http://www.allears.fm 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. Arts en Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:14:28 +0200 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:33:04 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 All Ears FM no Jo-Ann Strauss Yearly feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p3445/logo_9151_20250905_210208_1400.jpeg http://www.allears.fm Welcome to ARTdacity—a podcast dedicated to contemporary African art. All Ears FM episodic All Ears FM simmi@allears.fm false ZA https://iono.fm/e/1655386 https://iono.fm/e/1655386 Arts Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:06:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E15: Mr Philip Boyd 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 46:19 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1655375 https://iono.fm/e/1655375 Arts Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:54:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E14: Thebe Magugu 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 36:03 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1652884 https://iono.fm/e/1652884 Arts Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:51:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E13: Franziska Wendler 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 4:16 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1652883 https://iono.fm/e/1652883 Arts Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:44:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E12: Cyril Moumen 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 17:03 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1652882 https://iono.fm/e/1652882 Arts Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:36:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E11: Franziska Wendler & Brett Seiler 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 16:13 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1652880 https://iono.fm/e/1652880 Arts Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:32:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E10: Franziska Wendler & Gabrielle Kruger 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 16:35 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1652879 https://iono.fm/e/1652879 Arts Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:24:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E9: Danda Jaroljmek & Sujay Shah 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 20:37 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1651826 https://iono.fm/e/1651826 I sat down with art historian Liese van der Watt to discuss her "labor of love and relief," the book We, The People, which traces 30 years of South African art and democracy. We also welcome home Rita Mawuena Benissan, whose monumental atrium commission at the Zeitz MOCAA left patrons in tears, as she reflects on the profound "coronation" of culture and the enduring legacy of Koyo Kouoh. ]]> Arts Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:57:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E8: Cape Town Art Fair 2026 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 53:26 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650406 https://iono.fm/e/1650406
In this segment, we stand before a staggering 1:1 ratio mural of the facade of John Vorster Square, the notorious Johannesburg police station. This fragment of architecture serves as a backdrop to the poetry of Don Mattera, specifically his 1970s work "Fallen Fruit," dedicated to the mother of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol. As we walk through the monochromatic photography offset by these visceral red surfaces, we aren't just looking at art; we are questioning the very mechanics of history: Who records it? Who is pushed to the periphery? And how do we celebrate the "grandness" of figures like Bessie Head, who lived in humble poverty but left a legacy that is computationally priceless? ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:46:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E7: A Protea Is Not a Flower 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 5:03 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650403 https://iono.fm/e/1650403 Johannes (1936–2018) was a master of wood sculpture whose work remains a powerful, if sometimes overlooked, pillar of the South African art landscape. Despite his presence in major global museums and a long history with the Goodman Gallery, Segogela is a reminder of how easily legendary African artists can slip into the digital shadows—even today, the internet erroneously lists him as still living. In this episode, we explore his dogmatic, tender, and often startling world: a place where angels film the tragedies of the African Renaissance and the struggle between sin and salvation is carved into every figure. ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:35:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E6: Johannes Segogela 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 4:00 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650401 https://iono.fm/e/1650401 I’m joined by art specialist Wilhelm and researcher Kirstie Pietersen to navigate this rich landscape—from the modernist legacy of Douglas Portway and the provocative, identity-driven performances of Steven Cohen, to a pan-African exploration of hair as a crown, a commodity, and a powerful vessel for history. We discuss the works of trailblazers like Tracey Rose, Hank Willis Thomas, and Adebunmi Gbadebo, uncovering how art serves as both a mirror and a catalyst for liberation. ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:28:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E5: From Modernist Masters to Hair Matters - Strauss & Co 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 8:47 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650388 https://iono.fm/e/1650388 Nicola takes us on a decade-long journey through her homeland, working with the legendary "King of Print," Gerhard Steidl, to birth a project that is as much an academic inquiry as it is a visual soul-searching mission. We delve into the "cosmic lottery" of birth, the complexity of navigating a post-apartheid identity, and the hidden scars left on a landscape often mistaken for empty. From the haunting legacy of eugenics in Rehoboth to the "God complex" of landscape art inspired by the late Santu Mofokeng, this conversation bridges the gap between private and public memory. ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:02:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E4: Nicola Brandt 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 27:45 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650385 https://iono.fm/e/1650385 Chris has a rare gift for transforming the overlooked—millions of single-use toothpicks, discarded beer bottle caps, and worn sandpaper—into writhing, tactile sculptures that bridge the gap between intuition and intention. In this episode of ARTdacity, we discuss his formative time at the RAW Academy in Dakar, the profound influence of luminaries like Koyo Kouoh and Otobong Nkanga, and his philosophy on "perceptive capacity"—the discipline of finding value in what society has already dismissed. ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:53:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E3: Chris Soal 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 29:01 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650378 https://iono.fm/e/1650378 This episode is a reflection on the roots that sustain us. I share stories of my childhood in Blackheath during the 1980s, the "beautiful crazy" of my mother—my first art teacher—who turned pillowcases into canvases, and the memory of my brother, who I carry with me every day. From an outreach ballet project that gave a seven-year-old girl a stage, to my current mission of dancing on point in 2026, I explore the idea that a dream delayed is never a dream denied. Masekhaya is my way of ensuring that art is no longer just "something that hangs on rich people's walls," but a space where every African child feels they belong. ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:46:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E2: Masekhaya 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 11:27 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1650373 https://iono.fm/e/1650373 In this season opener, I reflect on the seismic shifts we’re seeing in the global art ecosystem, from the inaugural Art Basel in Doha—a sophisticated blend of art fair and biennale—to our very own upcoming debut at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. For the first time, ARTdacity moves from the sidelines to the center stage as an exhibitor. Our booth may be just six square meters, but it is a space with the biggest heart, serving as a physical "love letter" to the contemporary African artists and creatives who inspire us every day. ]]> Arts Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:38:00 +0200 0 0 ARTdacity S3 E1: Intro 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 3:39 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1626489 https://iono.fm/e/1626489 Arts Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0200 0 0 Season2 E12: Emotions of the Sun 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 23:09 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1615068 https://iono.fm/e/1615068
As we look ahead to Season 3, we’re already planning inspiring new interviews and moments that will continue to celebrate the audacity of art - its power to challenge, heal, and unite. Thank you for listening, for engaging, and for believing in the transformative force of contemporary African art. ]]> Arts Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0200 0 0 Season 2 Episode 11: Reflections on Season 2 and looking forward 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 3:06 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1615064 https://iono.fm/e/1615064 Arts Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:09:00 +0200 0 0 Season 2 Episode 10: Zolani Mahola 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 9:58 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1615063 https://iono.fm/e/1615063 Arts Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:08:00 +0200 0 0 Season 2 Episode 9: Klop Klop by @halfandhalve Collective Under the Aegis 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 23:43 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1615060 https://iono.fm/e/1615060 Arts Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:07:00 +0200 0 0 Season 2 Episode 8: Albie Sachs 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 39:06 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1586087 https://iono.fm/e/1586087 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. ]]> Arts Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:45:00 +0200 0 0 Season 2 Episode 7: BMW Young Collectors 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 6:44 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1580888 https://iono.fm/e/1580888 Arts Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:58:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 6: Mandla Sibeko 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 12:58 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1566348 https://iono.fm/e/1566348 Arts Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:29:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 5: Benjamin Fueglister of Africa Basel 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 13:35 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1566347 https://iono.fm/e/1566347 Arts Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:15:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 4: Marc Barben of Stevenson 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 16:46 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1566346 https://iono.fm/e/1566346 Arts Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:12:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 3: Liza Essers of Goodman Gallery 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 19:52 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1566345 https://iono.fm/e/1566345 Arts Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:07:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 2: Jonathan Garnham of Blank Projects 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 19:32 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1566344 https://iono.fm/e/1566344 Arts Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:04:00 +0200 0 0 Season 2 Episode 1: Introduction 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 3:36 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1531815 https://iono.fm/e/1531815 Arts Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:52:00 +0200 0 0 Artdacity Episode 10: Cape Town Art Fair 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 14:22 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1531811 https://iono.fm/e/1531811 Arts Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:39:00 +0200 0 0 Artdacity Episode 9: Stellenbosch Triennale 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 14:23 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1531804 https://iono.fm/e/1531804 Arts Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:31:00 +0200 0 0 Artdacity Episode 8: Art education 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 20:32 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1531800 https://iono.fm/e/1531800 Arts Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:24:00 +0200 0 0 Artdacity Episode 7: Liese van der Watt 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 23:19 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1526978 https://iono.fm/e/1526978 Arts Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:37:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 6: Lerato Nkosi 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 20:27 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1526971 https://iono.fm/e/1526971 Arts Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:26:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 5: Breeze Yoko 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 15:45 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1526914 https://iono.fm/e/1526914
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. ]]> Arts Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:38:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 4: Venice Biennale 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 19:02 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1526903 https://iono.fm/e/1526903 Arts Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:14:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 3: Jana Terblanche 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 21:59 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1526885 https://iono.fm/e/1526885
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. ]]> Arts Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:38:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 2: Thania Petersen 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 26:37 ARTdacity https://iono.fm/e/1526875 https://iono.fm/e/1526875
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. ]]> Arts Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:14:00 +0200 0 0 Episode 1: introduction 0 0 Jo-Ann Strauss full 6:29 ARTdacity