African Women's Art

Епизоде

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  Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor on epistemic recovery and the pleasure of puzzle seeking 21.08.2026 50мин

  I’m excited to share this conversation with the amazing Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor. Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor is a Kenyan writer who describes herself as a human witness to human happenings. She creates literary kintsugi’s that makes loss meaningful, repairs, and creates space for epistemic recovery. She won the Caine Prize for African Writing for The Weight of Whispers and is the author of Dust (2014) and The Dragonfly Sea (2019). She is a global speaker on geopolitics and world-building. She is also a co-founder of the Macondo Literary Festival, Nairobi’s literary festival connecting Africa’s histories and futures through literature.In our conversation we discuss her novel The Dragonfly Sea which poetically explores African Oceanic imagination through a coming of age story. We explore her powerful Keynote Address at Wakati Wetu Festival in 2025 and Yvonne shares how research and joy are an important part of her practice.Find out more about Yvonne’s work;On X @AdhiamboKe (X)On Instagram @flamboyant_tree (IG)Listen to the Wakati Wetu Keynote Address Macondo Literary Festival websitePhotograph (c) Alvin Pang
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  The Psyber Giantess on visualising the unseen 24.07.2026 1ч 7мин

  I’m delighted to share this deeply resonant conversation I had with The Psyber Giantess. The Psyber Giantess is an interdisciplinary dance artist, painter, writer and musician.The Psyber Giantess is an amazing thinker, feeler and seer who beautifully visualises the unseen. Their artistic practice involves creating identity-centric self-portraits and artwork inspired by nature, Black feminine divinity, spiritual awakening, and psychedelia. Their work reflects cultural intersectionality, the unseen Black African ‘inner’ experience; and healing through self-processing of inner trauma and spiritual awakening.In our conversation we talk about movement as medicine, listening for the Divine, working with psychedelics, and healing through the artistic journey. Find out more about their work at; Instagram the_psyber_giantessYoutube The psyber GiantessMedium @dianawritesrecoverySubstack: @dianawritesrecovery
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  Ebun Sodipo on how water helps us navigate histories, and shape futures 03.07.2026 1ч 13мин

  I am delighted to share this conversation with the brilliant Ebun Sodipo. Ebun is a prolific artist and writer whose work spans performance, installation, video, and text. She creates work for black trans people of the future, guided by black feminist study with a methodology of collage and fabulation.I think of Ebun work as a beautiful mirror. It locates and produces real and imagined narratives of black trans women’s presence, embodiment and interiority across the past, present and future. There is a richness, tenderness and depth to her work that soothes, welcomes and calls to the body's memory.In this episode we discussed the significance of water and the importance of connecting to the body in the creative process. We also spoke about Ebun’s research into the ancestor, Vitoria, whose story gestures to an alternative gender system and way of relating to the body, and the questions and imaginative possibilities it opens up.Find out more about Ebun's work; Ebun’s instagramSoft Opening for information on works, exhibitions and bioFollowing the Gourd, FACT, 2022Following the Gourd ⁠interactive map⁠
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  Everlyn Nicodemus on the language of silence 19.06.2026 55мин

  I am delighted to share my conversation with the inspiring Everlyn Nicodemus. Everlyn is one of the strongest feminist voices to come out of Eastern Africa over the past 30 years, and an incredibly prolific artist, writer, and curator.I think of Everlyn Nicodemus as a “lamplight” — a term used by civil rights activist Vincent Harding to describe people who light the way and show us what’s possible.Everlyn was born in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in 1954, and her life has been shaped by movement — something she reflects on in both her writing and her art. She’s lived across Europe, in Sweden, France, and Belgium, before eventually settling in the UK. Her experiences of racism and cultural trauma have shaped a really powerful and distinctive body of work, including paintings, collaged books, mixed-media pieces, and poetry, often using unexpected materials like metal netting, sisal, textiles, and found objects. Her work explores personal and cultural trauma, but also the role art can play in healing. As an art historian and academic she has been instrumental in building knowledge about African modernism. She has published widely, with her critical essays on art, philosophy, transculturalism and postmodernity appearing in Third Text (where she also sat on the advisory board) and other major journals. She also co-authored the book 'Modern Art in Africa, Asia and Latin America: An Introduction to Global Modernisms'.In this conversation, we talk about how studying anthropology led her to centre dialogue in her practice. We discuss her 'Woman in the World' project, how she explores silence especially around women’s experiences. We chat about how her practice connects to trauma studies, which she researched in her PhD on African Modern Art and Black Cultural Trauma at Middlesex University in 2012.Find out more about Everyln Nicodemus’s work National Galleries of Scotland exhibition and catalogue Recent exhibition at Wiels, Belgium, Black BirdRichard Saltoun Gallery
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  Calling and responding with Zoë Zo, Zoë Tumika & Zoë Guthrie 05.06.2026 1ч 10мин

