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JCAF Knowledge Talks

JCAF Knowledge Talks

Written by: Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF)
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About this listen

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/Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF) Art
Episodes
  • Skateboarding and the City
    Nov 13 2025

    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

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    50 mins
  • Soft Entanglements
    Oct 16 2025

    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


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    45 mins
  • Reverse Futurism
    Sep 4 2025

    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


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    46 mins
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