“It’s wonderful that the hosts included henna as an art form in their podcast, but unfortunately throughout the episode it was very clear that they are ignorant on the art and have done surface level research. It’s great that the hosts are learning and they are obviously allowed to share their own feelings and criticism - but I feel this would have been better done if they had more substantial research or a guest who works with the art form.
As someone who is currently doing a masters in fine art on henna, and is an African Indian woman I felt this podcast did not truly educate on the art of henna but rather focused narrowly on the rituals and beliefs in which they are associated with in specific circumstances. Therefore, for those who are interested in henna - I encourage you to do your own research into art and look at contemporary examples. A lovely look into the materiality of henna that is both poetic, educational and accessible is Alka Joshi’s novel The Henna Artist.”
tm naidoo via Apple Podcasts ·
South Africa ·
02/05/24