I’m thrilled to be speaking with the incredibly talented Thania Petersen, a contemporary African artist whose work has captivated me for years. Thania’s exploration of identity—particularly through the lens of her upbringing in Apartheid South Africa, her royal Indonesian heritage, and her unique experiences—has made a profound impact on me. I’ll never forget standing in front of her pieces at Art Basel and feeling so seen, which is exactly what her art achieves: it creates a space where people can reflect on their own identities and histories. Her reflections on identity—shaped by personal and historical narratives—are powerful, and we dive into her theories about the "passion gap," a fascinating concept linked to cultural practices. We also touch on how the art world can sometimes feel like an exclusive space, but through her work, Thania makes art accessible and relatable, inviting others to explore their stories and histories.