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.
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Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)
Co-curated by Art School Africa
Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane