Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this double episode Gary Mansfield speaks to both MC Llamas (@MC.Llamas) about the rooms that she is curating of female only artists in ART IN THE AGE OF NOW at the Fulham Town Hall, and Abigail Fallis (@abigailfallisart), who’s banana sculpture raises a smile to all that see it. This iconic, deserted 51,000 sq ft Victorian space in West London, empty for over ten years plays host to ‘Art in the Age of Now’, a group exhibition that brings together contemporary art, live music, talks and performance art, created by Art Below (@artbelow). ART IN THE AGE OF NOW runs from 20 May – 06 June 2021. For more information on ART IN THE AGE OF NOW go to www.artbelow.org 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Ben Moore of Art Below (@ArtbBlow) as the walk from room to room around the beautiful Fulham Town Hall, which is hosting ART IN THE AGE OF NOW from 20 May – 06 June 2021. This iconic, deserted 51,000 sq ft Victorian space in West London, empty for over ten years plays host to ‘Art in the Age of Now’, a group exhibition that brings together contemporary art, live music, talks and performance art. Fulham Town Hall owners Ziser will then redevelop the building and give the iconic space a new lease of life as a creative, community hub and boutique hotel in 2022. For more information on ART IN THE AGE OF NOW go to www.artbelow.org 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Geoffrey Harrison (@GeoffreyHarrison) Geoffrey Harrison is originally from Manchester in the north of England. After completing an undergraduate degree in Fine Art Printmaking from the School of Art in Hull, he lived in Japan for several years. After returning to the UK to complete an MA in London, Geoffrey now lives and works in London where he was Artist in Residence at Barts Pathology Museum at St. Bart's Hospital and recently completed a Leverhulme residency at The Royal Veterinary College. He has a studio in Bermondsey and exhibits in the UK and internationally. His practice is often collaborative and in partnership with other individuals, organisations and institutions, teaching facilitating workshops, presenting seminars and talks and curating work by other artists. In this episode Gary & Geoff spoke about the work of The Samaritans. If you think you may be at a point where speaking to someone could be a benefit. Contact The Samaritans on: 116 123 For more information on the work of Geoffrey Harrison go to www.geoffreyharrisonportraits.co.uk 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Geoffrey Harrison (@GeoffreyHarrison) Geoffrey Harrison is originally from Manchester in the north of England. After completing an undergraduate degree in Fine Art Printmaking from the School of Art in Hull, he lived in Japan for several years. After returning to the UK to complete an MA in London, Geoffrey now lives and works in London where he was Artist in Residence at Barts Pathology Museum at St. Bart's Hospital and recently completed a Leverhulme residency at The Royal Veterinary College. He has a studio in Bermondsey and exhibits in the UK and internationally. His practice is often collaborative and in partnership with other individuals, organisations and institutions, teaching facilitating workshops, presenting seminars and talks and curating work by other artists. In this episode Gary & Geoff spoke about the work of The Samaritans. If you think you may be at a point where speaking to someone could be a benefit. Contact The Samaritans on: 116 123 For more information on the work of Geoffrey Harrison go to www.geoffreyharrisonportraits.co.uk 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Fiona Grady (@fiona_grady) Fiona Grady creates site-responsive drawings on walls, windows and floors using sequences of dispersing geometric shapes. The artworks are spatial systems composed from repeating intervals that expand in proportion or direction. The use of repetition is a means to set in place an unconscious balance or understanding, that can be interrupted by the introduction of a changeable factor. This challenges the viewers reading of the drawing asking them to consider its internal logic. Fiona’s work is currently on view as part of the Kensington & Chelsea Art Week 2021 (@kcawlondon) For more information on the work of Fiona Grady go to www.fionagrady.co.uk *Thanks to Lisa Baker Ltd 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Lee Cavaliere of VOMA (@vomaspace) Lee Cavaliere is a private art dealer and curator, based in London. Following a number of years working with the Tate’s Collection displays, he moved on to the commercial sector, delivering contemporary exhibitions programmes at Max Wigram Gallery and the Fine Art Society on Bond Street, London. He has presented artists at dozens of art fairs and international exhibitions. Lee is the founder of The Sixteen Trust – https://www.thesixteen.org and Director of the world’s first entirely online art museum VOMA. VoMA is a unique opportunity to hear the stories and histories of artists from across the world. Without the limitations of a physical location, access to a museum is possible to anyone with an internet connection. The museum becomes a truly communal experience where the voices of the visitors can be added to the conversation. It affords us the opportunity to collaborate in new and innovative ways through a program of exhibitions, talks, screenings and events. The building itself can shift and adapt to house these new stories and perspectives. *Thanks to Tani Burns at TBurnsArts For more information on VOMA go to www.voma.space 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Anneka Rice (@annekariceart) Anneka Rice is a house-hold name as a TV presenter, broadcaster, journalist, a stand-up comedian, and since the mid-90's has been an avid painter. Anneka studied at The Chelsea Collage of Art, has been attending Maggi Hambling's Master classes for several years, has taken part in Sky Arts Celebrity Portrait Artist 2019 and featured on Grayson Perry's Art Club. For more information on the work of Anneka Rice go to www.https://www.annekariceart.com 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Art Historian Michael Peppiatt (@drmichaelpeppiatt) Michael Peppiatt has become internationally respected as an expert in 20th Century art since first joining the Observer newspaper in 1964 as Junior Art Critic. He was friends with and biographer to Francis Bacon, writing extensively about many areas of his life and practice. Recently Michael has curated an exhibition at Ben Brown Fine Arts in London, featuring the work of Frank Auerbach & Tony Bevan; titled What is a Head? Michael’s major exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts; Francis Bacon: Man and Beast was postponed due to Covid restrictions and is due to open in January 2022. For more information on Michael Peppiatt go to www. michaelpeppiatt.com *Thank you to KTW London for making this podcast possible 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Katy Wix (@really_katywix) As well as being an award winning comedian and actress, Katy has also created visual art since a small child, being accepted into the Royal Academy’s 2018 on her first application. As contestant in series 9 of TV’s Taskmaster, she stomped home winning every creative round. Katy is best known for her television roles as Daisy in Not Going Out, Carole in Stath Lets Flats, Mary in Ghosts and Sarah Ferguson in The Windsors. On April 15th 2021, Katy is releasing her memoir, Delicacy. 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Chelsea Lee Winterbottom (@ChelseaLeeWinterbottom) Chelsea Lee Winterbottom is an abstract painter selling in the commercial art world, very often [pre-march 2020] participating in art fairs, interacting face-to-face with the public, a daunting task that can test the confidence of anyone. Chelsea oozes fun and personality, and is confident in her art and practice, all of which is prevalent in this conversation. However, her confidence turns to insecurity when relaying the huge amount of emotion, she applies to her canvas’. Imposter syndrome, seeking our identity or just finding one’s place in the art world is a journey most artists take, although [as in life] some have a less comfortable journey than others… None of which is of any use to someone enduring that discomfort. Chelsea Lee often creates emotional abstract self-portraits, allowing herself the freedom of expression on a physical level when painting with her hands. Although there is much structure to her creations and how they are executed, Chelsea allows herself to play when painting and ignore previous connotations of right and wrong within art. Each work is an emotional abstract self-portrait, however she will not disclose exactly what the emotions are for individual pieces as this could sway the viewers feelings of the art. For more information on the work of Chelsea Lee Winterbottom go to www.ChelseaLeeWinterbottom.com 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Will Claridge (@willclaridge.art) With his Art is for Everyone approach, Will Claridge combines photographs of the everyday with spontaneous action painting, to create the starting point for the viewer to start a visual journey. This very inclusive mind-set could have been a factor in him landing the position as Manager at Roys Art Fair. “Painting, Installation, Photography/video and Performance are a few of the disciplines and mediums in which Claridge works freely in interpretation and experimentation. His biggest inspiration is travel and the poetics of everyday life. Claridge’s primary ambition is to create art that evokes a perceptive change in the way people view art; seeking to change their mind on a piece of work. He aims to create an insight into ‘the everyday’ by presenting a blurring between reality and obscurity of mundane events, to capture moments of raw life as they occur and alter its narrative.” For more information on the work of Will Claridge go to www.williamjamesclaridge.com 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This MoA bonus episode focuses on Kensington & Chelsea Art Week (@kcawlondon) The Ministry of Arts speaks to Director and Founder of the Kensington & Chelsea Art Week Vestalia Chilton, whose vast experience in the art world has made this celebration of local Arts & Culture a London event not to be missed; from its world renowned Museums to one of its many creative residents. The borough of Kensington and Chelsea has an artistic heritage that encompasses some of the best and brightest creative names. From South Kensington’s Museum Quarter to the bustle of King’s Road; from the urban bohemia of Notting Hill to the modern elegance of the Design Museum, a journey through Kensington and Chelsea is a journey through history. We are delighted to be drawing on this cultural legacy with Kensington + Chelsea Art Week. KCAW celebrates the rich heritage of the borough by opening doors to local creative spaces along with leading organisations in the area to facilitate further public engagement in the local culture. For more information on the Kensington and Chelsea Art Week go to https://www.kcaw.co.uk (Special thanks to Lisa Baker Ltd) If you would like to promote your work, exhibition or any other creative project, please contact us at: Website: https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Kate Murdoch (@Katemurdochartist) Kate Murdoch lives and works in London. Her work centres around a lifelong passion for collecting. She was awarded the Shape Open prize in 2016, and her award winning work, selected by Yinka Shonibare, is in the Shape Arts permanent collection. Kate Murdoch's work is inspired by her personal experience. Her artistic practice revolves around assemblage and installation with found objects, mostly from the everyday and dating from the last century. Murdoch is interested in objects as clear indicators of the passage of time. Wider themes of loss and remembrance run through her work, reflecting a fascination with the permanence of objects versus the fragility of human existence. The theme of value and worth is central to Murdoch's work and the objects presented open up opportunities for personal and political discussion around class, gender and privilege. For more information on the work of Kate Murdoch go to www.katemurdochartist.com 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.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Jenny Eclair (@jennyeclair1960) As well as being a house-hold name as a comedian and writer, Jenny Éclair is an avid painter. Her love of painting led to her hosting a daily art show called Draws Off, which also has Diana Ali (@diana_artist_curator) as artist’s mentor. Jenny Eclair, has been a stand-up comic for donkeys’ years, she was the first woman to win the coveted Perrier Award at the Edinburgh festival in 1995 and hasn’t stopped banging on about it ever since. Since then she has also found fame as the author of five critically acclaimed novels. Her latest Sunday Times bestselling book Older and Wider – A Survivor’s Guide to the Menopause, is Jenny’s hilarious, irreverent and refreshingly honest compendium of the menopause. For more information on the work of Jenny Eclair go to www.jennyeclair.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Gary Mansfield revisits Episode 01 Duggie Fields (@duggiefields) who passed away on Sunday 7th March after a short illness. Duggie was the first of many artists to correspond with Gary Mansfield, when he first discovered art and was fundamental in Gary’s life as an artist. Duggie referred to himself as a Maximalist and described by Martin Green as “The missing Pop Art link between Patrick Caulfield and Julian Opie” Duggie would often appear in fashion magazines and across Social Media with friends such as Andrew Logan, Zandra Rhodes and Pam Hogg. In 2012 he was given his first solo show in 20 years, by DuoVision Arts, his work later gained a wider international audience thanks to the support of Toby Webster and The Modern Institute, where his famous Earls Court apartment and artwork superbly was recreated. For more information on the work of Koestler Arts go to www.koestlerarts.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Skip Gallery (@skipgallery) SKIP Gallery is an ongoing collaborative artwork, created by artistic duo Baker & Borowski. Their idea is to offer opportunities for artistic interventions in unexpected places, utilising a specially modified skip. Skips are part of our everyday lives, providing the means with which we voraciously dismantle and renew our urban environment. They are so prevalent that we barely notice them. They represent that which we want to jettison, to forget, and so there is a profound irony in the creation of artistic works, housed in a skip. Creatives are asked to produce site-specific pieces. The space acts as a disruptive environment to inspire discourse. It is a new type of mobile art space, presenting an alternative to the conventional routes to art, for both artists and viewers. The intention is for SKIP Gallery to develop and grow as a democratic platform for all the arts, and the modular nature of the skip means that projects are not confined by the usual limitations of a conventional creative platform. For more information on the work of Koestler Arts go to www.skipgallery.com/ For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Abi Joy Samuel (@AbiJoySamuelArt) Abi Joy Samuel is an emerging full-time artist. She is a part of an art collective based in East London with artist's Henrik Uldalen and Tiffany Cole. Her practice evolves around large scale oil-painted portraits focusing on her gender and sexuality. Having taken her Art And Design foundation at the prestigious Central Saint Martins and later obtaining a degree in Fashion Design at the University of Westminster, Abi has a wealth of artistic training and experience that merges fine art with fashion to explore human experience. Abi has worked for some very influential fashion brands including McQ Alexander McQueen (London), Manish Arora (New Delhi) and Aganovich (Paris). For more information on the work of Abi Joy Samuel go to www.abijoysamuelart.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Author Darren Garwood (@jacksonsuperhero1) Darren Garwood is a children’s storybook author that created a Superhero character named after his Son Jackson. Jackson Superhero might not be a real name, but it is a story about a real boy, and as the name suggests, Jackson is far from ordinary. By day, a rare disease limits his ability to move freely, but at night he is far from grounded. When the sleeping hours come around, and weightlessness takes over, Jackson takes to the skies. He knows what it means to need the support of others, which is why when he hears a call for help, he is quickly there to lend a hand. For more information on the work of Darren Garwood go to www.jacksonsuperhero.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to David Henty (@davidhenty_art) “He has painted more Lowery’s that Lowery” David’s history as an artist started, appropriately enough, with a short stint in HM Prison for forgery in the mid-1990s. It was while serving the sentence that David was inspired to start painting after being seduced by the stories of the artists he’d study. Fascinated by their technical genius, he became more and more interested in attaining a level of expertise and being ‘connected’ to the very psyche of the artists. Before long he taught himself, through rigorous preparation and a wholly immersive research process, the art of copying and flawless reproduction. Wherever possible, even sourcing the same materials, pigments, brushes, canvases and boards staying true to the period. Today, David Henty is considered the best copyist artist in the world. His work is meticulously and lovingly recreated to the finest detail, having honed his craft over 25 years to now master the techniques and nuances of some of history’s most iconic artists, his work has fooled scientists and art critics alike, being practically indiscernible from originals of such artworks by Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, LS Lowry, Caravaggio, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Jean Michel Basquiat, Rene Magritte, John Singer Sargent and the list goes on. For more information on David and his work go to www.davidhentyart.co.uk For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Jo McLaughlin (@josarthistory) Jo McLaughlin is an art historian, curator, writer and arts for all champion. She writes and presents on all topics art historical and presents the Jo's Art History Podcast. Her approach to the subject is entertaining and engaging, with an aim of bringing art history to audiences in a time where funding to the arts is being continuously cut. Jo believes stimulating art historical content should be available to everyone and feels that presenting and writing in a fun and relaxed way will help break down the traditional elitism around the subject, which so many often find off putting. Jo is incredibly passionate about this topic and is determined to change the long-standing idea that in order to study or enjoy the arts, you need a top education and be cut from a certain cloth. Her bubbly and energetic personality gives her take on art history a truly unique and engaging spin. The Jo's Art History Podcast is available to listen to now on itunes, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen your podcasts! Art is for all! For more information on the work of Koestler Arts go to www.koestlerarts.org.uk For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Gary Mansfield (@MizogArt) Gary Mansfield topped his listeners poll for which artist to have guest for the 100th episode. Gary then thought it fun to interview himself, unaware of the editing feat that that would entail. For this strangest of strange episodes, Gary invited Gary along to his studio to have a [socially distanced] fun, honest and open chat about his amazing art journey as well as his day-to-day life. Buckle up!!! For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Amy Beager (@amybeager) Amy Beager lives and works from her studio in Chelmsford, UK. Beager was selected as a winner for the Delphain Gallery open call 2020 and started exhibiting her work in London last year. Her painting ‘The Blue Room’ was recently on display at Saatchi Gallery as part of the group exhibition ‘Antisocial Isolation’ curated by Delphian Gallery. Beager's work was recently acquired by Soho House and has been placed in multiple private collections throughout Europe, Australia, USA, Taiwan and Canada. For more information on the work of Amy Beager go to www.amybeager.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Taya De La Cruz (@handwrittenart) Taya De La Cruz is an artist that is relatively new to the artworld. She painstakingly creates decorative artworks using handwritten micro-text. “Taya is a half-Spanish, half-Indian Londoner who was raised in sleepy southern Spain and educated in Gibraltar. She trained as an actress, and found her way into visual art organically.” For more information on Taya De La Cruz and her work go to www.handwrittenart.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Dale Grimshaw (@dale_grimshaw) Dale Grimshaw was born in Lancashire, in the North of England. During a difficult childhood, his drawing and painting became extremely important to him. He developed his skills at college, firstly with an Art Foundation course at Blackburn College and later he studied fine art to degree level at Middlesex University in London. Dale has a successful gallery career. He has had five solo shows in Signal Gallery, London and numerous group shows including those Berlin, Paris, New York, Stockholm and Rome. His shows have been widely recognised in the press and online. Articles written about have been published in The independent newspaper, Juxtapoz magazine and Art Of England Magazine. More recently he has been devoting time to street murals and has been widely recognised as one of the most powerful and talented of street artists on that scene. Over the past five years he has been invited to festivals nationally and internationally as well as painting many iconic walls across London, where he lives. Dale’s work is boldly figurative and is inspired by his strongly held humanitarian beliefs. However, this political message is always achieved by an emphasis on powerful direct emotions and a deep empathy for his subjects. Dale continues to support the work of the Free West Papua campaign, which is opposed to the illegal occupation of West Papua by Indonesia. For more information on Dale Grimshaw and his work go to http://www.dalegrimshaw.com/ For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Koestler Arts (@elizahopewell) Often described as an unapologetic artist, Eliza Hopewell went from artistic business idea to successful artist in a matter of weeks. An article in Vogue Magazine, on her [Matisse inspired] loose style of drawing and painting portraits on regular dinner plates, would have people queuing to place a commission. Moving away from commissions, Eliza started to place more of her own identity into her work. Her paintings celebrated the female form, whilst mixing perfect quantities of humour and political stance, giving her work optimum mass appeal without diluting her message. Painting plates has now become a rarity, as Eliza is experimenting with textile and furniture design and leaving her options open for what the future holds. For more information on Eliza Hopewell and his work go to www.elizahopewell.uk For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Ben Moore (@benmoore_curator) Ben Moore is a British art curator, entrepreneur and artist. He is the founder and curator of Art Below, a contemporary art organisation that places art in public spaces and has had shows in England, Germany, Japan and the United States. He is also the founder and curator of Art Wars, an exhibition of designs based on the Imperial Stormtrooper helmets from Star Wars. Moore founded Art Below in 2006 to present contemporary art on space traditionally used for advertising in London Underground stations, debuting as an exhibition of 20 artists across 20 stations, staged by Moore and his younger brother, Simon Moore. The collective has since grown into an annual display showcasing established and emerging artists, and has collaborated with charities, universities, government and art organisations, with an aim to display progressive and provocative artwork For more information on Ben Moore and his work go to www.benmoore.org.uk For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep.94 Koestler Arts 2020 - Ministry of Arts Podcast This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Koestler Arts (@KoestlerArts) Koestler Arts is the UK’s best-known prison arts charity. They encourage people in the criminal justice system to change their lives by participating in the arts. They share those artworks with the public, so people can witness this diverse range of voices, stories and talent. Koestler Artsinspire participation in the arts in the criminal justice system through Awards and Feedback, Mentoring, Sales, Exhibitions and Events. They increase public awareness of the potential of people in the criminal justice system through Exhibitions and Events, Publications and contributing to research. Their small team is based just outside HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs in west London. They partner with organisations across the UK to develop ambitious, innovative programmes that maximise resources and expertise. For more information on Koestler Arts and his work go to www.koestlerarts.org.uk For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Margo McDaid (@margoinmargate) Margo McDaid, known on Social Media as Margo in Margate, has accumulated quite a following thanks to her simple, yet extremely inviting and friendly portraits. Ten years after giving herself the task of creating a painting a day. Margo’s work now sells faster than she can make it. Primarily through the Craft website Etsy, but since the Summer of 2019, they have been a huge success in Martgate’s Turner Contemporary. Margo’s vintage style portraits are based on no-one, but appear to be everyone & anyone and her use of colour emits a joyful sense of optimism. For more information on Margo McDaid and his work go to www.etsy.com/uk/shop/margomcdaidart *Cover Photo courtesy of Hester van Overbeek @ hestershandmadehome For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Abigail Fallis (@abigailfallisart) Abigail Fallis studied silver-smithing and metalwork at Camberwell College of Art. She now lives and works in Gloucestershire. Fallis has shown consistently across Britain, including solo shows at galleries including: Beaux Arts Cork Street, Trolley gallery, London and Pangolin London. In 2009 a public sculpture by Fallis was installed in Newcastle Upon Tyne’s Forth Square, entitled DNA DL90; a monumental 9-meter high structure made of supermarket shopping trolleys, which is now permanently on show at The Line-London. She was the first sculptor-in-residence at the Pangolin gallery in October 2008 - which culminated in a solo show of new works in paper and bronze, entitled Fallis in Wonderland. For more information on Abigail Fallis and his work go to www.afallis69.wixsite.com/abigail-fallis For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Halim Flowers (@halimflowers) Halim Flowers is an artist, writer and activist from Washington DC, that used his creativity to bring light into his dark situation. On March 21, 2019, after serving 22 years and 2 months behind bars, Halim was released back into society. Since his release, he has worked with Kim Kardashian for her documentary “The Justice Project”, performed spoken word with Kanye West at his famous ‘Sunday Service’, received the Halcyon Arts Lab and Echoing Green fellowships. Halim has spoken at several universities and conferences around the country about the impact of the arts and entrepreneurship to correct our criminal injustice system. Halim’s exhibition and series of talks in the UK, organised by The Bomb Factory in North London, was postponed at the last minute due to increased Covid restrictions, but will be re-scheduled for early 2021. For more information on Halim Flowers and his work go to www.halim-flower.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep.90 Martin Green/DouVision - Ministry of Arts Podcast This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Martin Green (@martin_green_sound) As a DJ during the early 90's, Martin Green founded the club SMASHING, which was epicentre of the Britpop scene. He became features editor of Beige magazine, interviewing various cult figures, artists and actors. In addition, he reviews plays, shows and events for the publication In 2012, Martin teamed up with James Lawler and established DuoVision to curate exhibitions by undervalued artists, photographers and designers aiming to engage a wider audience. DuoVision also work extensively with the LGBT creative community. Music, performance and discussion are also integral to DuoVision, with exhibition soundtracks produced by Marc Almond and Jarvis Cocker. For more information on Martin Green and his work go to https://www.martingreensound.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Ben Tallon (@bentallon) Ben Tallon is an illustrator, hand painted lettering specialist, author and host of Arrest All Mimics podcast. He has developed a unique, organic, energetic brand of image making with many clients including Channel 4, The Guardian, World Wrestling Entertainment, Penguin Books, The Premier League and Unicef among many others. The style is highly diverse and works across many disciplines, for print, digital, animated, live, set design and large scale media. Ben's passion for the creative industry and forward thinking led to having his debut book, Champagne and Wax Crayons. In October 2020, Ben Tallon released YA MUM, a rancid collection of short stories, moments and embarrassments from Britain’s cultural underbelly. He invites you to take a naughty peek through the two-way mirror, onto all things dubious and dirty at the arse-end of British life. For more information on YA MUM go to www.bentallonwriter.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to one of the world’s most innovative sculptors; Richard Wilson. Richard Wilson is one of Britain’s most renowned sculptors. He is internationally celebrated for his interventions in architectural space which draw heavily for their inspiration from the worlds of engineering and construction. Wilson has exhibited widely nationally and internationally for over thirty years and has made major museum exhibitions and public works in countries as diverse as Japan, USA, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Australia and numerous countries throughout Europe. Wilson has also represented Britain in the Sydney, Sao Paulo, Venice and Aperto Biennial and the Yokohama Triennal, was nominated for the Turner Prize on two occasions and was awarded the prestigious DAAD residency in Berlin 1992/3. He was one of a select number of artists invited to create a major public work for The Millennium Dome and the only British artist invited to participate in Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial 2000, Japan. Wilson was in 2004 appointed Visiting Research Professor at the University of East London, in 2006 he was elected as a member of the Royal Academy and in 2008 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the University of Middlesex. For more information on Richard Wilson and his work go to www.richardwilsonsculptor.