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The Latitudes Podcast featuring Nindya Bucktowar & Alexandra-Naledi Holtman

The ABCs of Gen Z: Always be creating

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Nindya Bucktowar

Alexandra-Naledi Holtman

In episode 5 of the Latitudes Podcast, host Refiloe Mpakanyane delves into why so many Gen-Z artists multi-task and produce at the intimidating rate they do. In conversation with dynamic young artists and ANNA Award finalists, Nindya Bucktowar and Alexandra-Naledi Holtman, she explores whether this is a necessary adaptation to contemporary demands or a simple extension of their innate, intellectual curiosity. And while wearing multiple hats might impress or draw admiration, how do artists do this without stifling their creative flame? 

Nindya Bucktowar is an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist who experiments with clay and mixed media to create installations inspired by natural and urban landscapes. She specialises in topographical ceramic sculpture as a medium for space-making to create immersive experiences of objects in space. Nindya's technically and conceptually complex work is made possible through her cumulative experience in architecture, art and science. Until recently a lecturer of architecture at UKZN, Nindya runs her own multidisciplinary design practice and ceramic business.

Alexandra-Naledi Holtman is a multidisciplinary artist inspired by shapes and objects that both absorb and echo sound. Through her art, she explores a variety of media, centred on the ideas of spatial politics, memory, mapping and sound. Holtman is also pursuing a Master's degree in Urban Design, through which she says she is gaining "an understanding of how space is crafted through an architectural lens."

My art is like a little magic ball that is very important to me - that's really, truly mine. It's my voice and it's what keeps me working towards the vision I have for what I want to create in the future. - Nindya Bucktowar

Alexandra Naledi Holtman, Messages from the Wind, 2020, pencil on paper, R8,000.00 ex. VAT, ENQUIRE

This drawing features the overlaying of wind maps in southern Africa recorded over ten days. Various resources from an online digital map have been re-interpreted and placed in new compositions in order to deconstruct it. This project seeks to challenge the way in which such maps render the unquantifiable more measurable. Through the layering and deconstruction of elements of maps along with video footage of the movement of air through clouds and a sound piece featuring wind and air in installation, the work seeks to go beyond the ways maps teach us to see the world. Through the entering of a space that borders the imaginary and recognisable, the aim is to re-think colonial imaginaries that inform human relationships with the earth.

Learning to hold space for yourself is such a huge thing to navigate as a human being, especially in this kind of world that we live in. As a student, it's easy to think that your life should be totally dedicated to your studies, but personally, I find that taking a broader focus, and thinking about how I'm doing in terms of my connection to my body, my mind, my spirit and to the outside world – through friendship and community, and in terms of what I'm putting out there creatively - that's more holistic. - Alexandra Naledi Holtman

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.

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

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