Art is the window into the soul of a nation, and that's why there are so many good artists in South Africa. We're all standing on quicksand. It's not like other countries in the world where the status quo is set and determined and largely static. - Mark Read
In this episode, Mark Read muses on a wide variety of subjects, from what palaeontology can teach us about art and humanity, to the role of galleries in a changing art ecosystem, and how the present is the most brilliant time to be alive in beautiful southern Africa.
Read, chairman of the Everard Read Group of Galleries, South Africa’s longest established dealers in fine art, has led a distinguished career in the art world, and uses his influence to support several philanthropic causes.
After a year at Christie’s Auctions & Private Sales in London, Read began his journey at the Everard Read Gallery in 1980, before becoming its director in 1994. Today he chairs the Everard Read Group of Galleries, which has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Franschhoek and London.
As well as heading this successful commercial venture, Read is deputy chairperson of WWF, a founding trustee of the Rhino and Elephant Foundation as well as the Paleontological Scientific Trust. He has also served as chair of the Ditsong Museums, which is the governing body of six major natural history and cultural museums in Gauteng, and is currently on the Board of the Turkana Basin Institute, which supports scientific research at Lake Turkana, Kenya.
Our country is evolving underneath our feet, and every morning when we get up, it's a subtly different country from the place that we went to sleep in. And this is why our artists have so much to say. Our country is a canvas that's endlessly changing and evolving. - Mark Read
A gallery is only as good as the artists who choose to associate with it. - Mark Read
About the Latitudes Podcast
Hosted by dynamic broadcast journalist 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.
Latitudes is now a pan-African platform with a global audience, and this podcast is an additional discoverability tool for global audiences to uncover African art and learn about the featured topics and speakers.
Season one of the Latitudes Podcast explores new ways of accessing and thinking about the contemporary visual arts from Africa, while building a robust archive of thought leadership.
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 1,700 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.
Further Reading In Articles
African Artist Directory