NKATA: Dots of Thoughts

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/991744/open_sms] In this episode of Dots of Thoughts, Emeka Okereke takes us beyond the Cartesian dictum “I think, therefore I am,”unraveling how this foundational idea has shaped—and distorted—the modern mind. With poetic lucidity, he reveals how thought, once a useful tool, has become a false guarantor of being, leading to fragmentation, anxiety, and an over-reliance on structure. This is not merely philosophical musing—it’s an articulation of a modern crisis of perception, one in which the very instruments we use to make sense of life have begun to obscure life itself. Emeka draws on the insight of J. Krishnamurti and lived observation to suggest that identification with thought breeds fear of dissolution—because thought ends, and what we cling to as “self” often ends with it. What opens up instead is the invitation to a different kind of encounter: a presence that absents nothing. A presence that listens, attends, and sees without needing to grasp. This episode is a tender and powerful offering to those seeking lucidity in an age of mental clutter—an echo of wholeness in fragmented times. Support the show [https://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke [http://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke]. 🎉 By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including: • Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects. • Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts. • Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you. • Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics. Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me. Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/nkatapodcast/]and Twitter [https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast]. https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com [https://nkatapodcast.com]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/991744/open_sms] In this episode, we journey with Genevieve White, a seasoned artist and performer, as she shares her path from her multicultural roots in Canada to the vibrant art scene of New York City—recorded in the tranquil atmosphere of Berlin’s Grunewald Forest as a conversation with host and transdisciplinary artist Emeka Okereke. Genevieve’s story reveals the transformative power of collaboration, creativity, and the delicate, often interwoven relationship between art and life. The conversation delves into how Genevieve views art as a vessel for expression, shaped by the diverse cultural dynamics and experiences she’s encountered. She opens up about the profound impact of nurturing and personal care amidst the chaos of creation. From collaborations with jazz musicians to the enduring influence of artistic legends like Duchamp and Graham, Genevieve unpacks the energy and magic that emerge when artists connect through mutual respect and shared vision, and how following those inklings of the intangible is a recurrent theme at the core of the creative principle. Reflecting on her upbringing in a large family, Genevieve explores the interplay between nurturing others and maintaining personal boundaries—a theme that resonates throughout her artistic journey and now preoccupies her as her creative flair takes on a rekindled urge and agency. Together, Genevieve and Emeka uncover the rich, unseen moments of everyday life that spark their creativity, the connections that inspire their work, and the wonder children bring into the world. But this episode isn’t just about art. It’s a story of resilience, fearlessness, and embracing change. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal passion with commercial success, the evolving role of online platforms in an artist’s journey, and the freedom that comes with artistic maturity. Through Genevieve’s experiences, listeners gain insights into the confidence that grows with time and the joy of stepping beyond traditional confines. Join us for this serene exploration of art, life, and nature’s restorative embrace. May this conversation inspire belief, joy, and the boundless creativity that comes from nurturing both self and others. Support the show [https://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke [http://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke]. 🎉 By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including: • Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects. • Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts. • Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you. • Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics. Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me. Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/nkatapodcast/]and Twitter [https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast]. https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com [https://nkatapodcast.com]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/991744/open_sms] In this episode of Dots of Thoughts, Emeka Okereke engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Berlin-based artist, producer, and scholar Lukas Freireiss. Renowned for his transdisciplinary approach, Lukas shares his practice of working in a “collage-like manner” that unites artists and cultural producers from diverse fields, transcending conventional boundaries. Lukas introduces Crossroads, his Berlin-based project, which he describes as a platform for bringing creators together to intersect and exchange ideas. Reflecting on the significance of being a Berliner, Lukas emphasizes the importance of cultivating spaces that encourage fluid, informal collaborations. The project’s name, Crossroads, embodies his goal of creating a meeting point for unexpected creative connections. Emeka and Lukas discuss what it means to work in a way that synthesizes multiple perspectives, referring to Donna Haraway’s idea of finding “pleasures in the confusion of boundaries.” They explore the potential of these transdisciplinary methods in a fast-paced world marked by transient attention spans and specialization. Lukas contemplates the challenge of fostering deeper engagement and the role of hybridity in enabling new methods of meaning-making. The conversation also touches on navigating the balance between structured fluidity and spontaneity, and the practical challenges posed by rigid bureaucratic systems. Lukas shares how his approach seeks to expand, rather than oppose, specialization, creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration across disciplines. Artists and cultural practitioners interested in transdisciplinary strategies and pedagogical methods will find this episode particularly enlightening. Support the show [https://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke [http://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke]. 