  I’m delighted to share this wonderful conversation with Zoë . Zoë is an artist-curator working under the artist name, Zoë Zo, Zoë Tumika & Zoë Guthrie. They engage with clay and image (re)production to process, understand and share articulations of the world around them. Their practice is a site for them to: breathe; reconfigure; play; be (a)live; shift through space; exist in multiple temporalities.For me there is a beautiful conversational quality to Zoë’s practice. It feels like a flowing dialogue between friends. Full of humour, play, honesty and that secret shorthand that builds over time. We spoke ahead of Zoë’s solo exhibition, aweys gaun, which will be showing at Many Studios for Glasgow International this year. The exhibition portals to a dream that drenches over and seeps through the stories of Western modernity, specifically the chapters leading up and dedicated to an enlightened Caledonia. aweys gaun honours the longstanding ‘hereness’ of Black life in Scotland, calling and responding to, swaying with, the Black Atlantic hum.In our conversation we explore and how these dialogue's show up in their collaborative practice with writers and other artists, and in working with different materials including clay.Do visit aweys gaun at Many Studios during Glasgow International, Friday 5th - Sunday 21 June 2026. Readings from; 'Experiments in Imagining Otherwise' by Lola Olufemi, 2021 'Dear Science and Other Stories' by Katherine McKittrick, 2020Website: https://zoetumika.com/
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  Dr Jareh Das on the enduring legacy of Nigerian ceramicist Ladi Kwali 08.08.2025 1ч 2мин

  I’m happy to share this inspiring conversation with Dr. Jareh Das on the legacy of the legendary Nigerian ceramicist, Ladi Kwali.Dr. Das is a brilliant researcher, writer, and curator who lives and works between West Africa and the UK. Her interests in (global) modern and contemporary art are cross-disciplinary. Her understanding is filtered through the lens of performance art, which informs both her academic and curatorial work.In this episode, we delve into her recent documentary “The Enduring Legacy of Ladi Kwali’. A thoughtful exploration of Kwali’s groundbreaking work as a Gwari potter and pioneer of modern African ceramics which centres the voices of people from Kwali’s communities. We talk about Ladi Kwali’s impact in her communities, matrilineal pottery traditions, ethical research practices, and the vital role of community in sustaining traditions. Find out more about Dr Jareh's work and documentary:Website https://jarehdas.com/about/Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igNLJQhqFqMImage (c) Nelta Kasparian 
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  Okwoli Moses Elaigwu on the principles of Idoma body arts 25.07.2025 54мин

  I’m excited to share this insightful conversation I had with Okwoli Moses Elaigwu. Okwoli Moses is an educationist, writer, historian and accountant who takes a keen interest in oral literatures of Idoma/Kwararafa people in Nigeria. This conversation was part of my Language of the Land research project funded by Creative Scotland. In our conversation we discuss the key philosophies underlying Idoma body art. The cultural significance of tattoos, body decoration (Ina Otu), body marking (Ina Opi) and accessories. ‘InaWe focused on several philosophies of Obinde, body decoration, in Idoma Land: cleansing, rituals, averting death (Oma-Kwu), purifying the deceased for eternal rest (Emaidu), beautification (Ifa). Known as We also explore the deep connection Idoma people have with nature and the importance of passing on our cultural histories. Find out more about Okwoli Moses’ work at Idoma Empire Education and Consultants website. And you can find the images that we talked about on my instagram page @gracebrowneartist
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  Kialy Tihngang on history, myths and identity 11.07.2025 1ч 18мин

