Rosie Mudge is an artist who works in many media. She is known for her large-scale paintings with shimmering colour surfaces crafted from industrial automotive paint and glitter. Her evocative surfaces shape latent phrases derived from pop songs, and her work draws on the look, feel, and sound of the late 90s and early 2000s, a time she associates with the overwhelming experience of trying to understand herself in relation to the world and of being profoundly misunderstood by it. Most recently, the sense of worldly experience impacting her artistic practice has extended to the event of her becoming a mother. In this conversation, we unpack some of the experiences and societal expectations around motherhood and parenting that have impacted Rosie as an artist. Most particularly, we discuss works presented at the Iziko South African National Gallery's exhibition ‘Motherhood: Paradox and Duality’, which brings together over 70 artists across diverse media and time periods in South Africa to explore the complexities of mothering in a rapidly changing world.

Rosie Mudge and I sat down to our conversation at the beginning of May 2025.

Iziko South African National Gallery is situated in the Company Gardens in Cape Town: https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery/

SMAC Gallery is located in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. https://www.smacgallery.com/

Paarden Eiland is a light industrial suburb located along the Table Bay in Cape Town.

Investec Cape Town Art Fair is an annual art fair hosted in the Cape Town Convention Centre in February.

Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood is written by Lucy Jones and first published in America by Pantheon Books in 2023.

Audio edit, mix and master done by Gerald Kent

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel

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In this conversation with photographer and teacher, Vanessa Cowling, we discuss how the origins of photography have impacted her approach to camera-less photography. Vanessa discusses how various artistic exchanges have forged new approaches in her art practice that is centred upon connection and community building. Considering her place in the world has led to the development of a sustainable photographic garden on a disused piece of land outside the University of Cape Town’s photography building.

From this project, students are taught sustainable darkroom techniques that see photographic processes derived from the garden and returned to the earth for composting and regrowth. This cycle of creation, decay and rebirth has become an enduring metaphor in Vanessa’s photographic story-telling. Since her most recent artist residency in the Tankwa, Vanessa has begun working on with the importance of darkness to both insect biodiversity and the human condition.

I chatted to Vanessa at the Latitude recording studio in Seapoint in December 2024.

Biennale de la photographie de Mulhouse, Thann, describes itself as a cross-border festival whose aim is to disseminate contemporary photography through powerful and unifying events.

Vanessa’s three main camera-less processes are: lumen prints, phytograms and anthotypes.

The Stellenbosch group show was titled Merging Matter. It was hosted at the Oude Leeskamer from March to May in 2024.

Shoreline was an exhibition hosted at the Barnard Gallery in July and August 2018.

William Henry Fox Talbot was an English scientist, inventor, and photography pioneer who invented the salted paper and calotype processes, precursors to photographic processes of the later 19th and 20th centuries

Sir John Herschel, a British astronomer and scientist, arrived in Cape Town in January 1834 to conduct astronomical observations in the Southern Hemisphere. He established an observatory at Feldhausen, near Table Mountain, and his work contributed significantly to our understanding of the southern skies. He also made important contributions to photography and was a pioneer in the study of cyanotypes.

In photography, sodium thiosulfate, often called "hypo," is a fixer used to remove unexposed silver halide from photographic films and paper. It functions by dissolving these silver salts, leaving behind the silver image and stabilizing the picture.

Fixing the Shadows was Vanessa’s Masters Degree and exhibition at the University of Cape Town in 2023.

Members of the Photography department at the University of Cape Town’s Michaelis School of Fine Art are listed on the University’s website: https://humanities.uct.ac.za/michaelis/people/academic-staff

Gabeba Baderoon is a South African poet and academic.

The Tankwa Artscape Residency is hosted at Stonehenge Private Reserve in the Karoo. https://tankwaartscape.co.za/

AfrikaBurn is a community of participants. The main annual AfrikaBurn event takes place in the Tankwa Karoo, located between the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa, usually at the end of April every year. https://www.afrikaburn.org/

The Darkness Manifesto was written by Johan Eklöf, PhD, a Swedish bat scientist and writer, most known for his work on microbat vision and more recently, light pollution.

Host: https://natashanorman.co.za/

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Stephane Conradie is a printmaking lecturer at the University of Cape Town who won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2023. She is known for her bricolage assemblages composed of the trinkets and collectables from family homes that carry the memory and culture of social groups. She draws particularly from her own family experience in the Northern Cape and Southern Namibia, using once treasured objects to investigate the transfer of knowledge and culture through familial generations whose experience of home has been marked by political migration and dislocation.  

You can find out more about the Standard Bank Young Artist Award on their website: 

https://sponsorships.standardbank.com/sbgs/sponsorship/arts-and-culture/young-artist-award

Stephané Conradie’s Artist website: https://stephaneeconradie.com/aboutpage

Stephané’s travelling exhibition is titled ‘Wegwysers Deur Die Blinkuur.’You can read a review of the exhibition at The National Arts Festival by David Mann on ArtThrob. https://artthrob.co.za/2024/08/20/sentimental-assemblages-stephanie-conradies-wegwysers-deur-die-blinkuur/. The show is scheduled to open at the Iziko Castle of Good Hope on 18 February 2025.

Art to Art with Natasha Norman

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel

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Sanell Aggenbach is an artist skilled in many creative outputs. Through painting, sculpture and printmaking she creates poetic visual relationships between materials and imagery that comment on the South African reality. Her work draws from a variety of figurative sources, both in media and daily life, which she blends with a playful ambiguity and soft parody. Her quietly disarming artworks address many poignant issues. Sanell and I discuss the underlying cultural attachments to land in South Africa and reflected on key moments in her artistic career.

Host: Natasha Norman

Guest: Sanell Aggenbach

Made possible by Latitude Aparthotel and Sean Loots as Studio Manager.

Audio Edited by Gerald Kent

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Michael Amery is a painter of landscapes shaped and moulded by humankind. His methodical drawing and painting techniques mimic the construction of scenery by human industry, but his interest in the land as holding a symbolic value of culture and identity is something we discuss in this episode. Alien plant species that have become iconic visual markers of South African land are charged to display beauty despite the conflicting circumstances of their colonial history. Whether natural or man-made the far reaching effects of humanity’s impact on land are deeply felt in Michael’s visual and intellectual pursuits on canvas.

Michael's Website: https://michaelamery.com/

Michael's Gallery: https://www.131agallery.com/

NOTES from our discussion for further interest:

David Krut Projects is a gallery and print studio based in Johannesburg.

Jane Bennett is an American political theorist and philosopher. We discuss ideas from her influential book "Vibrant Matter: A Political Ecology of Things" published in 2009.

You can visit the Pierneef station panels at the La Motte Gallery in Franschoek and the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. 

Many thanks to Latitude Aparthotel for the use of their recording studio run by the delightful Sean Loots. And a special thank you to Gerald Kent for the editing and audio boost production.

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Welcome to Art to Art, a Latitude Art Podcast. I'm Natasha Norman, your host and a practicing artist. In this season, we'll journey into the world of art and its relationship to land, exploring the lives and inspirations of remarkable local artists and their unique approaches to the South African landscape. I'm a practicing artist with a deep passion for the materials and processes behind the work of art. And I look forward to sharing these artists' stories with you in this season.

Natasha Norman

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Natasha Norman on the Latitude Art Podcast as she interviews Zarah Cassim, a painter known for her dreamlike landscapes and exploration of perception. Zarah shares her nomadic lifestyle, moving between continents with her family and finding inspiration in uncertainty. Despite the challenges, she remains dedicated to her art, creating amidst changing landscapes and materials.

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel

Hosted by Natasha Norman

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Natasha Norman and Jess Bosworth Smith on the latest episode of the Latitude Art Podcast, where they delve into Jess's captivating journey through the art world. From navigating the trials of art school to finding her way while teaching and traveling, Jess opens up about her transformative experiences and finding contentment in her own skin. Unpacking her late ADHD diagnosis and its profound impact on her creative process, she offers valuable insights into embracing one's strengths. Tune in to explore Jess's artistic evolution and the profound influence of self-discovery on creativity.