🎉 By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including: • Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects. • Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts. • Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you. • Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics. Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me. Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/nkatapodcast/]and Twitter [https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast]. https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com [https://nkatapodcast.com]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/991744/open_sms] Can the simple act of daily gratitude empower and transform your life? In this episode of Dots of Thoughts Podcast, recorded on-site at the Neue Berliner Kunstverein, host Emeka Okereke and guest, Alain Missala, explore the vibrant multicultural landscape of contemporary Berlin. Alain delves into his pivotal work with Black Dads Germany and Zula, shedding light on how these initiatives are reimagining narratives and empowering children from multicultural backgrounds. Through personal anecdotes, Alain highlights the profound impact of role models and the daily practice of gratitude in enriching our lives and fostering resilience. Breaking Stereotypes: We take a hard look at the stereotypes surrounding Black fathers in Germany, challenging these misconceptions through the lens of community and solidarity. Alain shares the inspiring story of a proactive WhatsApp group consisting of over 200 Black fathers who support one another in their parenting journeys. This group aims to create a network that serves as a support system, emphasizing the mission to build safer, more inclusive spaces for Black families, where vulnerability is embraced and healing is possible through shared experiences. Broader Themes: Finally, we explore broader themes of activism, interconnectedness, and cultural identity in Berlin. What does it take to teach love and unity to our children amid societal challenges? Emeka poses the question: How do we raise our children to embody the beauty and wealth of differences in times of ideological divides and heightened racial tensions? Reflections and Insights: We reflect on creating meaningful dialogues, drawing inspiration from the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes the importance of empathy and togetherness. Through stories of organic community-building, informal gatherings, and the proactive retention of cultural heritage, we showcase how everyday interactions can nurture a robust, empowered community. Support the show [https://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke [http://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke]. 🎉 By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including: • Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects. • Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts. • Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you. • Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics. Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me. Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/nkatapodcast/]and Twitter [https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast]. https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com [https://nkatapodcast.com]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/991744/open_sms] In this episode, I discuss the book, "Photography and Political Aesthetics" with the author, art critic and professor, Jane Tormey.  Our enlightening conversation traverses the landscape where artistry intersects with political fervour, dissecting how photographs can sway social movements and mould public opinion. We navigate the evolution of politically motivated photography, from its historical roots to contemporary schools of thought, probing the depth and breadth of visual politics. Jane argues for the need to reconsider how photography could be deployed "in a more focused way" to shape present-day political discourses and encourage critical engagement by the viewer.  As with the book, our conversation touched on such key figures as Walter Benjamin, and how his work laid the premise for understanding the potency of photography in our time and the time to come.  We reflect on the normative passivity with which photojournalism or politically-motivated images are often digested, advocating for a proactive stance that beckons photographs to be more than ephemeral snapshots—they must incite tangible change through how it is presented and disseminated.  The session alludes to the pitfalls in the conflation of art and journalism while spotlighting African photographers who are reconstructing the narrative and calling for a conscientious, celebratory and playful portrayal of imagery that dares to defy the conventional.  Yet, the overarching aim of this conversation is to draw attention to this cohesive and timely book that students of photography, media and cultural studies will find invaluable.  Host: Emeka Okereke Guest: Jane Tormey Production: Atelier E.K Okereke Support the show [https://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke [http://patreon.com/EmekaOkereke]. 🎉 By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including: • Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects. • Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts. • Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you. • Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics. Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me. Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast [https://www.instagram.com/nkatapodcast/]and Twitter [https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast]. https://twitter.com/nkatapodcast See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com [https://nkatapodcast.com]