On this episode of the Latitudes Podcast, Refiloe Mpakanyane is joined by Justin Naylor and Carel Nolte. Justin is the CEO of iTOO ArtInsure (sponsors of the Latitudes Podcast) and Carel is the Chief Enablement Officer of EasyEquities. Both are ardent wine and art collectors whose interests have blended with their work as well.

This conversation gives an insurer’s perspective on the enduring appeal of art and most importantly how to protect one’s portfolio. Underpinned by a decades-long friendship that started in the workplace, Justin and Carel’s observations on investing & collectibles are filled with friendly banter as well as much talk of wine, friendship and family.

The abiding theme is appreciating how much the creative industries contribute to society.

Highlights Include:

• Friendship and the importance of family
• The power of art and artists: why artists move society forward
• The iTOO ArtInsure stolen art directory
• The power of marketing internally to grow and support the African art value chain
• Collecting as a long term investment

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

• Art Basel UBS Report 2025
• Vladimir Tretchikoff
• William Kentridge
• EasyEquities

Chapter 4 (Insights from the Collectors) spans episodes 9-11 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast. It takes a closer look at art collecting as both a cultural and financial practice. Featuring collectors, gallerists, and market experts, this chapter explores the nuances of taste, market influence, and the evolving role of collectors.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

Buoyancy & Belief: Inside a South African gallerists world with Emma van der Merwe

In this episode Refiloe Mpakanyane talks to Everard Read Cape Town Gallery Director, Emma van der Merwe from the dealer’s perspective, talking about the quiet contracts that hold the art world together — trust, instinct, and love for the work itself. In this conversation, she lifts the curtain on the energy and potential driving South Africa’s art scene, reflecting on the delicate balance between representing artists and believing in their long game — with buoyancy at the heart of it all.

Emma’s interests in the arts were given the go ahead by her parents with only one condition: that she not walk in their footsteps. And differentiate herself she did! Emma grew up in Switzerland and France, and studied her Bachelors and Masters in Fine Art - at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, before completing a Master’s in Art Management at City University, also in London.

In this conversation she talks about how Slade gave her access to mentors, teachers and institutions that gave her nothing short of a ‘privileged start’. Even while this same start in the London Arts scene involved no hand holding or indeed involved no blueprint to growth or success.

In 2011 Emma joined the SMAC Art Gallery as its curator when its Cape Town doors were opened. Her next notable move was in July 2014 when Emma joined Everard Read Gallery Cape Town, as their Head Curator. In July 2018 she became a Director of the Gallery.

Emma talks at length about the energy, potential and allure of South Africa’s art industry which continue to enthral newcomers to our shores.

The conversation runs the gamut of nurturing artistic talent; best practice for representing artists; as well as Emma’s insights on forging and maintaining relationships with buyers. Emma also weighs in on collector trends and gives her take on their importance.

In sharing what she knows for sure - Emma comes up with a few slogans to live and work by: The vibes have got to be right!

Highlights Include:

• Studying at Slade and being mentored by DamePhyllida Barlow
• Starting out in the London art scenes and working at blue chip Galleries
• Getting to work with the likes of Damien Hirst, Sam Taylor Wood and Jenny Saville (among so many others)
• Deciding to come to South Africa and why the Cape Town ecosystem is compelling
• The key to artist and collector relationships

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

•  Slade School of Fine Art
• Goldsmiths
• St Martins
• White Cube
• Gagosian
• Ruth Proust
• Everard Read
• Brett Seiler

Chapter 4 (Insights from Collectors) spans episodes 9-11 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast. It takes a closer look at art collecting as both a cultural and financial practice. Featuring collectors, gallerists, and market experts, this chapter explores the nuances of taste, market influence, and the evolving role of collectors.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

What does it mean to be an art critic today, in a world where attention is shrinking and art is increasingly filtered through the scroll?

