Artists often listen to music or the radio while working in the studio. It’s also a good time to boost art theory knowledge by tuning in to specialist art podcasts. Art industry podcasts can be especially useful to those that have time to listen but don’t always find time to read dense art theory books. A good episode can inspire an art practice to go in new directions but it’s also just interesting listen to key figures in contemporary art discussing different themes and topics that arise in society.
Here are some of the best art podcasts out there that always offer food for thought:
The Atlantic x Hauser & Wirth
Edge of Reason is a collaboration between Hauser & Wirth and the creative marketing studio at The Atlantic called Atlantic Re:think. The title of the podcast reflects “the crossroads of artistic insight and intellectual curiosity”. Jeff Chang hosts each dialogue which navigates the age-old themes that have led many creative pursuits to question the weaving together of art and society.
Across the episodes they invite contemporary artists, curators and other influential figures to discuss a wide array of topics and concepts that define artistic outlooks.
These are some of the interesting discussions to tune into:
Perception:
Artists Annie Leibovitz and Amy Sherald discuss the power of process and how they combine vulnerability and intuition, to reveal the humanity behind their work.
Inquiry:
Artist Pipilotti Rist and curator Anna Katz look at the process of questioning, exploring, and seeking to understand, as opposed to accepting established truths. The episode covers the relationship between technology, nature, and the human experience.
Magic of the Mundane:
Theoretical physicist Dr. Felix Flicker and artist Mika Rottenberg discuss the intersections between art and science. The episode specifically highlights the properties of common objects as well as the connection between humans and their environment.
e-flux
e-flux is a monthly art publication that features essays and contributions by contemporary artists and thinkers working within the industry. Their podcast brings together art practitioners to discuss many of the topics that have arisen in their collaborations. There are a lot of episodes, here are a few recommendations:
Samia Halaby Kinetic Painting:
This conversation between artist Samia Halaby and e-flux’s performance curator Sanna Almajedi, takes place just after a performance by the artist. The performance used a computer program that she created in the ‘90s that generates abstract shapes alongside real-time sonic improvisations by musician Amir ElSaffar. Halaby discusses new approaches to painting that can transform ways of relating to aesthetics. These approaches can aid in discovering fresh perspectives providing advances in teaching, technology, and society.
Wet-Togetherness [2]–Decomposing:
The series as a whole, Wet-Togetherness, looks at how human bodies are part of something vaster (and smaller) and more complex. All humans are connected by more than their mere existence but also as an atomized species. This episode sees Daisy Bisenieks, Royce Ng (Zheng Mahler) and Tuo Wang discuss how intricate life forms decay and decompose, aided by other bodies. They look at how building blocks of Earth’s life: water, carbon dioxide and nutrients, flow through a continuous process of breaking and making.
Tate
‘The Art Of…’ podcast series delves into the human connections and stories behind the Tate’s collection of art. The episodes present a range of creatives, curators and gallery visitors that discuss how art is relevant to contemporary society.
The Art of Improvisation:
This episode discusses the role of chance and accident in the creative process. Contributions come from: Frank Bowling, an artist who has improvised with paint for over 60 years; dancer Alethia Antonia; artist Albert E. Dean; musicians Greta Eacott, and others.
The Art of Dreaming:
What influence can art have on aspirations and what potential is there when a person’s mind wonders and dreams? This episode brings together artists, dancers and other creatives to discuss the power of dreaming brought on through art. The episode features: artist Noëmi Lakmaier; artist filmmaker Michelle Williams Gamaker; renowned dancer and choreographer Akram Khan; and others.
The Art of Slow Looking:
Modern society encourages people to rush through life. What if a person was to slow down, pause in their busy schedule and instead of rushing around a museum or gallery, they just stopped in front of one artwork. This episode encourages listeners to spend time getting to know a single artwork in detail. A psychologist and former monk, describes how the act of looking slowly at works of art and objects affects the way we understand them. The episode features: singer Bumi Thomas, Nicole Mollett, Rebecca Chamberlain, Aidan Hart and Enrica Franca.
What podcasts do you recommend for people interested in contemporary art theory? Please share in the comments below.
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