An Artistic Journey through Africa

Art, Identity, and African Renaissance: From South Africa to Eritrea

World Footprints revisits the vibrant soul of South Africa-(the country that Nelson Mandela built) and journeys across borders to Eritrea—two nations whose artistic and cultural narratives offer powerful windows into African identity, resistance, and rebirth.

South Africa’s Art Revolution: Martin Britz and the Legacy of Mandela

From apartheid to artistic activism, South Africa’s story is layered, complex, and ever-evolving. In this episode, we speak with Martin Britz, President and Founder of Soweto Fine Art, who joins us from Johannesburg. Once an Afrikaner military officer, Britz experienced a radical transformation. Today, he’s one of the most committed champions of Black South African artists—amplifying voices historically silenced and showcasing the continent’s rich, underrepresented talent.

Through his personal evolution and the mission of Soweto Fine Art, Martin discusses:

• His journey from soldier to curator

• The role of art in reconciliation and nation-building

• How visual storytelling shapes the modern South African identity

• Global efforts to preserve, protect, and promote African art beyond the continent

His work not only elevates post-apartheid expression but also challenges the global art world’s blind spots when it comes to recognizing African talent.

Spotlight on Eritrea: Resilience and Rebirth Through Art and Identity

As we shift our lens to Eritrea, we highlight a country lesser known to most travelers—but rich in resilience, history, and cultural preservation. Gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a brutal 30-year war, Eritrea remains one of the world’s most tightly controlled states. Yet beneath the surface, the country pulses with creativity and national pride.

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Today, Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning modernist architecture—a relic of its Italian colonial past and a symbol of Eritrean cultural endurance. In recent years, artists within Eritrea and the diaspora have used visual arts, film, and music as both subtle resistance and a means of identity reconstruction.

While press freedom and political expression remain constrained, Eritrean art continues to emerge globally, carried by exiled creatives and local underground movements alike. From postcolonial narratives to heritage preservation, Eritrea’s art scene is a testament to survival, innovation, and the deep link between culture and liberation.

Art, Collecting, and Cultural Power: Galerie Myrtis in Maryland

Returning stateside, we visit Galerie Myrtis, a premier fine art gallery in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for its commitment to African and African-American art, Galerie Myrtis has become a beacon for cultural education, artistic investment, and advocacy. In this segment, we join a roundtable with prominent collectors and connoisseurs to explore:

• Why art collecting is an act of cultural preservation

• The evolving role of Black collectors and Black-owned galleries

• Art philanthropy as a form of activism and equity-building

• Challenges faced by emerging African and diasporic artists in the mainstream art market

Galerie Myrtis’s mission is to ensure that artists of African descent are recognized not just for their talent, but for their role in documenting and shaping historical narratives.

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