Writer and curator Antwaun Sargent has spent the past 15 years championing and critically engaging Black artists, producing vital writing that has reshaped how contemporary art is understood and valued. In this episode, Sargent reflects on the shifting role of the art critic in a world shaped by algorithms, attention economies, and new global audiences. In conversation with Refiloe Mpakanyane, Sargent speaks candidly about the expansion of the critic’s role, the rise of new cultural voices outside institutions, the power and problem of visibility, and why the work of sustaining artistic ecosystems goes far beyond the market.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the role of the art critic has expanded beyond traditional media
• The impact of social platforms on the way we experience and talk about art
• The rise of new, trusted cultural voices outside institutional networks
• Why visibility matters for artistic recognition and critical engagement
• The evolution of Black representation in galleries and museums globally
• The difference between selling art and sustaining artistic practice
• What it means to build ecosystems, not just audiences
• How collectors, curators and writers shape cultural legacy

Chapter 3 of the Latitudes Podcast explores Art Criticism in the Age of the Algorithm.

This chapter brings together writers, critics, and art professionals to examine the evolving landscape of contemporary art criticism and its new means of communication. Art writers have long played a pivotal role in steering conversations within the art world, but as their platforms and methods of communication shift, so too does the depth and scope of their influence.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

On this episode of the Latitudes Podcast, Refiloe Mpakanyane is joined by Heba El Kayal. Heba is a curator, consultant, writer and researcher, originally from Cairo with networks in the Middle East, North Africa, The UK and the USA.

With a Master's degree in Art History from Columbia University in New York, Heba is the former Chief Curatorial Consultant at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town and recently joined Strauss & Co's Advisory Board in 2024. She has held advisory roles to collectors, auction houses and art institutions in Beirut, Dubai, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the USA.

In our conversation, we focus on how technological connectivity informs art writing and criticism; how identity can inform process and meaning-making. The conversation is underpinned by Heba's thoughtful account of her own journey into and through a dynamic African art landscape.

Highlights Include:

• Her journey into art writing and the challenges of lack of documentation
• Curating the 2019 exhibition “Speaking Across Mountains”
• Identity, art and making meaning: how they intertwine and inform each other

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

• The New Art Exchange: “The Work of Ibrahim Ahmed” by Heba El Kayal
• Havana Biennal
•  “Interview with Kurdish Art Exhibition Curator, Hebel Kayal.” An episode of the Kurdistan In America podcast
• “Speaking Across Mountains: Kurdish Artists in Dialogue” exhibition curated by Heba El Kayal at The Middle East Institute
• The Painted Protest: How politics destroyed contemporary art by Dean Kissick on Harper’s Bazaar
• “A round up of the 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair”, A review by Nkgopoleng Moloi on Artthrob

Chapter 3 (Art Criticism in the Age of the Algorithm) spans episodes 7-9 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast. It brings together writers, critics, and art professionals to examine the evolving landscape of contemporary art criticism and its new means of communication. Art writers have long played a pivotal role in steering conversations within the art world, but as their platforms and methods of communication shift, so too does the depth and scope of their influence.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

 In this episode of the Latitudes Podcast, Refiloe Mpakanyane talks to Moroccan born and raised Touria El Glaoui about the impact of her cultural work. As the founder of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Touria is widely celebrated as a global cultural taste maker whose work has been important in championing African art on the global art scene.

Beyond her work with 1-54, Touria has curated and co-organised exhibitions spotlighting the likes of the work of her father, celebrated Moroccan painter, Hassan El Glaoui. She serves on the Advisory Board of Christie's Education; she holds a seat at the Scholarly Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and in 2023 she was awarded the Gold Medal in the Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Touria’s persistence has taken her around the world and helped her build an art fair that straddles three continents. That dogged attitude is apparent in this conversation; along with an intellectually curious but passionate approach to her work - which is truly inspiring.

Highlights Include:

• How to challenge the disparity in the valuation of African art.
• Same 1-54 but different locations: challenges and opportunities of programming for 3 different locations and continents.
• African artists responding to the structural needs of their local art scenes.

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

• Tate Modern’s Africa Acquisitions Committee Catalyst Fund
• MACAAL (Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden) in Marrakesh, Morocco
• ArtXLagos
• São Paulo Biennale 2025

Chapter 2 (Connecting the Stories from the Continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning, and unique regional dynamics.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

In this episode of the Latitudes Podcast, Refiloe Mpakanyane connects with Nairobi-based photographer Thandiwe Muriu. Thandiwe unpacks her knack for incorporating local wisdom into her art and letting it shine on the global art platforms. After walking us through the beginning of her artistic career (193 Gallery slid into her dm’s), the conversation gets into the depths and thoroughness of Thandiwe’s creative process; her hopes and ambitions for Kenya’s art scene; as well as the validation of having having her art aired by the UNESCO Art Collection.

