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Latitudes PodcastAuthor: Latitudes Online
Latitudes Podcast is the voice of art from Africa. Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane, the podcast explores new ways of accessing and thinking about the contemporary visual arts from Africa, while also seeking to build strong community and a robust archive of thought leadership. The podcast serves as both a resource and a platform for critical discourse, bridging regional perspectives and shaping the conversation about art from Africa and the diaspora. The Latitudes Podcast is sponsored by iTOO Artinsure and is brought to you by Latitudes Online, a digital marketplace for Art from Africa - curated by experts. Language: en Genres: Arts, Society & Culture, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Buoyancy & Belief: Inside a South African gallerists world with Emma van der Merwe
Episode 9
Wednesday, 12 November, 2025
Buoyancy & Belief: Inside a South African gallerists world with Emma van der MerweIn 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 BarlowStarting out in the London art scenes and working at blue chip GalleriesGetting 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 compellingThe key to artist and collector relationships Referenced exhibitions & institutions: Slade School of Fine ArtGoldsmithsSt MartinsWhite CubeGagosianRuth ProustEverard Read Brett SeilerChapter 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 ArtinsureSupported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)Co-curated by Art School AfricaHosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane
