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The term “culture wars” is most often associated with issues of sexuality, race, religion, and gender. But, as recent months have made plain, when Donald Trump refers to the culture wars, he also means the arts. He fired the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which Republicans want to rename for him. His Administration fired the national archivist and the Librarian of Congress, and pressured the director of the National Portrait Gallery to resign; it is reviewing the entire Smithsonian Institution, looking for what the President calls “improper ideology.” Some view these moves as low-hanging fruit for Trump, and a distraction from bad press about Jeffrey Epstein, the Putin meeting, and tariffs. But Adam Gopnik believes that interpretation is a misreading. The loyalty purge at institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery is a key part of his agenda. “Pluralism is the key principle of a democratic culture,” Gopnik tells David Remnick. Could we be following the path of Stalinist Russia, where a head of state dictated reviews of concerts, Remnick asks? “I pray and believe that we are not. But that is certainly the direction in which one inevitably heads when the political boss takes over key cultural institutions, and dictates who's acceptable and who is not.” Gopnik recalls saying after the election that “Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert would be next.” “You would see them disappear,” he added. “Each time, we find a rationale for it or a rationale is offered. And it's much easier for us to swallow the rationale than to face the reality.”
In this special episode, contemporary artist Elsa James joins EMPIRE LINES live, navigating how the slave ship marks and haunts Black lives in Britain today, in their interdisciplinary exhibition, It Should Not Be Forgotten (2025).*Content Warning* This episode discusses rape and other forms of sexual violence.Seeking to capture ‘the rupture, erasure, fragmentation and interconnectedness of Black Life in the diaspora', Elsa James' latest exhibition brings together performance works, neon sculptures, and collage. Elsa confronts Britain's ‘national amnesia' regarding its role in the transatlantic slave trade, bringing alternative perspectives on how we engage with the past. The artist crafts fictional narratives to contend with colonial archival records, and delves into the psychological effects of enslavement, both exposing historical atrocities and honouring the resistance of two enslaved women.In this special episode, recorded live in Elsa's Afro Dada studio at Firstsite in Colchester, we journey through the larger-than-life photographic installation located on the main floor of the gallery, which draws inspiration from American academic Christina Sharpe, and her idea that ‘the slave ship marks and haunts contemporary Black life in the diaspora'. Elsa shares influences including Tina M. Campt, Steve Martin, and David Olusoga, and details her collaborations, including with sound artist Trevor Mathison, who worked with a field recording from a sacred ceremony Elsa attended during an artist residency at Yinka Shonibare's Guest Artists Space in Nigeria. Exploring ideas around Afropessimism, we talk about the role of critical hope in Elsa's practice, touching on the work of Alberta Whittle and Maya Angelou.We discuss Elsa's long relationship with Essex, as the first artist to exhibit in Firstsite's Living Room space as part of her Black Girl Essex residency, and solo exhibition, Othered in a region that has been historically Othered, at Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea in 2022. We explore recent group exhibitions including the Hayward Gallery Touring Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, and transfeminisms at Mimosa House in London, developing her research into Mary Prince. Plus, Elsa describes the interconnectedness of her research interests, and Black British, Caribbean, and African heritages.This episode was recorded live as part of the public programme for Elsa James: It Should Not Be Forgotten, an exhibition at Firstsite Colchester, in July 2025.For more information, visit: instagram.com/p/DK-WsOPzeI3/Hear the first episode with Elsa James, Living in the Wake of the Lust for Sugar (2023), recorded at the Museum of London Docklands: pod.link/1533637675/episode/NTFiZDQxMjUtZDI2Ni00ODE1LTk1YjktOTM4NzNhY2YzOTBiFor more about the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation, listen to artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA on Decolonised Structures: Queen Victoria (2022) Yinka Shonibare at the Serpentine in London: pod.link/1533637675/episode/NTE4MDVlYzItM2Q3NC00YzQ1LTgyNGItYTBlYjQ0Yjk3YmNjAnd about fellow resident Leo Robinson, listen to this cutting with Dominic Paterson from The Trembling Museum at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow, part of SEEDLINGS: Diasporic Imaginaries (2025), curated by Jelena Sofronijevic with Travelling Gallery in Scotland: pod.link/1533637675/episode/ZDA5OTgyY2EtMGE3MC00MGExLTkwOTUtODc3ODFkNTAyZmQ3About Harold Offeh, listen to We Came Here (2022) at Van Gogh House in London: pod.link/1533637675/episode/ZmI5MmM2NWYtYzAyNy00MDkwLTk5MjMtNDhlZjcxZDExMTU3Hear Ekow Eshun, curator of the touring exhibition, The Time is Always Now (2024) at the National Portrait Gallery in London and The Box in Plymouth: pod.link/1533637675/episode/df1d7edea120fdbbb20823a2acdb35cfPRODUCER: Jelena Sofronijevic.Follow EMPIRE LINES on Instagram: instagram.com/empirelinespodcastSupport EMPIRE LINES on Patreon: patreon.com/empirelines
Breathe Pictures Photography Podcast: Documentaries and Interviews
In this episode, I revisit conversations with two remarkable photographers whose work and generosity have left lasting impressions. Steve Shipman, who we lost in 2018, built a career capturing portraits for newspapers, magazines, and leading corporate clients, later turning his lens toward weddings, social photography, street photography and legacy family projects. His archive reads like an A-to-Z of notable figures, with some of his portraits now held in the National Portrait Gallery's archive in London. Charlie Waite has spent decades shaping how we see the British and international landscape, his work marked by a painter's eye for light, form, and balance. Through books, exhibitions, and teaching, he has encouraged countless photographers to truly observe. Charlie's warmth and openness have made him a guiding presence for many in the photographic community, with an influence that goes well beyond his own work. Links to all guests and features will be on the show page, my sincere thanks to Arthelper, who sponsor this show, plus our Extra Milers, without whom we wouldn't be walking each week. WHY: A Sketchbook of Life is available here.
Sarah and Richard give you a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Conversations Live Tour, Adelaide edition.London Bombing survivor, Gill Hicks was one of the special guests who appeared on stage to share some photos close to her heart, and the stories attached to them.Further informationTo see Gill's photos for yourself, head to the ABC Conversations Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/abcconvos/To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.
In this compelling episode, we kick off with a fantastic piece of news as we celebrate the recent honor received by the very platform you're listening to—MadPo3t Podcast has been acknowledged by Feedspot as a top poetry platform in the UK. This recognition sets the stage for a deep and insightful conversation with our guest, the multifaceted artist Julian Raven.Julian takes us on a journey through his artistic evolution, sharing how his life—from growing up in London and Marbella to becoming based in New York—has shaped his powerful and often provocative creations. We explore his creative process across various mediums, including painting, photography, and the poetry that connects him to this very platform.The conversation then takes a fascinating turn as Raven recounts the details of his high-profile media flare-up with the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. He candidly shares the story behind his controversial painting of Donald Trump and his subsequent legal battle with the institution and its director, Kim Sajet. This segment offers an intimate look into the events that led him to challenge one of America's most revered cultural establishments.Finally, we convene on his latest endeavor, a book that meticulously chronicles his legal and political fight. Raven provides an inside look at his motives for writing the book and the revelations he uncovers about the art gallery and the lady at the center of the storm, Kim Sajet. This episode is not just about art; it's a profound discussion about free speech, institutional power, and one man's unwavering determination to have his voice heard.Julian Raven Link:- Art site is www.julianraven.com my book- site is www.smithsoninstitution.comFeedSpot Link:- https://www.feedspot.com/fs/tk/GEbRwJQiGeoa4RRH2Poc%2FRMSxeSTHuvuHuHqFdX5H%2F7jGce1ZCHr6BbnF0jWyUfR5A7A9Y9S8PYa5uEe3ccaxdtQ%2BfiiJvMeWSUhWN7EFQkeRvfhoV3hHEoWFVgUBFrHElEBr6NUEiZUFiVXHfRWCBNF9fOiXOL1SxYWSQ35I87lGMa3Zh%2FZFVgjFCIKxkX%2FFEMI9aBOFxVKHhJOEMESDShS%2Bb1uTyIiUSAoWhQ%3D
While elite institutions shaped the pandemic response, critics say they sidelined dissenting views, deepening distrust and contributing to Donald Trump's reelection. As the pandemic divided the United States, could a full accounting help the nation heal? Also: today's stories, including European and Arab governments making diplomatic progress towards peace, an artist pulling her work from the National Portrait Gallery, and a national opera house serving as a bomb-shelter cathedral in Ukraine. Join the Monitor's Clay Collins for today's news.
It's Friday, August 1st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christians evicted from their homes in Chhattisgarh, India Three years ago, Manu, a 37-year-old day laborer in Chhattisgarh, India, came to faith in Jesus after experiencing a miraculous healing. Then, roughly two months ago, he started to pay a price for his Christian faith, reports International Christian Concern. Manu said, “I was thrown out of my house because I follow Jesus.” He is one of the hundreds of Christians who have been evicted from their homes and banned from their villages in Chhattisgarh because of their faith in Christ. Hindu nationalists, who want India to be a purely Hindu nation, are increasingly forcing Christians to become homeless and destitute. The goal of the violent attacks is to force the believers to return to Hinduism. Manu, his wife, and their two children have taken shelter in a temporary bamboo shed since May 21. He said, “My children are getting sick ever since we moved into this shed. The small bamboo shed does not protect us from rain, wind, and extreme weather conditions. This shed was used as a chicken shed prior to our occupation, with no facilities for people to live.” The persecution didn't end with the family losing their property. Hindu villagers also shunned the family, preventing them from purchasing products from certain vendors and hindering Manu from securing employment. When asked what keeps him from giving up on his faith, Manu explained, “Jesus gave me life, He gave me peace, and I am willing to make any sacrifice and bear all these hardships. I know it's all worth it.” In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” House Speaker: Democrats never mentioned Epstein files during Biden's term Appearing with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins on Saturday's “This Week on Capitol Hill,” House Speaker Mike Johnson explained that the Democrats are using the Epstein files as a wedge issue. JOHNSON: “The Democrats have been engaging in a civil war. They're trying to determine if they're going to go full Marxism, like with [Zohran] Mamdani, their nominee for mayor of New York City, or if they're going to go Marxism Light with their woke progressive nonsense that they tried to hoist upon the people for the last four years. So, they found a wedge issue trying to manufacture some controversy with the so-called Epstein files. Here's the problem they have, Tony, with their hypocrisy. It's quite laughable. “Remember, the Biden Department of Justice had all of these files in their possession for the previous four years. Not one time did [House Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) or Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), or Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), or any of the Democrats who made so much noise over the last two weeks, not one time in the last four years that they mention the word Epstein at all. It's nowhere in their social media and their interviews or anything. And now, suddenly, it's the most important thing in the world. “We're not buying it, and I'm not going to allow them to drag the Congress into this. “The House Republicans are 100 percent united and 100 percent consistent, as we have been for many years regarding this matter. We want full transparency, total disclosure of all credible evidence. We want to and we must protect the innocent victims of those unspeakable crimes, trafficking and all the rest that were involved there. But it needs to be done in the right way.” The audacity of the Democrats surprises even House Speaker Johnson. JOHNSON: “They're trying to claim that this is some sort of cover-up. Remember, each of them were involved in orchestrating what was the largest political cover-up and political scandal in the history of the United States. And that was covering up for the rapid mental decline of the previous occupant of the White House. When Joe Biden was no longer fit to serve, they went out and tried to convince us of the opposite -- very, very dangerous stuff. They need to answer for that, and there needs to be a lot of accountability all the way around. And House Republicans are the ones urging that and pushing it along with every tool in our arsenal.” American Academy of Pediatrics says Trisomy 13 and 18 are not 'uniformly lethal' The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidance stating that the genetic disorders Trisomy 13 and 18 are not "uniformly lethal" and the practice of promoting abortion and "postnatal comfort care" for all children with the conditions is outdated, reports The Christian Post. The guidance, published July 21, notes the "steady increase in medical and surgical interventions for infants and children with trisomy 13 and 18.” The medical organization described the conditions as "chromosomal syndromes associated with a range of congenital anomalies and universally severe neurodevelopmental impairment." The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that about 12.3 percent of those with Trisomy 18 survive beyond their fifth birthday and 9.7 percent of children with Trisomy 13 survive as well. U.S. divorce and out-of-wedlock births are becoming less common The Institute for Family Studies is reporting that after many decades of increasing divorce, nonmarital childbearing, and children living in broken homes, current statistics show that the trends are either leveling off or reversing, reports The Washington Stand. The group notes that the largest shift has become apparent with divorce. After reaching a peak in the late '70s and early '80s, “the divorce rate has been falling in recent decades,” currently hitting a 50-year low. Divorce is less likely because “marriage has become more selective, with more educated, affluent, and religious couples becoming more likely to put a ring on it than the general population.” The Institute for Family Studies further observed that according to the most recent projections, the risk of first marriages ending in divorce is now around 40 percent, a significant drop from couples who married in the '80s and '90s, of whom 50 percent experienced divorce. Malachi 2:16 says, God “hates divorce.” Another factor contributing to more intact families is that the amount of children being born to unmarried women has leveled off. Children born out of wedlock peaked in 2009 and has plateaued ever since, remaining at roughly 40 percent over the last 15 years. Transgender Lady Liberty stirs debate at Smithsonian And finally, Amy Sherald is a 51-year-old woke artist who became famous for depicting the Statue of Liberty as black and transgender, reports Christian talk show host Todd Starnes. She also created a rendition of the famous World War Two Times Square kiss featuring two homosexual black men. And Sherald earned national acclaim for painting the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama. What an unusual combination – transgender statues, homosexual black men, and Michelle Obama. The National Portrait Gallery alerted the artist that they might remove her painting of “Transgender Lady Liberty” over fears it might anger President Donald Trump. Sherald accused the Smithsonian of censorship and pulled out of the exhibit. The White House, which believed that the painting all but desecrated one of our most sacred symbols, celebrated the development as a step toward restoring sanity in the taxpayer-funded art world. Starnes concluded, “The only person censoring Sherald's exhibit is in fact Sherald. And Lady Liberty is meant to inspire national unity – not pronoun confusion.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, August 1st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
V 16. díle videopodcastu týdeníku Respekt Dělníci kultury spolu Jindřiška Bláhová, Pavel Turek a Jan H. Vitvar debatují o tom, co je v uplynulém týdnu v kultuře zaujalo či zklamalo a o své aktuální práci. Tentokrát došlo na: úmrtí Ozzyho Osbourna dokument Sally Rose Griffiths Totální provar: American Apparel seriály Willa Smitha Slow Horses, Leny Dunham Trochu moc a Leny Dunham Girls katalog výstavy National Portrait Gallery v Londýně The Face: Culture Shift audio výběr ČRo z knihy Carla Gustava Junga Vzpomínky, sny, myšlenky výstavy Update (Bold Gallery), Kateřina Ondrušková: Fialová voní nejvíc (Trafo Gallery) a Kashinath Chawan: Živé vize z prachu ulice (Galerie Art Brut Praha) knihu Umberta Eca Baudolino (Argo) Když už člověk jednou je, tak má sledovat kulturu v Respektu.
