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/

Episodes

  1. Landscapes of Repair

    17/07/2025

    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

    47 min
  2. Building Conviviality

    14/11/2024

    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/

    53 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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/