Natasha Norman: https://natashanorman.co.za/

Sitting Duck Studio: https://www.instagram.com/sitting_duck_studios/?hl=en

Jess Bosworth Smith: https://www.jessicabosworthsmith.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jess.bosworthsmith/

Sadie Bosworth Atelier: https://sadiebosworthatelier.com/

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel: https://www.staylatitude.co.za/latitude-media/

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Join us on the latest episode of the Latitude Art Podcast hosted by Natasha Norman, featuring the captivating artist Paul Senyol. We delve deep into the hidden layers of city life, exploring the complexities of street art, public spaces, and the ever-evolving canvas of urban landscapes. Discover the beauty amidst decay, the push-pull of gentrification, and the soulful artistry woven into the city's fabric.

Natasha Norman: https://natashanorman.co.za/

Paul Senyol: https://www.artsy.net/artist/paul-senyol

Source Artistry by Tina Le Cordeur: https://sourceartistry.co.za/

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel: https://www.staylatitude.co.za/latitude-media/

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In our latest Latitude Art Podcast episode hosted by Natasha Norman, we unravel the enigmatic printmaking process with the remarkable artist Amber Moir. 

Her art is a beautiful dance between the ordinary and the extraordinary, where she combines nature and human creativity. She shares her insights of creating depth through a delicate balance of technique and serendipity. Discover how she harnesses these elements to create stunning pieces that bridge the gap between art and the environment.

Listen to the artist's extraordinary journey and quest to nurture a profound connection with our world.

Amber Moir: https://www.ambermoir.com/

Natasha Norman: https://natashanorman.co.za/

Source Artistry by Tina Le Cordeur: https://sourceartistry.co.za/

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel: https://www.staylatitude.co.za/latitude-media/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on the latest episode of the Latitude Art Podcast hosted by Natasha Norman, where she had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Gabrielle Raaff. In this episode, the two delve into the world of art and creativity, discussing how Gabby captures everyday beauty in her art and infuses it with tension and emotion. Her work beautifully resonates with the human experience. This discussion will inspire creatives as it is packed with helpful anecdotes about daily studio practice and the importance of remaining true to your craft.

Natasha Norman: https://natashanorman.co.za/

Source Artistry by Tina Le Cordeur: https://sourceartistry.co.za/

Gabrielle Raaff: https://gabrielleraaff.com/

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In the second episode of the Latitude Art Podcast, host Natasha Norman chats with Andrew Sutherland and is joined by Tina Le Cordeur. From Andrew's unique perspective as a colourblind painter to the evolution of his artistic style, this conversation takes you on a journey through the creative process. 

They reminisce about the beloved Salon 91 gallery and its impact on the Cape Town art scene, highlighting the importance of finding the right artistic fit. The discussion also touches on the Latitude Aparthotel project, where art meets interior design. Join us for an inspiring chat that explores the essence of art, collaboration, and personal growth.

Andrew Sutherland: https://www.andrewsutherland.me/

Natasha Norman: https://natashanorman.co.za/

Source Artistry by Tina Le Cordeur: https://sourceartistry.co.za/

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel: https://www.staylatitude.co.za/latitude-media/

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Discover the captivating world of art curation and interior design in the first episode of The Latitude Art Podcast! 

Join artist Natasha Norman and art curator Tina Le Cordeur, who is responsible for the beautiful art pieces found in the public areas of Latitude Aparthotel, as they delve into the transformative power of art in creating welcoming spaces.

From curating diverse collections that challenge stereotypes to discussing the powerful synergy between art and design, this episode dives into the intricate art of crafting welcoming environments. 

Tune in for a conversation that showcases the dynamic synergy between art and the spaces we inhabit.

Natasha Norman: https://natashanorman.co.za/

Source Artistry: https://sourceartistry.co.za/

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel: https://www.staylatitude.co.za/latitude-media/

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Welcome to Art to Art with Natasha Norman (previously the Latitude Art Podcast).

Unlock the hidden secrets of artistry where colour, brush stroke, and creativity is connected with the personalities and processes behind the scenes.

Join Natasha in a series of conversations with artists from the Latitude Aparthotel° Collection (and beyond), from renowned painters and sculptors to emerging talents.

Each episode brings you personal insights into the inspirations, struggles, and creative joy behind the work of an artist, anecdotal and documentary. This artistic expose will ignite your imagination with a passion and daily diligence that defines the work behind the art.

Brought to you by Latitude Aparthotel.

Hosted by Natasha Norman.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.