Rachel and Simon speak to the historian Hallie Rubenhold. Born in Los Angeles, Hallie moved to Britain as a graduate student; after completing an MA and an MPhil, she worked for a time as a curator for the National Portrait Gallery and as a commercial art dealer. In 2005 she published her first book, "The Covent Garden Ladies", about "Harris's List", a directory of London's prostitutes. Hallie followed it up in 2008 with "Lady Worsley's Whim", about the 18th century's most notorious adultery trial. Both books have been adapted into television dramas. Hallie then turned to fiction - publishing "Mistress of My Fate" and "The French Lesson" - before returning to non-fiction with "The Five: The Women Killed by Jack the Ripper" in 2019. The book went on to win the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction and became a Sunday Times bestseller. We spoke to Hallie about moving from the world of museums to the world of writing; researching and publishing "The Five"; and her latest book, "Story of a Murder".We've made another update for those who support the podcast on the crowdfunding site Patreon. We've added 40 pages of new material to the package of successful article pitches that goes to anyone who supports the show with $5 per month or more, including new pitches to the New York Times, the Washington Post and the BBC. The whole compendium now runs to a whopping 160 pages. For Patreons who contribute $10/month we're now also releasing bonus mini-episodes. Thanks to our sponsor, Scrivener, the first ten new signs-ups at $10/month will receive a lifelong license to Scrivener worth £55/$59.99 (eight are left). This specialist word-processing software helps you organise long writing projects such as novels, academic papers and even scripts. Other Patreon rewards include signed copies of the podcast book and the opportunity to take part in a monthly call with Simon and Rachel.A new edition of “Always Take Notes: Advice From Some Of The World's Greatest Writers” - a book drawing on our podcast interviews - is available now. The updated version now includes insights from over 100 past guests on the podcast, with new contributions from Harlan Coben, Victoria Hislop, Lee Child, Megan Nolan, Jhumpa Lahiri, Philippa Gregory, Jo Nesbø, Paul Theroux, Hisham Matar and Bettany Hughes. You can order it via Amazon or Waterstones.You can find us online at alwaystakenotes.com, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.
Today in 1972, a break-in at the Watergate hotel that kicked off a huge political scandal... and also, somehow, gave a gelatin dessert the name "Watergate salad." Plus: in 2022, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington hosted an exhibit called “Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue.”Jell-O Journalism: Investigating the Origins of Watergate Salad (Mental Floss)Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue (National Portrait Gallery)This podcast is not a crook, but it is backed by our listeners on Patreon
We head to two major exhibitions taking place this summer: ‘Once Upon a Time in London’ at Saatchi Yates and ‘Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting’ at the National Portrait Gallery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by Julian Raven, an artist, author, and passionate advocate for free speech. Julian takes us on a journey through his eight-year battle with the Smithsonian Institution, sparked by his creation of a 7x15 portrait of Donald Trump. He shares the challenges he faced after submitting his artwork to the National Portrait Gallery, detailing the surprising rejection he received and the subsequent legal fight that ensued. As we delve into the complexities of free speech, governmental bias, and the role of art in society, Julian emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's rights and the power of perseverance. His story is not just about art but a reflection on the broader implications of free expression in America today. Tune in to hear Julian's insights, his experiences as an immigrant, and the lessons he has learned along the way.1. Introduction to Julian Raven and his background2. The creation of the Trump portrait and its significance3. The rejection from the Smithsonian and the ensuing battle4. Insights into free speech and governmental bias5. The impact of Julian's case on future artists6. Reflections on perseverance and civic responsibility7. Details on Julian's book and where to find it
"looking at a portrait transcends time"
In this compelling episode, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with renowned photographer, Robert Taylor. Robert discusses his impactful journey from the RAF to becoming an acclaimed artist whose work champions black queer visibility and diversity. Robert shares insights about his pioneering, powerful project, "Permissible Beauty," exhibited at Hampton Court Palace, which creatively explored Black queer representation and challenged traditional beauty standards. Delving deeply into topics such as British identity, the transformative potential of art, and his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and women's visibility in STEM and academe, Robert's story highlights the power of authenticity, courage, and creative expression in challenging societal norms and fostering inclusion.Key Takeaways:Art can challenge traditional standards of beauty and identity, making space for diverse representation.Visibility and representation of marginalised groups in heritage spaces can profoundly impact audience perceptions and foster deeper understanding.Creating dialogue and opening spaces for previously unheard voices requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability.Personal experiences deeply inform artistic expression, leading to transformative social impact.Intersectionality and personal identity are crucial in navigating and reshaping societal narratives.Active allyship and institutional support are essential in successfully advancing diversity and inclusion projects.Highlights Robert's journey from RAF serviceman to prominent photographer, illustrating diverse pathways to creative expression.The Permissible Beauty project at Hampton Court Palace and its groundbreaking portrayal of black queer narratives.Exploring Britishness and navigating personal identity within predominantly white and traditional spaces.The significant role of chosen families in the queer community, illustrated through the "Four-Sided Triangle" project.Capturing portraits of pioneering women for major institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and Oxbridge colleges, showcasing women's achievements in STEM and academe.Robert's reflections on challenging conventional perceptions of beauty, success, and representation in contemporary art and culture.Guest BioRobert came to photography via the RAF, The Bar, and publishing. His work is held in collections including the NPG, the V&A, and numerous Oxbridge colleges. His work ranges from commercial portraiture to art projects. His many contributions to HIV prevention include a major safer sex education book with Peter Tatchell. Robert has dedicated time to commissioned collections of portraits of women of outstanding achievement in STEM and academe. A 2023 project at Hampton Court Palace explored notions of beauty, from eight black queer perspectives: https://permissiblebeauty.le.ac.uk/.Other interests include offender rehabilitation through the arts, clothing, and jewellery for men.LinksRobert Taylor: Website | InstagramNadia Nagamootoo: LinkedIn | InstagramAvenir Consulting: https://linktr.ee/avenirconsultingservices
A special episode recorded at a live event at Home Of The Arts on the Gold Coast, where Crabb and Sales discuss HOTA’s current exhibition WRITERS REVEALED, featuring treasures of English literature on loan from both the British Library and the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition runs until Aug 3.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi talk to tom Sutcliffe about directing Pixar's latest film Elio, about a lonely boy who wants to make contact with aliens. The film is then reviewed by film producer and critic Jason Solomons and art critic and writer Hettie Judah. Tom and guests also discuss a major retrospective of the work of painter Jenny Saville at London's National Portrait Gallery, and The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey.Jenny Saville is also the guest on this week's edition of This Cultural Life. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Claire Bartleet
Painter Jenny Saville, renowned for her large-scale portraits of fleshy, naked women, made her name soon after leaving art school when her graduation exhibition work was bought by collector Charles Saatchi. In 1997, her work was also part of the landmark Royal Academy show Sensation, alongside now iconic pieces by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and others. Since then, the main focus of her work - which has been shown in museums and galleries all around the world - has remained the female form. In 2018, a Jenny Saville painting called Propped sold at auction for £9.5m, at the time a world record for a work by a living female artist. A retrospective exhibition of over 50 of her paintings and drawings is being held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Jenny Saville tells John Wilson how her childhood interest in painting was nurtured by her uncle, an art teacher, who took her to museums to understand the work of great artists. She says she was hugely inspired by seeing a Lucien Freud exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London in 1987, and that his large-scale nude portraits influenced her early style. Jenny recalls how a year spent at the University of Cincinnati, as part of her Glasgow School of Art degree course, also had an impact on her understanding of art history from a feminist perspective and refocused the theme of her painting. She describes how she made the monumental paintings of female nude figures, some with liposuction surgery markings on the bodies, which were shown at the Saatchi Gallery and at the Royal Academy Sensation exhibition. Jenny Saville also reflects on the later influence on her work of the Dutch-American abstract painter Willem de Kooning, and of her children with whom she paints at home. Producer: Edwina Pitman
Beloved Austin-based photographer and friend to all, Matt Lankes, passed away on Sunday. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Matt was a really sweet, gentle and loving man and loved by everyone who got to meet him. I met him 40 years ago when we were both at Austin High School and reconnected when I moved back to Austin in the early 90's. Matt came on the show last summer and we had a great, fun conversation about his journey. I feel very lucky to have known him. Rest in peace, old friend. Below are my original notes for episode 1419. Austin based photographer Matt Lankes is my guest for episode 1419! Matt has an extensive client list that includes HBO, LiveStrong, Fox Searchlight, Texas Monthly, New York Times, Amazon, Netflix, Time Inc., Newsweek, Austin Monthly, Lee Jeans, CBS, Random House, Warner Brothers, EMI, Sony, Universal, and many more. He currently has his work in the permanent collection of The National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian and at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University. Matt has also been the photographer on a handful of Richard Linklater films including 2014's Boyhood. His book Boyhood: Twelve Years on Film, captured the progression of the film and the actors through the lens of a 4x5 camera, creating a series of arresting portraits and behind-the-scenes photographs, and is available through University of Texas Press. Find it HERE. Go to mattlankes.com for all of your Matt needs. I had a great time getting to know Matt and his journey as an artist. I'm sure you will too.
