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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 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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  • 13 episodes
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

Episodes 13

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  • S3 · E1
    August 21 · 48 min

    A Composed Archive

    Neo Muyanga speaks about how his work as a composer and his research on African idiomatic songs has informed his interest in opera and its various manifestations in South Africa. He shares the process of working as composer and librettist on the recently premiered The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet, and how designing soundscapes for exhibitions and films has allowed him to connect the visual and sonic realms in new and unexpected ways. Mentioned in this episode: Madrigal tradition in Italy Musique concrète Sidney Poitier ‘The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet’ (Joburg Theatre, 2026) Sparagmos Nietzche and the abyss ‘Of Mimicry and Man: The Ambivalence of Colonial Discourse’ (Homi Bhabha, 1984) Miriam Makeba Abdullah Ibrahim ‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration on Painting’ exhibition (Zeitz Mocaa Museum, 2022) ‘Milisuthando’ (Milisuthando Bongela, 2023) To find out more about Neo’s work, visit the Centre for the Less Good Idea’s website. 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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠jcaf.org.za⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠foundation_jcaf

  • S3 · E1
    July 10 · 46 min

    Andean Cosmotechnics

    Paula Gaetano Adi speaks about her robotics practice, which blends Western technologies with traditional South American crafts, vernacular cultures, folklore, collective work and DIY making. In doing so, she questions the morality behind contemporary technological innovations, and expands on what robots can say about human relations and power. Gaetano also shares insights about her work Guanaquerx (2024), the first robot to cross the Andes Mountains. Designed after the guanaco, a camelid native to South America, the project radically imagines a robot liberation from utilitarian, extractive and militarised technological paradigms. Mentioned in this episode: ‘A Cyborg Manifesto’ (Donna Haraway, 2016) Mestizo Robotics Guanaquerx (Gaetano Adi, 2024) Cosmotechnics (Yuk Hui, 2021) The Crossing of the Andes (1817) Three Laws of Robotics explained by Isaac Asimov (1965) ‘Technology & Ethos’ (Amiri Baraka, 1970) To find out more about Paula’s work, visit her website. 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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠jcaf.org.za⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠foundation_jcaf

  • S2 · E5
    Nov 13, 2025 · 49 min

    Skateboarding and the City

    Ayanda Mnyandu speaks about how his skate tours in inner-city Joburg challenge negative perceptions of the city, his engagement with street culture, and he reflects on recent collaborations with architects. Mnyandu also shares insights from his time working at Skateistan, a global NGO that uses skateboarding as a tool for youth development. Mentioned in this episode: City Skate Tours Chris Joslin Skateboarding 360 flip Structures exhibition at JCAF Matri-Archi(tecture) IN-FORM-ALL Collaboration between Matri-Archi(tecture) and Ayanda Mnyandu Skateistan NGO Skating for girls in Afghanistan ‘People as Infrastructure’ by AbdouMaliq Simone ‘The Sound of Skateboarding – Tony Hawk’ To find out more about Ayanda’s work, visit the City Skate Tours website or follow him on Instagram. Music for the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcastwas commissioned by JCAF. ‘INGWENYA’, performed by the Afrikan FreedomPrinciple, led by Mandla Mlangeni, © MM Publishing. Website URL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠jcaf.org.za⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠foundation_jcaf

  • S2 · E4
    Oct 16, 2025 · 44 min

    Soft Entanglements

    Igshaan Adams speaks about how domestic spaces, everyday movement through Cape Town's segregated landscape, and personal introspection have informed his artistic practice. He reflects on the impact sufism had both in his life and in his work. Igshaan shares how tapestries can hold experiences, and how weaving has become a way to reconcile different parts of himself. Adams also discusses the importance of collaboration, particularly with family members and people from his community. Mentioned in this episode: Philani, a NPO working in Khayelitsha Sufism In Between (Igshaan Adams, 2011) ‘When Dust Settles’ exhibition (2018) Desire lines The Practice of Everyday Life (Michel de Certeau, 1984) Bismillah performance (Igshaan Adams, 2014) Paul Gilroy’s concept of ‘a planetary humanism’ To find out more about Igshaan’s work, visit blank projects’ website or follow him 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: ⁠⁠⁠jcaf.org.za ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠foundation_jcaf

  • S2 · E3
    Sep 4, 2025 · 45 min

    Reverse Futurism

    Stella Mutegi speaks about her experience co-founding Cave_bureau, a Nairobi-based bureau of architects and researchers. She discusses how researching the caves in and around Nairobi has contributed to better understanding of the tensions and connections between rural and urban contexts, as well as the pre- and post-colonial conditions of the city. Mutegi also shares insights into indigenous knowledges in Kenya and expands on Cave_bureau’s interest in improving life in African cities, while taking into account the social and environmental implications of architecture and urbanism. Mentioned in this episode: The Great Rift Valley in Kenya The Anthropocene Museum Mount Suswa in Kenya Cow Corridor (2021) Shimoni Caves of the Enslaved Cave_Bureau’s exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (2023) British Pavilion at the Architecture Venice Biennale co-curated byCave_Bureau (2025) To find out more about Stella’s work, visitCave_bureau’s 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: ⁠⁠jcaf.org.za⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠foundation_jcaf

  • S2 · E2
    Aug 6, 2025 · 48 min

    Story Keeper

    Traci Kwaai speaks about her experience working in and with the community of Kalk Bay (Cape Town), as well as the politics of land and sea in the area. Kwaai discusses her 'Walk of Remembrance', and highlights innovative ways in which storytelling can preserve heritage through the use of new technologies and artistic co-creation. She also shares insights into her work at The Fisher Child Projekt, the NGO she founded that offers children and youth the possibility to connect with the ocean through snorkelling, diving and marine education. Mentioned in this episode: Forced removals in the 1960s/1970s in Kalk Bay under the Group Areas Act (1967) The Fisher Child Projekt NGO ‘The Sea is in our Blood’ exhibition at Olympia Bakery (Kalk Bay, 2025) The Fisher Child AR/VR co-creation with Lo-Def Film Factory and Urchin Studios Port Cities and Intruders: The Swahili Coast, India, and Portugal in the Early Modern Era (Michael N. Pearson,1998) Fishing quotas in Kalk Bay To find out more about Traci’s work, visit her website or 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: ⁠jcaf.org.za⁠ Instagram: ⁠foundation_jcaf

  • S2 · E1
    Jul 17, 2025 · 47 min

    Landscapes of Repair

    Molemo Moiloa and Nare Mokgotho from MADEYOULOOK discuss their interest in everyday black practices in South Africa, and reflect on their understanding of what it means to have a relationship with nature. They speak about sixteen years of working collaboratively and highlight several of their projects. Molemo and Nare also share insights into the process behind their multimedia installation Dinokana, which was commissioned for the South African Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2024 and can now be experienced in South Africa for the first time as part of the Structures exhibition. Mentioned in this episode: Njabulo Ndebele’s writings on the ordinary Ejaradini (MADEYOULOOK, 2018–present) Michel Foucault’s work on the ‘unsaid’ in The Archaeology of Knowledge (1969) Santu Mofokeng Corner Loving (MADEYOULOOK, 2014–present) Non-Monuments Programme (MADEYOULOOK, 2012–present) Bang-Bang Club 1913 Land Act in South Africa 1912 Irrigation and Conservation of Waters Act in South Africa Mafolofolo (MADEYOULOOK, 2022) exhibited at documenta fifteen Plant Provocations: Botanical Indigeneity and (De)colonial Imaginations (Mvuselelo Ngcoya and Narendran Kumarakulasingam, 2016) Dinokana (MADEYOULOOK, 2024) Structures exhibition at JCAF To know more about MADEYOULOOK’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: jcaf.org.za Instagram: foundation_jcaf

  • S1 · E5
    Dec 5, 2024 · 42 min

    Future Imaginaries

    Pelonomi Moiloa discusses the importance of expanding online access to African languages for building a better future across the continent. She explains how a socially grounded, Africa-centric perspective shapes the work at Lelapa.AI, the research and product lab she co-founded and leads. Pelonomi also introduces The Ungovernable, an initiative focused on community building through collective learning projects rooted in the concept of self-determination. Mentioned in this episode: Lelapa AI The Ungovernable Neuroprivacy ‘Ecospheres’ exhibition at JCAF Ximena Garrido-Lecca – ‘ Insurgencias botánicas: Phaseolus lunatus (Botanical insurgencies: Phaseolus lunatus)’ (2017) Achille Mbembe – ‘Decolonizing Knowledge and the Question of the Archive’ (2015) Achille Mbembe – ‘Afropolitanism’ (2020) Homi K. Bhabha – ‘The Location of Culture’ (1994) Voice to voice technology Deep Learning Indaba René Magritte To know more about Pelonomi Moiloa’s work visit the websites of Lelapa.AI and The Ungovernable. 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.za Instagram URL: instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/

  • Nov 14, 2024 · 53 min

    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 Mehrotra Cheré Botha School project in Cape Town Le Corbusier Alessandro Petti and Sandi Hilal – DAAR Paulo Tavares and Gabriela de Mattos Paul 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 Head Steinkopf Community Centre Amartya 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 lecture JCAF Reading Room designed by Wolff architects Bag Factory Polly 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.za Instagram: instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/

  • Oct 25, 2024 · 38 min

    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 ceramics Practice 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 tradition J.D. Okhai Ojeikere Center 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.za⁠ Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/

  • S1 · E2
    Oct 4, 2024 · 38 min

    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 realism ⁠⁠J.M. Coetzee Zayaan’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.za Instagram: instagram.com/foundation_jcaf/

  • S1 · E1
    Sep 12, 2024 · 50 min

    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/

  • S1 · E1
    Sep 4, 2024 · 1 min

    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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