Launch of JCAF Journal: Interdisciplinary Knowledge from the South No.1

The Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF) launched the JCAF Journal: Interdisciplinary Knowledge from the South on Friday and Saturday December 1–2, 2023.

The launch programme included a symposium with contributing authors Pamila Gupta, Helena Chávez Mac Gregor and artist Nandipha Mntambo, as well as a performance of Pictures Reframed by Robin Rhode and Qden Blaauw, and the jazz performance Elusive Dreams in Jozi by the Afrikan Freedom Principle, led by Mandla Mlangeni.

Pictures Reframed is a unique performance centred around Modest Mussorgsky’s classical piano suite, combining music and Rhode’s signature visuals. The performance was presented in South Africa for the first time. Pictures Reframed was performed by prodigy Qden Blauuw and concluded with a brief Q&A between the artist and pianist.

The journal will be available in early 2024 in an online digital format and a limited edition print version that will be distributed to select institutions. The publication will reflect on JCAF’s curatorial programme and research initiatives over the past three years. The first research theme, Female Identities in the Global South (2020–22), focused on exhibiting only women artists as a way of amplifying the voices of those historically underrepresented in museum collections and exhibitions across the globe. 

The publishing and launch of the JCAF Journal crystalises the three-year journey and brings the first research theme to an end.

Featured artists and speakers in the launch: Nandipha Mntambo (Eswatini/South Africa), Pamila Gupta (India/South Africa), Helena Chávez Mac Gregor (Mexico), Robin Rhode (South Africa), Qden Blaauw (South Africa), Mandla Mlangeni (South Africa).