Send us a textIn this episode, we're joined by two key figures from Studio A—CEO Gab Mordy and artist Thom Roberts—for a lively chat about carving out space for neurodiverse artists in the contemporary art world.Thom shares insights into his recent solo exhibition in Canberra at the National Portrait Gallery, 'The Immersive World of Thom Roberts', reflecting on the ideas behind the work, how it came together, and what it's like to see your art out in the world. We also talk about his journey through his twenties, and how his relationship with Studio A has helped shape his creative practice, offering both a space and a platform to grow as an artist.Gab takes us back to the origins of Studio A, revealing how the organisation came to be and the challenges and breakthroughs along the way. She also talks about her recent research trip overseas, where she explored other supported studio models across Europe and North America.This is a conversation about the power of supported studios, the value of long-term creative relationships, and what happens when artists are given the freedom and resources to thrive.
Koyo Kouoh remembered, Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Jasper Johns by Robert StorrKoyo Kouoh, the Cameroon-born curator who was director of Zeitz Mocaa in Cape Town and had been invited to curate next year's Venice Biennale died on 10 May. There has been an outpouring of moving tributes to Kouoh from artists, curators and gallerists across the world, and Ben Luke speaks to Nolan Oswald Dennis, the Johannesburg-based artist who has a current show at Zeitz, and Liza Essers, the owner and director of Goodman Gallery, about her life and work. A design competition for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial in St James's Park in London has been launched, with five designs competing for the commission. We talk to Sandy Nairne, the former director of the National Portrait Gallery in London, who is on the committee tasked with choosing the winning design. And this episode's Work of the Week is Regrets, a painting from the series of that name made by Jasper Johns in 2013. The work is discussed in a new book of writings on Johns by the former curator at the Museum of Modern Art and of the Venice Biennale in 2007, Robert Storr. We speak to Storr about the work.Nolan Oswald Dennis: Understudies, Zeitz Mocaa, Cape Town, South Africa, until 27 July; Nolan Oswald Dennis: throwers, Gasworks, London, until 22 June.To see the five proposals for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial and give feedback visit competitions.malcolmreading.com/queenelizabethmemorial#overview. The opportunity to give feedback on the designs will close on 19 May.Robert Storr, Focal Points: Jasper Johns, HENI publishing, £19.99 (hb). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the 36th episode of "Reading the Art World," host Megan Fox Kelly speaks with Sarah Roberts, curator of the landmark exhibition "Amy Sherald: American Sublime," and editor of the accompanying catalog published by Yale University Press in association with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.Roberts discusses Sherald's revolutionary portraiture approach — from her distinctive gray-scale skin tones that shift focus to her subjects' interior lives, to her deliberate use of clothing and settings as narrative devices. She shares insights on the "American sublime" concept in Sherald's work and her curatorial decisions integrating the iconic Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor portraits within the larger context of the artist's practice.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in contemporary portraiture, the evolution of American figurative painting, and how art can challenge conventional narratives about representation and identity. Roberts' insights reveal why Sherald's quiet yet radical artistic vision offers a powerful reimagining of who deserves to be seen and celebrated in American art history.ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah Roberts is Senior Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Joan Mitchell Foundation where she oversees the Foundation's Artwork and Archival Collections and the Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné project. Since 2004, she has served in progressive leadership roles in the Department of Painting and Sculpture at the SFMOMA, and since 2020 as Andrew W. Mellon Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture. A specialist in post-war American art, Roberts has organized significant exhibitions including major presentations of Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, Frank Bowling, and co-curated the Joan Mitchell retrospective that traveled internationally. Roberts holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Brown University, and has contributed to numerous publications on contemporary art.ABOUT THE EXHIBITION"Amy Sherald: American Sublime" is now on view at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York through August 3, 2025, following its run at SFMOMA. The exhibition will travel to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. (September 19, 2025 – February 22, 2026).PURCHASE THE BOOK https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300279382/amy-sherald/ SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW AND HEAR INTERVIEWS:For more information, visit meganfoxkelly.com, hear our past interviews, and subscribe at the bottom of our Of Interest page for new posts.Follow us on Instagram: @meganfoxkelly"Reading the Art World" is a live interview and podcast series with leading art world authors hosted by art advisor Megan Fox Kelly. The conversations explore timely subjects in the world of art, design, architecture, artists and the art market, and are an opportunity to engage further with the minds behind these insightful new publications. Megan Fox Kelly is an art advisor and past President of the Association of Professional Art Advisors who works with collectors, estates and foundations.Music composed by Bob Golden
Geologist Walter Alvarez was working away on some limestone samples in Gubbio, Italy, when he became intrigued by an odd layer of rock. He was looking at the K-T boundary. Underneath it, there are dinosaur fossils. Above it, there are none. And Walter was about to stumble on the reason why.In this final episode of our science series, we pair a rock sample from the K-T boundary with a unique portrait by Carmen Lomas Garza to tell the story of the dinosaur extinction -- how it happened, why it happened, and who figured it out.With Kirk Johnson, director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, and Taína Caragol, curator of painting and sculpture and Latino art and history at the National Portrait Gallery.See the portraits we discussed:Walter Alvarez, by Carmen Lomas GarzaLuis Alvarez, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
In the wake of President Trump's proposed film tariffs, Jake Kanter, International Investigations Editor at Deadline, discusses what the impact could be for the British film industry.Last week Moorcroft became the latest heritage ceramic company to close its doors in Stoke-On-Trent. Emma Bridgewater, founder of the eponymous ceramics company, and Alasdair Brooks from Re-Form Heritage, discuss the decline of pottery in The Potteries.A new genre-bending production of Hamlet created in collaboration with Thom Yorke from Radiohead has just opened at Factory International in Manchester. Co-directors Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett discuss their vision for Hamlet Hail to the Thief. When it opened in 2000, The Lowry in Salford was one of the many beneficiaries of cultural infrastructure funding from the Millennium Commission. Twenty five years on, its CEO, Julia Fawcett, joins Front Row to discuss the significance of this national funding programme.David Hockney and Vincent van Gogh have had the immersive art treatment. Now the National Portrait Gallery is using this approach for its collection in a new exhibition, Stories Brought To Life, that has just opened in MediaCity, Salford Quays. Art critic Laura Robertson gives her thoughts.Presenter: Nick Ahad Producer: Ekene Akalawu
The portrait artist Adele Wagstaff trained at Newcastle University and the Slade School of Fine Art. She has been shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize and the BP Portrait Award and her work has been exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery. Alongside her work in the UK she spends time in Egypt, working on portraits of people along the Nile. Adele teaches a wide range of students, including life classes at the Royal Academy of Arts, which is where we first met. In this conversation we explore similarities and differences between our areas of work. https://www.adelewagstaff.co.uk
We meet artist Chris Levine, a British contemporary artist renowned for his pioneering work with light and lasers. His innovative approach transcends traditional mediums, integrating technology and spirituality to create immersive art installations that challenge and expand human perception. Levine's multidisciplinary practice encompasses installation, photography, performance, fashion, music, and design. He employs lasers and sound frequencies to craft environments that engage viewers on both sensory and contemplative levels. This synthesis of technology and art positions Levine's work within a broader historical context, aligning with movements that seek to transcend the physical and delve into the metaphysical.A seminal piece in Levine's portfolio is "Lightness of Being" (2004), a holographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This work has been lauded for its spiritual depth and technical mastery, with the National Portrait Gallery describing it as "the most evocative image of a royal by any artist." The portrait captures the ethereal quality of light and presence, reflecting Levine's ability to merge artistic expression with technological innovation. Beyond portraiture, Levine has engaged in numerous projects that bridge various artistic disciplines. In 2012, the artist partnered with Anohni and the Johnsons for their "Swanlight" performance at Radio City Music Hall, commissioned by the MoMA, New York, integrating laser with musical performance and creating a multisensory experience. Levine's site-specific large scale installations have pushed the boundaries of light art, taking diverse settings from the historic Durham Cathedral to the contemporary landscape of Hobart, Tasmania. Aligned with the traditions of public art inspiring communities, Levine's works make immersive art accessible to broader audiences. In 2021, Levine's exhibition at Houghton Hall, 528 Hz Love Frequency, featured "Molecule of Light," a monumental 25-meter-high sculpture that transformed the landscape and cemented his innovative approach to light art. This installation not only showcased the artist's technical prowess but also his ability to harmonize art with architectural space, creating a dialogue between the artwork and its environment. Through his multidisciplinary practice, Levine continues to explore the infinite possibilities of light in art, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the intersection of technology, spirituality, and visual expression. His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, inviting viewers to experience the world through a lens of heightened awareness.Follow @ChrisLevine on InstagramVisit: https://chrislevine.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We have portraits of people in our galleries. But what if you're a natural science museum? How do you portray a dinosaur? We talk with Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, about the ways our portrayals of dinosaurs have evolved, from sluggish and lizard-like to warm-blooded, colorful and spry. Then Matthew Carrano, curator of dinosauria, explains how the museum put T. rex into a striking new pose. The trick, he says, is to convey how cool dinosaurs were, without making them seem alien.We also tie in a couple portraits from the National Portrait Gallery's collection: an image of the first person to describe an American dinosaur, and a photograph of the first person to give them the Hollywood treatment.See the portraits we discussed:Joseph Leidy, by Frederick GutekunstSteven Spielberg, by Gregory HeislerThe Nation's T. rex, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural HistoryAlso recommended:Visions of Lost Worlds: The Paleoart of Jay Matternes, by Matthew T. Carrano and Kirk R. Johnson
Portrait of artist in studio, 2016 Photo: Don Stahl Courtesy of Susan Inglett Gallery, NYC. Hope Gangloff (b. 1974)attended The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science andArt. She is well known for her vibrant portrait and landscape paintings that combine a distinctive bright palette with intricate line work. Her early portraiture garnered attention for its intimate observation of relatable moments, from a road trip with friends to a late-night houseparty. Gangloff's work was recently exhibited in "Forces of Nature: Voices That Shaped Environmentalism" at the National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C. and in "Women PaintingWomen" at the Fort Worth Modern, with an upcoming solo exhibition at Susan Inglett Gallery,NYC, from 1 May–7 June 2025. Solo exhibitions include the Cantor Arts Center, StanfordUniversity; the Broad Art Museum, East Lansing; and Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of the Grinnell CollegeMuseum of Art, Grinnell; National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.; the Broad Art Museum,East Lansing; the Kemper Museum, Kansas City; and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts,Philadelphia, among others. Hope Gangloff, James (Case-Leal), 2025 (Detail) Acrylic on linen 36 x 26 in. Copyright The Artist Courtesy of Susan Inglett Gallery, NYC. Hope Gangloff, 'Bittersweet' barn, 2025 (Detail) Acrylic on canvas 48 x 72 in. Copyright The Artist Courtesy of Susan Inglett Gallery, NYC. Hope Gangloff, Matthew (Holtzclaw) & Prakash (Puru), 2025 (Detail) Acrylic on wood panel 80 1/2 x 48 in. Copyright The Artist Courtesy of Susan Inglett Gallery, NYC.
Toure Show Ep. 111 Original Air Date: Feb. 5, 2020 Amy Sherald painted the official portrait of Michelle Obama that's hanging in the National Portrait Gallery. There's an awesome story around how she got that commission and the artistic choices she made in making that painting. Amy was already a major portraitist before she met Michelle even though, just a few years ago, Amy was broke and wondering where her artistic career was going. She's also got someone else's heart inside of her thanks to a transplant that saved her life. She's also a former rapper. And an all-around wonderful person. She's an example of success coming to someone who believes in herself no matter what. I love this conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This mini 'Blink' episode celebrates the cherry blossoms that are blooming all over Washington D.C. at the moment by taking a closer look at portraits that feature flowers. Kim visits three paintings in the National Portrait Gallery that use specific blooms to convey coded information about the sitter, including the experiences that shaped them and the roles they took on.Sarah Weston Seaton with her Children, by Charles Bird KingBarack Obama, by Kehinde WileyGeorge Washington Carver, by Betsy Graves Reyneau
Tomas Watson (b.1971) is a British artist who has lived and worked in Greece since 1994. He studied at the Slade School of Art in London. In 1998, he won the BP Portrait Award and was subsequently commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to paint the author John Fowles. This portrait is in their permanent collection. He is represented by the Jill George Gallery in London (www.jillgeorgegallery.co.uk) and Accesso Galleria in Tuscany (www.accessogalleria.com) Topics Discussed In This Episode: Tomas recounts where his artistic journey began (00:02:11) The importance of mentorship (00:07:46) Tomas's experiences at Slade University in London from 1990 - 1994 (00:09:28) Discussing mark-making (00:14:42) Having the courage to trust your artistic vision and perspective (00:26:22) Tomas winning the BP Portrait Award in 1998 (00:35:33) Cultivating a creative community and creating collective dialogue (00:43:35) Tomas discusses his process of creating carborundum etchings and using various other mediums (00:54:01) Tomas speaks about the Sigri Arts Retreat, the artist retreat he co-founded with his partner, Cindy Camatsos, in Lesvos, Greece (01:10:56) Living alternative lifestyles, staying patient, and allowing oneself to grow over time (01:18:36) www.artistdecoded.com www.tomaswatson.com www.sigriartsretreat.com
Kevin Cummins has an international reputation as one of the world's leading photographers and is famed for his iconic portraits of musicians including Ian Curtis, Bowie, The Smiths, Iggy Pop, Bjork, Debbie Harry, Bob Marley, Public Enemy, Patti Smith and Oasis. These photographs have appeared on magazine covers and in galleries and museums worldwide, including Brooklyn Museum, Sydney Opera House, and the Pace Gallery, His work is included in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery, V&A Museum and Manchester City Art Gallery. Kevin had a 20-year association with the NME, where he created many of the best-known images in modern music history. From the acting world he's photographed Helen Mirren, Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Graham, Gary Oldman, and Richard E. Grant. His work has appeared on over 500 magazine covers and he's published many books documenting much of his own work with his latest, Oasis The Masterplan, being his sixteenth. It's out in April but you can pre-order it now. It documents twelve months of seismic change at the start of their career through the photographs he took that cemented the identity of Oasis and helped to define the band. You can buy the book, here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/oasis-the-masterplan/kevin-cummins/9781788405683Kevin Cummins is our guest in episode 478 of My Time Capsule and chats to Michael Fenton Stevens about the five things he'd like to put in a time capsule; four he'd like to preserve and one he'd like to bury and never have to think about again .Buy Oasis The Masterplan by Kevin Cummins, here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/oasis-the-masterplan/kevin-cummins/9781788405683For everything Kevin Cummins, visit - http://www.kevincummins.co.ukFollow Kevin Cummins on Instagram & Twitter/X: @dkcmanc .Follow My Time Capsule on Instagram: @mytimecapsulepodcast & Twitter/X & Facebook: @MyTCpod .Follow Michael Fenton Stevens on Twitter/X: @fentonstevens & Instagram @mikefentonstevens .Produced and edited by John Fenton-Stevens for Cast Off Productions .Music by Pass The Peas Music .Artwork by matthewboxall.com .This podcast is proud to be associated with the charity Viva! Providing theatrical opportunities for hundreds of young people . Get bonus episodes and ad-free listening by becoming a team member with Acast+! Your support will help us to keep making My Time Capsule. Join our team now! https://plus.acast.com/s/mytimecapsule. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I am so excited to say that my guest on the GWA Podcast is one of the most renowned painters working in the world right now: Jenny Saville. Hailed for her at times colossal paintings of the human form – from close ups of the face, to examinations of exposed flesh – Saville is fascinated with the complex vessels that we all live inside. Theatrical and grotesque, beautiful and painful, her presentations of the body can feel almost like a landscape, pressed up against the surface of the canvas, in her masterful handling of paint that ranges from wet, to dry, oily to thin, thick and with shards and smears of colour. At once uneasy, raw, tense, and animal-like, Saville's portrayals of the body show how it transforms, grows, decays, and breathes… While full of contradictions, there is always a beauty, from the colours Saville uses to the golden light and textures that accentuate a knee, or finger. Born in Cambridge in 1970, as one of four siblings, Saville studied at the Glasgow School of Art in the 80s and 90s, and spent her final year in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was exposed to a new set of American artists and feminist thought. In the 1990s, Saville quickly became one of the most anticipated painters challenging not just the medium of paint, or the depiction of the body, but reinventing the female nude or semi-nude body as a subject that has been entrenched in a male-gazed art history. Tackling Biblical and mythological narratives, referencing ancient Venus-like figures, as well as her own experience as a mother, Saville has constantly configured new ways of presenting the body, and in more recent years, has turned to stark, saturated colouring This year, she will open exhibitions at the Albertina, Vienna, her first major solo show in Austria; Anatomy of Painting at the National Portrait Gallery, London – that will bring together 50 works – and will travel to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, for us to see the incredible trajectory of an artist who keeps reinventing flesh with paint – and I can't wait to find out more… LINKS! Albertina: https://www.albertina.at/en/exhibitions/jenny-saville/ NPG: https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2025/jenny-saville/?_gl=1*136gpph*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv_m-BhC4ARIsAIqNeBt-ZzQivw0289iG5mzsW59uEmn-IUiod6qXx6jVk9rOLTLV9trgo20aAiw7EALw_wcB -- THIS EPISODE IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE LEVETT COLLECTION: https://www.famm.com/en/ https://www.instagram.com/famm_mougins // https://www.merrellpublishers.com/9781858947037 Follow us: Katy Hessel: @thegreatwomenartists / @katy.hessel Sound editing by Nada Smiljanic Music by Ben Wetherfield
Episode 160 March 13, 2025 Themed merchandise is the way to my heart Full Circle On the Needles 2:36 ALL KNITTING LINKS GO TO RAVELRY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Please visit our Instagram page @craftcookreadrepeat for non-Rav photos and info Bay Area Yarn Crawl (not Rav link) Sock Madness season Mystery gnome (not Rav link) Would you rather kal (not Rav link) Succulents 2025 Blanket CAL by Mallory Krall, Hue Loco DK in Terrarium– DONE!! Llama llama duck by Adrienne Fong, C W D: Handcrafted Products for the Mind, Body & Soul BFL Alpaca Nylon Sock in Sutro Baths Metropolitan Pullover by Tori Yu, Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock in Rosemary, Shibui Knits Silk Cloud in Ink On the Easel 10:08 Cortney tours the Smithsonian Museums! National Gallery of Art, Natural History Museum, Sackler Gallery, Freer Gallery, Hirshhorn, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of American Art, and back to the National Gallery of Art + East wing. Wedding bouquet gift for Ellen. Upcoming: Daffodil Week! On the Table 19:31 Crispy Potato Tacos Recipe Yuzu Miso Soba Noodle Soup Flour + Water (San Francisco) pasta tasting menu Sushi Taro (Dupont Circle. Washington D.C.) tasting menu Preserve (Annapolis) Zesty Artichoke Sauce from Everyday Vegetarian On the Nightstand 30:47 We are now a Bookshop.org affiliate! You can visit our shop to find books we've talked about or click on the links below. The books are supplied by local independent bookstores and a percentage goes to us at no cost to you! The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton Battle Royal and Codename Charming by Lucy Parker The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang (audio) Nobody Walks by Mick Herron (audio) Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie (audio) The Collaborators by Michael Idov Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar The River has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar The Story of the Forest by Linda Grant Eco-Lit, selections from National Museum of Natural History plus a few of my own! This list will likely grow…
The folk tales collected and rewritten by the Brothers Grimm may ‘seem to come from nowhere and to belong to everyone', Colin Burrow wrote recently in the LRB, but ‘this is an illusion'. In the latest episode of the LRB podcast, Colin joins Thomas Jones to talk about the distinctive place and time in which Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm lived and worked, as well as the enduring appeal and ‘vital weirdness' of the tales.Sponsored links:Visit the Munch exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery: https://www.npg.org.uk/munchSee The Years at the Harold Pinter Theatre: https://theyearsplay.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Wendy Barratt (@wendybarrattart) Wendy's journey is nothing short of inspiring... Originally a finalist in Worthing Portrait Artist of the Year (Now Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year) Wendy then went on to win Sky's Portait Artist of the Year in 2023! Her stunning portrait of Jane Goodall now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery where her self portrait was featured in the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award exhibition in 2024. With her first-hand experience as a competitor and a deep understanding of portraiture, Wendy brings invaluable insight to our judging panel. Also in this episode is a small introduction to three of the Sussex paoty 2025 finalists:1. Jake Fern - @ jake_fern_art2. Tracey Cranidge - @tjcranidge.art3. Tim O'Brien - @timobrien_artist For ticket information for the Sussex Portrait of the year on 22 March go tohttps://www.instagram.com/sussexpaoty To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Samira Ahmed and guest critics - the novelist and anthropologist Tahmima Anam and Ben Luke from the Art Newspaper - give their verdict on the week's cultural releases. They've been to see Cate Blanchett in Anton Chekhov's play The Seagull at the Barbican Centre. The classic drama still features characters from Russian nobility – but it's given a modern-day treatment including VR headsets and quad bikes. They have also watched Sister Midnight, a film about a young bride called Uma who joins her husband in Mumbai but struggles to adapt to her new life and connect with the man she knew as a childhood friend. She wanders the streets, drawn to the moon and becomes an accidental outlaw.Also under consideration are portraits in an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery by Edvard Munch – an artist best known for his painting The Scream. Plus we pay tribute to Five Star's Stedman Pearson who's died at the age of 60.Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Claire Bartleet
Two recent books, by Peter Beinart and Rachel Shabi, discuss the response of Jewish communities in the West to the Hamas attacks of 7 October and Israel's subsequent destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza, and the shifting politics of antisemitism. In this episode Adam Shatz talks to Peter and Rachel about the moral rupture Israel's actions have caused, particularly along generational lines, among Jews in both the US and UK, and why the question of antisemitism has become separated from the larger politics of anti-racism, allowing the political right to claim this moral territory in defence of Israel.Sponsored Link:Visit the Munch exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery: https://www.npg.org.uk/munchLRB AudioDiscover audiobooks, Close Readings and more from the LRB: https://lrb.me/audiolrbpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a textIn this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with Erica Hawkins, a multi-award-winning documentary wedding photographer whose work has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the National Portrait Gallery for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize. Erica's journey into photography was anything but straightforward, and her story is as inspiring as her creative approach to storytelling. From her early passion for filmmaking to her unexpected pivot into photography, Erica shares how a career in art publishing helped shape her unique vision. Despite achieving notable successes, including being featured on Don't Tell the Bride early in her career, Erica struggled with imposter syndrome, battling a persistent inner critic that made her doubt her talents. The turning point came in 2020 when Erica faced a life-altering cancer diagnosis. This experience gave her a fresh perspective, allowing her to quieten the negativity and embrace her creativity with renewed confidence. Now, Erica combines her documentary approach with a deep understanding of her client's stories to create authentic, emotive images. In this heartfelt conversation, Erica discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and how it impacts photographers, offering actionable advice to help others recognise the difference between healthy self-reflection and destructive self-doubt. She also shares insights into her work-life balance, emphasising the importance of setting goals, staying true to your style, and finding joy in photography. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding photographer, Erica's experiences and wisdom will inspire you to overcome self-doubt, embrace your creativit, and craft a photography career or hobby that reflects your unique vision. Listen now to discover Erica's incredible story and learn how to silence your inner critic while growing as a photographer. Takeaways1. Recognising and addressing imposter syndrome is key to unlocking your full creative potential. Learn to differentiate between self-reflection that helps you grow and self-doubt that holds you back.2. Life challenges can be opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embracing a new perspective can lead to greater creativity and confidence in your work.3. Authentic storytelling in photography resonates deeply. Focus on capturing genuine moments rather than striving for technical perfection.4. Confidence builds over time through experience and reflection. Setting achievable goals and celebrating milestones can help reinforce self-belief.5. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term success. Define success on your terms and don't let external pressures dictate your priorities.6. Connecting with a supportive community can provide encouragement and inspiration. Sharing experiences and learning from others helps foster both personal and professional growth.Connect with EricaWebsiteInstagramSupport the show
We head to ‘The Face: Culture Shift’, a new exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery celebrating the magazine’s photography and effect on popular culture. The show is a who’s who of contemporary cool and an ode to the power of print media. We discuss the legacy of the publication with the exhibition’s curator, Sabina Jaskot-Gill; former editor of ‘The Face’ Johnny Davis; and Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tate Modern this week opened a vast exhibition exploring the life and work of the maverick Australian-born performance artist, fashion designer and self-styled “club monster”, Leigh Bowery, as well as the variety of cultural figures in his orbit in London. It coincides with other related London shows: one analysing the fashion work of Bowery and his collaborators and peers at the Fashion and Textile Museum, and another at the National Portrait Gallery about the style and culture magazine The Face, which emerged around the same time as Bowery set foot in the UK capital in the early 1980s. Ben Luke reviews the shows with Louisa Buck, The Art Newspaper's contemporary art correspondent. Three years on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and amid fraught international diplomacy following the US's abrupt shift in approach to the war under President Trump, we speak to Sophia Kishkovsky, our international correspondent who has widely reported on Russia and Ukraine, about how Ukraine's art world is responding to this new era. And this episode's Work of the Week is actually a pair of works made more than 400 years apart called The Women's Bath. The first is a woodcut based on a drawing by Albrecht Dürer from around 1500; the second a painting responding to it, made by the German artist Max Beckmann in 1919. They feature in an exhibition opening this week at the National Museum in Oslo, Gothic Modern: From Darkness to Light. Cynthia Osiecki, a curator at the museum, tells us more.Leigh Bowery!, Tate Modern, until 31 August; Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London, Fashion and Textile Museum, London, until 9 March; The Face Magazine: Culture Shift, National Portrait Gallery, London, until 18 May.Gothic Modern: From Darkness to Light, National Museum, Oslo, 28 February-15 June.Subscription offer: enjoy 3 issues of The Art Newspaper for just £3/$3/€3—subscribe before 21 March to start your subscription with the April bumper issue including our Visitor Figures 2024 report and an EXPO Chicago special. Subscribe here. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/subscriptions-3FOR3?utm_source=podcast&promocode=3FOR3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Now is a great time to join the Hogg Hive! Dig into last week's Q&A episode and check in for our Oscars recap next week at Patreon.com/SeeAlsoKate discovered it was not peak hour at the rock, acid casualties trasmuting them girls to the light. Brodie is moving again, went to a music festival and saw Kylie sing a song about a girl being murdered to a little girl. Kylie wine sponsor the pod!! No one would care about Nick Cave in a shopping centre.Will Kate go full Babygirl aka see Romy DJ at Heaps Gay? Stay tuned to find out!Speaking of old gals: Kate's great aunt is in a movie club and Brodie sobbed through the film of the year aka Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.Then it's time to discuss the Traitors (US), and have some spoiler-y chats about Severance (APPROX 33:25 – 47:33) and The White Lotus (APPROX 47:45 – 1:05:45). Because of ad placement, the times are approximate – another reason to go ad–free via the Hogg Hive on Patreon!See AlsosAD's tour of the home from Bridget Jones 831 Stories – Big Fan novelMike White x Southern CharmA Guided Tour of Severance's Goat RoomProfile of Mike White in the New Yorker Charlotte Le Bon's film Falcon Lake streaming on Stan + Amazon PrimeAlso AlsosOfficine Universelle Buly Huile Antique Mexican Tuberose Dry Body OilEvenings & Weekends by Oisin McKennaE Nolan fly t-shirt Carrol Jerems "Portraits" at National Portrait Gallery – on until 2 March + great piece about it in the latest issue of The Monthly Elizabeth Sankey's film Witches on MubiJulio Torres 'Color Theories' at MICF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the National Portrait Gallery's survey of photography from The Face magazine opened to ecstatic reviews, the magazine's founder/editor Nick Logan and art director Neville Brody met for a rare live interview. We're excited to share a recording of their conversation here, courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery. The conversation took place at the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday 20 February 2025, and was chaired by The Face features editor Kathryn Flett. The exhibition, ‘The Face Magazine: Culture Shift', continues until 18 May.