  I’m delighted to share this laughter-filled conversation I had with Kialy Tihngang. Kialy is British-born Cameroonian visual artist working in sculpture, video, textiles, animation and photomontage, often in collaboration with performers and musicians. I love the way Kialy’s work combines the humour of Nollywood with retrofuturism, satire and the visual language of adverts for Western audiences. She often creates fantastical artifacts which are animated and activated through film. Creating glimpses into poetic and humorous speculative worlds that raise a mirror to Blackness, queerness, Britishness, and the crushing structural oppressions that surround these personal themes.We had a rich conversation about Kialy's fluid approach to mediums, the influence of Nollywood, exploring history as mythologies, and the challenges and joys of navigating multiple identities.Find out more about Kialy’s work at https://www.kialytihngang.com/The works we talked about were; Fetissoes, 2023Sculptural Installation, dimensions variableFor Those In Peril On The Sea, 2023Single channel video, 8'36''Fetissoes solo show at God's House Tower, SouthhamptonNeyinka and the Silver Gong, 2024Single channel video installation, 24'28''Originially made for ‘fir gorma’, a Glasgow International duo show with Josie KOinterior life/abstract thought, 2023Single channel video, 4'45''Moving Parts Arts Digital Puppetry CommissionWatch online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If1CZzKS0ew Toghu: Episodes 1 & 2Single channel videos, 9'59'' and 11'51''British Council New Narratives Commission  
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  Jackie Kay on community, keeping hope alive and the strength in openness 16.05.2025 29мин

  It was an honour and joy to speak with the brilliant Jackie Kay on the podcast. Jackie Kay is a prolific and award-wining poet, playwright and novelist. From 2016 to 2021 she was the Makar, the poet laureate of Scotland.Reading Jackie Kay’s work feels like such a warm balm to my spirit. She thoughtfully explores the beauty, challenges and complexities of life with love, grace and humour.In our conversation we talk about the importance of community, keeping hope alive on the journey of activism, the strength in honesty and disguise in openness and how growing older reconnects us with our younger selves. We talk about some of Jackie’s works; Coorie Doon, 2025, children’s book,May Day, 2024, poetry collection,The Lamplighter, 2009, which has been performed as a stage and radio play, Red Dust Road, 2010, an autobiographical journey.Find out more about Jackie Kay; 'In My Own Words’ BBC DocumentaryJackie Kay on the Scots language, ’Word of Mouth’ radio ‘Authors Live’ BBC television
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  Mae Diansangu on weaving poetry, spoken word, and drag 21.03.2025 1ч 29мин

  I’m delighted to share this joyful conversation with Mae Diansangu. Mae is a queer poet and spoken word artist from Aberdeen. Her debut poetry collection, Bloodsongs, was released by Tapsalteerie poetry press in 2024. Reading Bloodsongs felt like a call and response—each poem invited something from me: a quiet hum at a powerful ending, laughter at the humour, or the urge to try voicing the Scots language. Listening to Mae’s spoken word poetry carries the same resonance, movement and rhythm. In our conversation, we talked about:
Mae’s beginnings with spoken word poetry
,moving between performing, drag and writing for the page,how writing in Scots influences her writing, the vulnerability of putting your work out into the worldmaintaining a creative outlet while balancing a day job, and the significance of having a supportive environment.For more of Mae’s work, check out:
Mae’s instagramBloodsongs- pick up a copy from Tapsalterie PressNational Library of Scotland Fresh Ink – Watch Here
 Symphony in Grey – Listen HereHope you enjoy the conversation!
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  Professor Herbert M. Cole on the relationship between Mbari clay houses and nature 31.01.2025 48мин

