sometimes overlooked, pillar of the South African art l
ARTdacity S3 E5: From Modernist Masters to Hair Matters - Strauss & Co
Cape Town is alive with the electric energy of Art Fair season, and we’re right in the heart of the action at Strauss & Co.to explore two extraordinary exhibitions that bookend the story of South African art: “Portway to Cohen” and the deeply poignant “Hair Matters.”
I’m joined by art specialist Wilhelm and researcher Kirstie Pietersen to navigate this rich landscape—from the modernist legacy of D
ARTdacity S3 E4: Nicola Brandt
There is a silence in Namibia that speaks louder than words—a vastness that Jo-Ann Strauss describes as a place where one can truly "hear God." In this episode of ARTdacity, we sit down with Namibian-born artist, photographer, and scholar Nicola Brandt to discuss her breathtaking new book, Reducing The Distance Within.
Nicola takes us on a decade-long journey through her homeland, working with the
ARTdacity S3 E3: Chris Soal
You can’t miss Chris Soal—not just because he is frequently the tallest person in the room, but because his work possesses a magnetic, architectural gravity that pulls you in. Ahead of the launch of his new monograph, I sat down with this visionary young artist to trace a career that has rapidly ascended from the "Jozi hustle" to the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum and SFMOMA.
Chris h
ARTdacity S3 E2: Masekhaya
In this deeply personal season milestone, we gather at the Zeitz MOCAA Members Lounge to celebrate more than just a birthday—we are birthing a dream. I am officially launching the Masekhaya Foundation, a name that bridges my worlds: ‘Ma se-’ (my mother’s) and ‘khaya’ (home).
This episode is a reflection on the roots that sustain us. I share stories of my childhood in Blackheath during the 1980s,
ARTdacity S3 E1: Intro
It feels surreal to be standing at the threshold of Season 3, exactly one year since we launched ARTdacity on Valentine’s Day 2025. This milestone is more than just an anniversary; it’s a beautiful, full-circle moment as we celebrate the official launch of the Masekhaya Foundation—a dream that has come to life through a shared commitment to telling African stories in African voices.
In this season
Season2 E12: Emotions of the Sun
We're basking in the light and optimism of Veuve Clicquot's incredible exhibition, "Emotions of the Sun," showing at the Youngblood Art Gallery until December 21st. I speak with three of the eight phenomenal, world-renowned photographers Christina de Middel, Newsha Tavakolian, and South Africa’s own Lindokuhle Sobekwa - who were given carte blanche to interpret the sun, the ultimate source of ligh
Season 2 Episode 11: Reflections on Season 2 and looking forward
As we close Season 2 of ARTdacity, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible artists, curators, and listeners who’ve joined this journey -exploring how art shapes who we are and how we see the world. This season has deepened our conversations about creativity, identity, and connection across the continent and beyond.
As we look ahead to Season 3, we’re already planning inspiring new interviews
Season 2 Episode 10: Zolani Mahola
In Episode 10 of ARTdacity Season 2, I sit down with Zolani Mahola- celebrated singer, storyteller, and creative force. Her roots in the Eastern Cape have profoundly shaped her artistry and worldview. We explore how her journey, music, and spirituality intertwine to create a deeply authentic expression of art and identity.
Season 2 Episode 9: Klop Klop by @halfandhalve Collective Under the Aegis
In Episode 9 of ARTdacity Season 2, I sit down with the creative collective Half and Halve to unpack their exhibition, Klop Klop, hosted at Under the Aegis - a space founded by Anelisa Mangcu. We explore how identity, collaboration, and art intersect in their bold, thought-provoking practice.
Season 2 Episode 8: Albie Sachs
In Episode 8 of ARTdacity Season 2, I sit down with Albie Sachs-freedom fighter, former Constitutional Court judge, and art lover -at his home in Clifton, just before he left for London for The Albies, a global human rights award ceremony. We discuss his exhibition Spring is Rebellious, currently showing at Zeitz MOCAA, and how art has shaped his lifelong pursuit of justice.
Season 2 Episode 7: BMW Young Collectors
the BMW Young Collectors was started in 2020 as a network for emerging collectors to learn more through the likes of Mandla Sibeko
an incredible art professional. I had the pleasure of joining Mandla and one of the collectors who was featured on the program
Veronique Savigne at her incredible house in Cape Town as we chatted about what collecting means.
Episode 6: Mandla Sibeko
This week on ARTdacity I spoke to Mandla Sibeko who is the person behind Joburg Art Fair as well as BMW Art Generation. He has also made a huge impact but his impact extends far beyond collection to also curating events that really help to highlight the significance of art and the lifestyle.
Episode 5: Benjamin Fueglister of Africa Basel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 A
Artdacity Episode 10: Cape Town Art Fair
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 v
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, br
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, openin
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, Lies
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 worl
Episode 5: Breeze Yoko
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. W
Episode 4: Venice Biennale
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, an
Episode 3: Jana Terblanche
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 i
Episode 2: Thania Petersen
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
Episode 1: introduction
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 th
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