In 2024 the Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation launched the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcast, presenting a series of one-on-one conversations with experts based in the Global South offering listeners insights into different disciplines in the arts and sciences. Here’s what you need to know.
Behind the JCAF Knowledge Talks Podcast
The Knowledge Talks Podcast is led by art-critic Ashraf Jamal and recorded in the Foundation’s Reading Room. Each expert invited to the podcast shares their unique insight into various disciplines, with conversations ranging from astrophysics and sustainable food practices to AI and architecture.
Through these talks, Jamal and his guests explore how closer relationships between art and science can expand the way we see the world.
A guest lineup of experts
Kicking off its second season, the podcast welcomed Johannesburg-based artist collaborative MADEYOULOOK, who spoke about their interest in everyday black practices in South Africa and what it means to have a relationship with nature.
Upcoming podcast episodes feature:
- Story keeper Traci Kwaai, who talks about her experience working in and with the community of Kalk Bay, as well as the politics of land and sea in the area
- Stella Mutegi, who speaks about her experience co-founding Cave_bureau, a Nairobi-based firm of architects and researchers who actively bridge the gap between academia and practice
- Igshaan Adams who reflects on abstraction, process and the materiality of ideas in his work, as well as how the history and spatiality of Cape Town have influenced his research
- Johannesburg local Ayanda Mnyandu, founder of City Skate Tours who speaks about his passion for skateboarding, street culture and how his tours enabled him to share his love of the city with others
See which experts have been featured
In Season 1 the podcast featured neurologist Dr Kirti Ranchod who spoke about the relationship between art and brain health, and the concept of neuroaesthetics; and Zayaan Khan who shared about her experience working with food and land justice initiatives and the notion of ‘seed as relation’.
Other featured guests included Zizipho Poswa who in her episode, reflected on her artistic development, the cultural and historical context of the Eastern Cape and the creative process behind her recent bodies of work. Ilze and Heinrich Wolff discussed the concept of an ‘architectural practice of consequence’, spatial practice and
knowledge creation in their work as architects in the context of South Africa.
Finally, Pelonomi Moiloa discussed why expanding online access to African languages is essential for building a better future across the continent.
Where to listen
The remaining episodes are set to be released in August, September, and October of 2025. Listen to both past and upcoming episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Website: jcaf.org.za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 010 900 2204
Facebook:
Instagram: @foundation_jcaf
Get the details on JCAF’s “Structures” Group Exhibition