  Professor Herbert M. Cole (Professor Emeritus) taught the history of African Art and Architecture at the University of California Santa Barbara between 1968-2003. Professor Cole co-authored the seminal book "Igbo Arts: Community and Cosmos" with Chike Aniakor. He is author, co-author, or editor of twelve books and more than 60 articles, essays or chapters. Professor Cole turned 89 in 2024, we had a fascinating conversation about the deep relationship between Mbari and the rest of nature. Mbari are temporary large scale clay buildings filled with large clay figures made in the Owerri region of Igboland in Nigeria. They are communally made and created as an offering often to honour the Earth Goddess, Ala. We explore their role as offerings to nature deities, the use of termite clay, the use of colour, recurring symbols and body art. As well as the humour and play embedded within the artform. We talk about three of Professor Cole’s books; - Mbari: Art and Life Among the Owerri Igbo, 1982 - Igbo Arts Community And Cosmos, co-authored with Chike Aniakor, 1984 - Igbo: Visions of Africa series by Five Continents, 2013 Check out the images we discussed here; PDF with images The link will also be on my instagram @gracebrowne African Women's Art Podcast is hosted, produced and edited by Grace Browne.
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  Beulah Ezeugo on memory work and creating a community archive 17.01.2025 1ч 16мин

  I am delighted to share this inspiring conversation I had with Beulah Ezeugo. Beulah is a researcher and curator. Her practice engages with postcolonial geographies, archives and memory, and expands outwards through exhibition-making, programming, and publication. Recent engagements and awards include SIRIUS Critic-in-Residence (2024), 11:11 x iniva Stuart Hall Library Residency (2024), and Platform Commissions, 41st EVA International, selected by Iarlaith NI Fheorais and Roy Claire Potter (2025). Beulah is currently a research associate at CCA Derry~Londonderry, and one-half of the collective Éireann & I Archive, a migrant memory project.  In our conversation we explored the complexities and possibilities of creating a community archive. Beulah shared thoughtful insights on what it means to be an empathetic witness and custodian. We also explore the importance of play, building trust and the patience that’s needed to sit with gaps in histories. Hope you enjoy the conversation and you can find out more about Beulah's work; Beulah’s website: https://bio.site/beulahezeugo Éireann & I:  https://eireannandiarchive.com/
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  Movement, freedom and creating space with Dorine Mugisha 13.12.2024 1ч 22мин

  It was such a pleasure to chat with Dorine Mugisha. Dorine is an international performer, instructor, retreat leader and project manager. We talked about making space for play and self expression, her journey so far including her beginnings in law & Sociology, her solo piece Asili and creating her retreat in Tanzania. Dorine also shared how her love for the dance style Whacking began and it’s freedom of expression. Find out more about Dorine and her work at; www.bodymovement.me  Instagram: @dorine_mugisha  Instagram: @whackingscotland
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  Earth based alchemy with Banji Chona 29.11.2024 1ч 11мин

  I’m delighted to share this inspiring conversation I had with Banji Chona. Banji is an artist, researcher, curator and scholar of Zambezian earth.  When I think of Banji’s work, I think of care in all of it’s definitions. The attention and thought she uses in bringing together ancestral baTonga knowledge with experimental contemporary techniques. Her deep consideration when working in community and the love that roots her methodology of Radical Zambezian Reimaginings. It is a portal that leads to the creation of alternative perspectives that challenge and repair pre-existing asymmetries in history, wounds that have informed the present.  In our conversation we explore all this as well as earth based alchemy and the interconnections between our ancestral practices, the earth and the present day.  Find out more about Banji Website; https://www.banjichona.space/ Instagram; @banjichona
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  The circle of dance is a permissive circle with Femi Bajulaye 20.09.2024 1ч 22мин

  I had a brilliant chat with Femi Bajulaye about the importance of women in Yoruba arts and cultural creation.  Femi is a Yoruba Artist whose artistic practice, writing and film production focus on issues of migration, African identity and the spirituality of Yoruba cosmology. In this conversation we talk about the importance of women in Yoruba arts and cultural creation.  We discuss the book Painting for the Gods by Bolaji Campbell which explores the language of Orisa paintings. As well as Mojo Okediji’s work with Akire artists.  We explore the importance of being with the unknown, the significance of earth colours and Oju Ona, Yoruba concept of design consciousness. We also talk about Femi’s upcoming short film "Ekun Omi: Tears of Desert Water"  Check out Femi’s youtube channel Bàjúláyé for more insight into Yoruba cosmology and aesthetics; https://www.youtube.com/@Bajulaye888 And Instagram; @bbbajulaye
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  Listening to re-member with Grace Browne  16.08.2024 46мин

  This is a solo episode! I explore my creative journey through architecture, community programming and now visual arts. The people that have influenced my practice and how I have been exploring re-membering relationships with the rest of nature, ancestry and the body.  Please see below some of the links I mentioned. And I’ll share some images on my instagram. Enjoy!  References Radiance from the waters by Sylvia Ardyn Boone On Being interview with Vincent Harding Toni Morrison Black Studies Center public dialogue Pt2, 1975 Conversations with Howard Thurman Some of the projects I talked about;  Language of the Land Artist Book Mural triptych Uli art and the pursuit of beauty blog post Get in touch;  [email protected] @GraceBrowneartist
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  Finding joy in the process with Adura Onashile 26.07.2024 1ч 3мин

  Film-maker and theatre-maker Adura Onashile has created sublimely beautiful and tender works of art in her short film "Expensive Shit" and her first feature film "Girl". In our conversation we explore Adura’s vision of "Girl" as a meditation on the love between Grace and Ama, as mother and daughter. We also discuss navigating the creation and collaborative process, art as communication, the importance of names and putting your work out into the world. Enjoy the conversation :-)  Find out more about Adura; Watch 'Girl' 2023 on BFI player currently; https://player.bfi.org.uk/subscription/film/watch-girl-2022-online Expensive Sh*t is currently available on iplayer; https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001fqgx/expensive-sht
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  Art and tradition is a continuum with Professor Ikwuemesi 05.07.2024 1ч 8мин

  It’s been brilliant to revisit this conversation I had with Professor Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi as part of my research project Language of the Land. He is Professor of Painting and African Art history at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.  We explore Professor Ikwuemesi's work with uli classicists. Women who practice the body and wall painting tradition of the Igbo of South Eastern Nigeria. We discuss the inner meanings of the forms, the materials used and continuing "traditional" arts through craft. It was very insightful and helped me understand the depth of meaning uli carries. The project was funded by Creative Scotland.  Connect with Professor Ikwuemesi: Instagram @iamsankofa Published articles on Research Gate ⁠ Connect with Grace: Instagram @gracebrowneartist
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  Do You. Let Every Man Adapt, DYLEMA 21.06.2024 1ч 15мин

  DYLEMA (Do You. Let Every Man Adapt) writes one of my favourite newsletters. Every Monday I look forward to receiving a heartfelt, and insightful letter that makes me think, question and reimagine. Writing is just one of DYLEMA's creative expressions. Amongst many things she also creates powerful music, and stunning gold leafed portraits that support African women on their journey of self discovery. It was a joy to have this conversation. We go deep, exploring why she choose her name, art as an act of service, the power in being yourself, our evolving understandings of God and taking love seriously. We also discuss DYLEMA's experience being off social media and doing a money fast. Find out more about DYLEMA and sign up to her newsletter; www.dylema.co I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to email [email protected] or follow me on gracebrowneartist
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  The story of the girl who learned to trust 07.06.2024 13мин

  This week is a mini episode! I'm sharing a story that came to me at a time when I was imagining what trust felt like and felt like water to me. So I spoke and this is the story that came through. It sits alongside the clay piece in the cover image called "the mask of fear and doubt; objects may appear larger than in real life." I come back to the story often and sharing it with people has helped me understand it more. I would absolutely love to hear from you and if there is anything in the story that resonates. Please do get in touch at [email protected] You can also follow me on instagram @gracebrowneartist