Thandiwe’s sunny and optimistic nature is on full display in this conversation and she ends the conversation with a touching message for her fellow artists.

Highlights Include:

• Thandiwe’s artwork being acquired by the UNESCO Art Collection
• Thandiwe’s desire to have her work fully produced in Kenya - without having to print elsewhere.
• The challenges of travelling and staying connected to the global art scene
• How 193 Gallery slid into Thandiwe’s DM’s.
• Designing prints and getting into textiles

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

• Maison Longchamp X Thandiwe Muriu (Memories of the Future)
• The UNESCO Collection
• Strauss & Co’s collaboration with Art Auction East Africa
• 193 Gallery

Chapter 2 (Connecting the Stories from the Continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning and unique regional dynamics.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

In this episode of Latitudes Podcast Refiloe Mpakanyane is joined by Lagos based art curator, gallerist and cultural convener Ugoma Ebilah. In this conversation Ugoma talks us through the skills that have enabled her to stay at the forefront of shaping contemporary discourses in African art. Whether it was through representing artists and changing the artist-gallerist dynamic; founding BLOOM Art (a gallery and salon that has been instrumental in instigating dynamic curatorial interventions and programming that has attracted a new generation of art collectors and enthusiasts) or serving on the board of trustees for G.A.S Foundation: Ugoma is a cultural producer with a deep held belief in art’s potential to be a catalyst for structural renewal, ideological innovation and societal transformation.

The conversation is the first episode in Chapter 2 of The Latitudes Podcast.

Highlights Include:

• How Ugoma’s corporate finance skills have bolstered her creative arts and cultural work.
• Brokering her first sale by selling a Lemi Ghariokwu piece. He is also famously known creating iconic record covers for Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.How to speak the language of the collector.
• Joining the Guest Artist Space Foundation’s board of trustees.
• Growing the continent’s pool of art collectors before the pool of artists outstrips them and looks to other territories for survival.

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

•  Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation a non-profit organisation established by Yinka Shonibare
• “A Tapestry of Contradictions and Convergence at the 2024 Lagos Biennial”, Artthrob feature by Sinazo Chiya(March 2024)
• The Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report 2025

Chapter 2 (connecting the stories from the continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning, and unique regional dynamics.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane

In this instalment of the podcast, multidisciplinary artist Athi-Patra Ruga joins Refiloe Mpakanyane, remotely from his farm and studio in the beautiful Hogsback area, in the Eastern Cape. The conversation happens under the aegis of revealing the realities and hidden truths of his studio practice; as well as unpacking the lessons he has learnt along the way and the events that triggered growth and change in himself and his creative practice.

Athi is forthright and forthright and forthcoming in this conversation that is an exercise of looking forward, interrogating the moment in which we are talking as well as projecting his hopes of leaving behind something tangible for other artists to hold onto.

Highlights Include:

• Moving to Hogsback at the beginning of the COVID lockdown influenced
• Creating in a rural space- how his studio practice has changed and how Iinyanga Zonyaka subsequently came about
• Creating a studio that serves your changing needs
• Unlearning people-pleasing as an artist
• Irma Stern as unintellectual ancestor and Athi in his Georgia ‘O Keefe era
• Mentorship, community and taking on the mantle of an artist philanthropist

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

• Inyanga Zodyaka, Narval, Cape Town, 2021
• Gladys Mgudlandlu (1925-1975), self taught South African artist who began her career painting in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. And the featured exhibition is the Irma Stern: An artist of modernity between Berlin and Cape Town” at the Bruecke Museum in Berlin
• Victory of The Word- project to preserve the historic Lovedale Press in Alice, Eastern Cape.
• Elana Brundyn (cultural entrepreneur) newsletter on Medium.

Chapter 1, spanning episodes 1-3 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, offers a foundational guide to entering and engaging with the art world. A resource-driven series providing practical tools for emerging artists and enthusiasts to navigate the art world’s complexities. Featuring first-hand insights from artists, arts educators, and professionals who demystify the industry and share actionable guidance on residencies, networking, and career building.

Powered by iTOO Artinsure

Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane