S03E04: ROGER BALLEN

In this season finale, we share space with interdisciplinary auto-ethnographer, Tsoku Maela for one of the most reflective conversations of the series.If you’re in conversation with a gallery, curious about navigating the world of commercial photography, or wondering how artists hold both purpose and livelihood, this is the episode you want to check out. A soft, honest, necessary ending to Season 3.

In this episode, we sit with jazz photographer, Lerato Pakade who journeys with us on how her jazz obsessed teenage years led to a career in image making. Pakade also reminds us of the value of collaborations and sharing oneself with other creatives, as they give of themselves to us. Pakade's work is founded on love, for music, for collaboration, for a black and white image that holds us in time and with care.Hosted by Siphokazi TauFilmed by ANDYMKOSI & Wandile NdlovuEdited by ANDYMKOSIFilmed at Lit Book Culture in Brixton at BreezeblockProduced by This Audio is Visual Episode Research by Siphokazi Tauhttps://www.instagram.com/thisaudioisvisual/https://www.instagram.com/talkingfeminist/https://www.instagram.com/leratopakade/https://www.instagram.com/umalume_uwah/https://www.instagram.com/talkingfeminist/

In the 6th episode of This Audio is Visual, we sit down with South African documentary photographer Ntikana Ramohlale at the launch of his debut photobook, O se Boloke.Hosted by @taivphotobookclub and moderated by Siphokazi Tau, with reflections from a live audience at The Forge, Ntikana shares his journey as a self-taught photographer and explores themes of youth, Blackness, spirituality, and the socio-political landscape of post-democratic South Africa.🎧 Listen now and immerse yourself in a story of instinct, creativity, and vision.

A core part of This Audio is Visual’s work is to diversify the voices we engage with in the image-making landscape. In this conversation, we speak with archivist Zandile Myeka about the practice of archiving and memory keeping as vital tools for preserving history, culture, and collective memory. Grounded in her work at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Zandile reflects on archiving not only as a way of safeguarding our national history but also as a means of shaping what our collective memory could look like.Credits:Producer: This Audio is Visual In collaboration with Urban SkhotheniResearcher: & Host Siphokazi TauGuest Zandile MyekaCinematography: Andiswa Mkosi & Wandile HlosokuhleMixed & Mastered: Wandile HlosokuhleEditor: Andiswa MkosiConnect With Us::https://www.instagram.com/thisaudioisvisual/https://www.instagram.com/andymkosi/?hl=enhttps://www.nelsonmandela.org/https://www.instagram.com/urban_skhotheni/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/talkingfeminist/?hl=en

In the fourth episode of This Audio is Visual, we seek insight from the wise. We are joined by Dr. Roger Ballen for a conversation set at the Inside Out Centre for the Arts, located in Johannesburg's Forest Town and founded by Ballen himself.Dr. Roger Ballen is an American artist who has lived and worked in Johannesburg and its surrounds since the 1970s. In this interview, he shares in-depth reflections on his journey through the world of photography and how he developed his distinctive visual style known as the Ballenesque."As a photographer and artist, my work goes beyond conventional photography; it seeks to explore the depths of the human psyche. Roger Ballenhttps://www.insideoutcentreforthearts.com/https://www.instagram.com/insideoutcentre/https://www.rogerballen.com/Produced by This Audio is VisualHosted by ANDYMKOSICinematography & Sound Production by Urban SkhotheniAdditional Footage by Tsandza KubukwaMusic by EMAMKAY

In the third episode of This Audio is Visual we zoom all the way to Nigeria to speak with (temmy.jay) Temiloluwa Johnson, a Nigerian photojournalist and storyteller based between Lagos and Ibadan.Her work delves into themes of queer identity, community, and socio-cultural expression.Temiloluwa is a 2025 World Press Photo Contest winner, the only Nigerian recognized this year and has also been named a finalist by both the Magnum Foundation and the Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant.Johnson joins us to share how her unwavering belief in herself has helped her carve out a path in the photography industry. She credits much of her confidence, resilience, and life skills to her beloved grandmother, whom she affectionately calls G-Mama.If you're at a stage in your career where you're exploring grant writing and pitching your ideas to potential funders, this is the episode for you.TEMILOLUWA JOHNSON:https://www.instagram.com/temmy.jay/

This Audio is Visual is a podcast by photographers, for photographers, from across the continent of South Africa.In this episode, meet Obakeng Molepe, a commercial and documentary photographer based in Johannesburg. His work has graced the covers of GQ Magazine and featured in a range of commercial campaigns.Obakeng speaks poignantly about the importance of mentorship and the power of creating from a place of love rather than survival. Having found his creative balance, he shares his journey with ANDYMKOSI in the second episode of Season 3.Filmed by: BonginkosiMuchanga / Tsandza Kubukwa & Wandile Hlesokuhle / UrbanSkhotheniEdited by: ANDYMKOSI/This Audio is Visual Produced by: This Audio is VisualSocial Media Strategist: Friends Who Create/Carly Hendricks

After a hiatus, This Audio is Visual returns with Season 3! Our podcast continues to explore photography and photographers across the continent and diaspora.Kicking off the season is award-winning photographer Jodi Bieber. A South African photographer with a career spanning decades, Bieber is widely known for her striking, human-centered storytelling. In this episode, Jodi Bieber speaks with ANDYMKOSI about how her work serves as a visual ode to South Africa, capturing the soul of the country through her lens.💬 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and follow for more conversations with incredible photographers!📲 Follow us: 📷 Instagram: @thisaudioisvisual | @andymkosi | @jodi_bieber 🎥 TikTok: @taivpodcastFilmed by Bonginkosi Muchanga of Tsandza KubukwaMixing and Mastering Backspace Media

In our first gathering at Bertha House, we explored Taxi Diaries by Nonzuzo Gxekwa (@nonzuzogxekwa) a photo book that documents Johannesburg through her commutes. Now, you can listen in on the reflections, insights, and stories shared in the room.

This Audio is Visual is an award winning arts podcast, profiling visual arts and artists across the continent and diaspora. We educate through sharing stories about key players of the visual arts sector. This episode is no different with guest Eitan Stern,Director & Lawyer at Legalese.  Stern shares insights on Copyright and Laws around it. This is definitely for all the independent Creative Entrepreneurs.  Please follow us on Wordpress to avoid missing any of our episodes: www.thisaudioisvisual.com