Samira Ahmed talks to Brazilian director Walter Salles about his film I'm Still Here - which has already won multiple awards including the Golden Globe for Best Actress for its star Fernanda Torres. it's based on a true story about a family Salles knew when he was growing up in Rio de Janeiro - whose father was detained and disappeared during the military dictatorship which lasted for more than 20 years. The Face magazine was launched in 1980, offering a stylish approach to music, fashion and culture. A new exhibition at London's National Portrait Gallery showcases some of the most iconic images created by photographers like Jurgen Teller and Ellen von Unwerth. The curator Sabina Jaskot-Gill and journalist and broacaster Miranda Sawyer discuss what made The Face such an important part of British culture. 80s hearthrob Matt Goss - one half of hit band Bros with his brother Luke - features in one of the images in The Face exhibition. He performs his new single and talks about his 11 year residency in Las Vegas - and why he's come back to the UK to tour. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Paula McGrath
In this special conversation Grant Scott speaks with photographers and founders of The Farringdon Print Shop, Jake Chessum, James Dimmock and Chris Floyd, to reflect on editorial photography in the 90s and creating a platform to monetize their joint archives. Jake Chessum's timeless and engaging celebrity portraits have appeared in many prestigious publications and the range of celebrities he has been commissioned to photograph span the worlds of film, politics, sports and music. Born in Croydon, South London, Chessum studied at St. Martin's School of Art and after graduating began his photography career in London, where his first commission was for Elle magazine before he started working for The Face beginning an enduring relationship with the title. In 1999 he moved permanently to NYC where he continues to live. Jake has published two books: The New York Look Book in association with New York Magazine (2007), and a self published book: Rubbish (2009). www.jakechessum.com Instagram: @jakechessum James Dimmock completed a degree in at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, and the following week moved to London looking for work. Weeks turned into months. Standing outside Metro Studios in Farringdon dejected. Along came a perky photographer and asks him what's up? The photographer was Jake Chessum who listened to Dimmock's story and gave him the name and number of the owner of a studio and said to mention him. James began his career shooting for British style magazines The Face and iD and began to work in the US photographing Moby and Bono for the cover of Spin magazine. This was swiftly followed by Metallica, Radiohead, and AC/DC for Rolling Stone. When the US work offers piled up James relocated and he now lives in the U.S. with his wife, and their two daughters. www.jamesdimmock.com Chris Floyd is a British photographer born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. He moved to London in 1990 to pursue a career in photography having completed a BTec Photography course. In 1994, he started working for Loaded magazine as well as The Face and Dazed & Confused and his photography became associated with the era of ‘Britpop'. He was selected for the National Portrait Gallery, London Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize in 2008 and 2013. Chris has also photographed advertising campaigns for international brands. As a director he has produced moving image work for Avis, Anthropologie, Mr Porter, UBS, and The Smithsonian. Chris lives with his family in the Cotswolds, UK. www.chrisfloyd.com www.farringdonprintshop.com Dr.Grant Scott After fifteen years art directing photography books and magazines such as Elle and Tatler, Scott began to work as a photographer for a number of advertising and editorial clients in 2000. Alongside his photographic career Scott has art directed numerous advertising campaigns, worked as a creative director at Sotheby's, art directed foto8magazine, founded his own photographic gallery, edited Professional Photographer magazine and launched his own title for photographers and filmmakers Hungry Eye. He founded the United Nations of Photography in 2012, and is now a Senior Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator: Photography at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, and a BBC Radio contributor. Scott is the author of Professional Photography: The New Global Landscape Explained (Routledge 2014), The Essential Student Guide to Professional Photography (Routledge 2015), New Ways of Seeing: The Democratic Language of Photography (Routledge 2019), and What Does Photography Mean To You? (Bluecoat Press 2020). His photography has been published in At Home With The Makers of Style (Thames & Hudson 2006) and Crash Happy: A Night at The Bangers (Cafe Royal Books 2012). His film Do Not Bend: The Photographic Life of Bill Jay was premiered in 2018. © Grant Scott 2025
This is Talking Royals, our weekly podcast about the Royal Family with host, Charlene White, ITV News' Royal Editor Chris Ship and Royal Producer Lizzie Robinson.Charlene's back and the team discuss Princess Anne's trip to the hospital she received care at last year. We see more of Kate as she goes on a school trip to the National Portrait Gallery. Meghan Markle's good deed splits opinion, and the Taking Royals team plan their holidays!
The Princess of Wales joined primary school pupils on their minibus to the National Portrait Gallery for a “brilliant” day out. Kate explored a trail developed with the Shaping Us framework shared by her Early Years project. Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Mirror royal editor Russell Myers as they reflect on Kate's latest engagement in her return to work. They also look ahead to the King and Queen's visit to Italy, and discuss the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's higher profile on their current Nepal trip. Meghan's selfie video about her good deed raises eyebrows and Prince Andrew has another round of problems in his in-tray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From the Smithsonian's Sidedoor podcast: sorting fact from fiction to find the real Sojourner Truth.As a prominent woman's rights activist and abolitionist, Sojourner Truth gave hundreds of speeches and sold countless images of herself. And yet the words that define her in our popular imagination - "Ain't I a woman?" - were actually made up.Host Lizzie Peabody went looking for the real Sojourner Truth and she found a woman with a much more complicated and fascinating life than any slogan can capture.Guests:Nell Irvin Painter, author of Sojourner Truth: a Life, a Symbol; Edwards Professor of American History Emerita at Princeton UniversityAshleigh Coren, former content strategist for the Smithsonian's Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past initiativeKim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and host of the Smithsonian's Portraits podcast
We follow a paper trail back in time to learn about the laborers -- some of them enslaved -- who put their backs into the graceful old building that now houses the National Portrait Gallery.When construction began on the building in the 1830s, Washington D.C. was in the midst of a mini building boom as a seat of freedom and democracy. Yet the city also had an active slave trade. By sifting through reams of microfilm and estate records, historian Michael Hussey was able to establish that at least 17 men who worked at this site were enslaved. His next step was to try to sketch a portrait, however faint, of one of their lives.
We remember former President Jimmy Carter through a slightly different lens-- through the eyes of a longtime friend and through the portraits of Carter that are housed here at the National Portrait Gallery.Political aide Jack Watson met Carter 10 years before he became president. He found a farmer in work clothes driving a Chevy and quoting philosophy. Over their long friendship and while serving as chief of staff, Jack came to appreciate Carter as a man who was willing to take "bitter medicine" to do what he felt was right for the country. Jack describes a huge Polaroid portrait of Carter by the landscape photographer Ansel Adams, and he also explains why a softly lit painting depicting Carter in the Oval Office is not one of his favorites.See the portraits we discussed:Jimmy Carter, by Ansel AdamsJimmy and Rosalynn Carter, by Ansel AdamsJimmy Carter, by Robert TempletonOther portraits in the collection:Jimmy Carter, by Richard AvedonJimmy Carter, by Alan Reingold (Time magazine)Jimmy Carter, by Andy Warhol
Sojourner Truth was a women's rights advocate known best for her famous speech "Ain't I a Woman." But Truth never actually said these words. In fact, much of the Truth we know… is fiction. Depictions from different artists and journalists have tweaked Truth's legacy to fit their messages, giving her a “kaleidoscopic reputation,” according to Nell Irvin Painter, author of Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Symbol. So how did a speech she never gave make Sojourner Truth one of the most famous women's suffragists of the 19th century? And what did Truth actually say? Turns out, the whole Truth is even better than fiction. Guests: Nell Irvin Painter, author of Sojourner Truth: a Life, a Symbol; Edwards Professor of American History Emerita at Princeton University Ashleigh Coren, former content strategist for the Smithsonian's Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past initiative Kim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and host of the Smithsonian's Portraits podcast