The Latitudes Podcast featuring Ayana V. Jackson
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Powered by: iTOO Artinsure
Supported by: BASA
Co-curated by: Art School Africa
Hosted by: Refiloe Mpakanyane
You get to your destination, and you press ground. You send the elevator back down. That’s your obligation. – Ayana V. Jackson
In this opening episode of The Latitudes Podcast, powered by iTOO Artinsure, Season 2, Refiloe Mpakanyane speaks with internationally celebrated photographer Ayana V. Jackson. Known for her arresting visual investigations of race, gender, history and the colonial gaze, Ayana takes us behind the scenes of her practice, from navigating global residencies and managing her studio, to honouring her family's legacy and making space for the next generation through her Johannesburg-based residency, STILL Art.
Relationships are everything. We are in the business of people. – Ayana V. Jackson
This episode is a deep dive into the practical and philosophical tools that have shaped Ayana’s trajectory: the power of public programming, the reality of running your studio like a business, and the ongoing process of becoming an artist. Recorded between time zones and continents, this conversation is generous, grounded and deeply human.
A must-listen for anyone navigating the art world, or simply trying to do meaningful work with purpose and integrity.
Chapter 1 of Season 2's podcast is all about flicking through the manual - a guide to the art industry
The door opener, the first step, the how-to enter and engage with the art industry. A resource-driven series providing practical tools for emerging artists and enthusiasts to navigate the art world’s complexities.
Highlights Include:
Ayana’s reflections on legacy, privilege and purpose
How residencies and research shaped Ayana's exhibition, From the Deep at the Smithsonian
The value of public programming as artistic practice
Why artists should master the business side of their work
A moving tribute to curator and visionary Koyo Kouoh
It seems like we’re just out here having fun drinking champagne at the art fairs, but there’s a lot of work to it. And if I was going to do this thing, I needed to do it seriously. – Ayana V. Jackson
About the Latitudes Podcast
Hosted by dynamic broadcast journalist and penchant for the arts Refiloe Mpakanyane, The Latitudes Podcast, which is the only podcast dedicated to contemporary African art, is an immersive and engaging platform that builds a new layer of access to the contemporary visual arts from Africa.
Season two of the Latitudes Podcast offers a dynamic, in-depth exploration of the ‘art world’ in Africa through twelve curated episodes, structured across four interconnected themes. From artists and facilitators to curators, critics, and collectors, the series unpacks the industry’s inner workings, shedding light on creative journeys, market dynamics, art criticism, and the evolving role of patrons. This podcast serves as both a resource and a platform for critical discourse, bridging regional perspectives and shaping the future art from Africa and diaspora.
About Refiloe Mpakanyane
Refiloe Mpakanyane is a broadcast journalist, with a penchant for the arts. Known for her love and support of local African literature, art and artists, Mpakanyane has an Honours Degree from the Wits School of Journalism and majored in International Relations, Media Studies and English Literature for her undergrad. Her firm grounding in the critical, analytical and creative thinking of the humanities discipline has underpinned her passion for broadcasting, leading her to delve into working not only behind the scenes in radio and television production, but in front of the camera and hosting her own radio shows as well.
About Latitudes Online
Latitudes Online is the world's leading online marketplace for art from Africa. Discover and buy artworks from over 3,000 artists and enjoy editorial from leading voices on the continent. When you buy from Latitudes Online you have peace of mind that your artwork will be safely delivered to you in perfect condition. Click here to start your collecting journey.
About iTOO Artinsure
iTOO is a collective of industry leading experts across a range of special risk insurance offerings. Art and collectables are a fast growing asset class around the world. Representing years of value that could diminish in a matter of seconds, it’s critical to take the time to insure with an expert who understands the length and breadth of the industry. Damage, an increasing rise in cultural crime and forgery can translate to serious loss in terms of your appreciating works and collectables.
About Art School Africa
This year, Latitudes has joined forces with Art School Africa to co-curate this latest season of the podcast. A registered non-profit, Art School Africa supports artists across the continent. While Africa has a deep and complex artistic history, many artists still struggle to access global markets - Art School Africa works to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentorship, and career opportunities.
About Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)
BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector, as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. Established as a Section 21 company, BASA is constituted in terms of the Companies Act, and is registered as a public benefit organisation. Its delisting as a Schedule 3 entity has seen Business and Arts South Africa NPC register for VAT. BASA is accountable to its stakeholders – the government, BASA members and the creative sector.
Further Reading In Articles
African Artist Directory