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Mikey Georgeson (@bloodandbrambles). Mikey Georgeson has been a musician/songwriter and visual artist for as long as he can remember. Performing as Mr Solo, then later lead singer of David Devant and His Spirit Wife, Mikey enjoyed closely interacting with the audience, something he often brings to his visual work. Mikey Georgeson is a multi-disciplined artist that uses painting, drawing, video, installation or performance in his practice. Five years after beginning a doctorate, in 2019 Mikey was awarded a doctorate at the University of East London. For more information on Mikey Georgeson and his work go to www.mikeygeorgeson.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Nathan, the Father of Background Bob (@background_bob) Background Bob is a severely disabled young lad, that just so happened to make hundreds of new friends during lock-down, by collaborating with some of the biggest names on the Street Art scene. Before long he had artists from all over the World contacting him asking him to join in. He hand-painted 250 cardboard backgrounds to be transformed into new collaborative artworks by his new friends. Background Bob, his family and friends have now created a book titled Background Bob & His Amazing Friends containing images of each collaboration and are selling them with all proceeds going to the local Hospital that has always cared for him. For your own copy of Background Bob & His Amazing Friends go to his Instagram page @background_bob or visit www. colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/backgroundbob For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Sarah Maple (@sarahmapleart) Sarah Maple is a multi-disciplined artist that takes a very British approach to confront very British attitudes. Being of mixed race (Mother is Kenyan and Father British) and having been brought up a Muslim, Sarah has witnessed bigotry and discrimination from various directions, be it racial, cultural, sexual, etc. Since winning the New Sensations award in 2007, straight out of University, she has developed an ingenious tool to highlight and confront the aforementioned bigotry and discrimination; Sarah applies the perfect amount of satirical humour into her work, that the viewer is forced, before they realise it, to take a definite political or cultural stance. If you are not laughing with her, you are laughing at yourself, from the other side of the fence. In 2015 Sarah won a Sky Arts Scholarship to produce a new body of work and in 2020 [mid-pandemic], teamed up with Sky Arts to break new ground and produce six 10-minute Sitcom episodes, which, in real time, cumulate to a solo show named Sarah Maple’s Nazi Sexy Shark Show at the Jealous East Gallery, curated by Kate Bryan. For more information on Sarah Maple and his work go to www.sarahmaple.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Gerald O’Dowd. Gerald is a multi-disciplined artist; whose work predominantly focuses on mental health. He had quite a hectic life growing up in Woolwich, SE London, as part of a fairly large Irish family, 4 brothers and a sister. His family would later be pushed into the limelight in the early 80’s, when his brother George formed the iconic group Culture Club. Gerald had been experiencing mental health issues for some time, which culminated in him being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and being held in a secure Hospital for several years. The classes he took as art therapy, lead him into a BA and later an MA in Fine Art. For more information on Gerald O’Dowd and his work go to www.geraldodowd.co.uk For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Lyle Owerko (@lyleowerko) Lyle Owerko is a Canadian Photographer that has lived in several countries, he currently resides in LA. On September 11th 2001, Lyle became responsible for capturing one of the most dramatic photographs since the invention of the camera. Having not yet unpacked from a recent flight, Lyle grabbed his camera bag as the explosion of the first plane hitting Tower #1 was heard. With panic and debris filling the Manhattan air, Lyle, like everyone else, thought it was a devastating accident, until the second plane was seen banking around in the direction of Tower #2. Time Magazine showed Lyle’s photograph of a fire-ball exiting all four sides of Tower #2 on its cover. As an image, it is aesthetically beautiful. However, the actions that created it, makes it one of the most powerful, harrowing, disturbing and thought provoking photographs we are ever likely to see. For more information on Lyle Owerko and his work go to www.lyleowerko.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Natasha Dove (@dvsy_artography). Natasha Dove has only taken the leap to show the world her work during lock-down. Producing photography within an urban environment is the first step of Natasha’s artwork. She spending hours in post-production to create a secondary artwork from each image, what Natasha calls her Artography. Being a bold, intriguing, almost abstract image, each piece of Artography entices and draws in the viewer. It is only upon closer inspection that one discovers the manipulation of the underlying urban image. For more information on Natasha Dove and her work go to www.dvsyart.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Matt Jukes (@mattjukes). Matt Jukes is an Australian print-maker that made London his home in 2004. Known for his mountainous, sounds caped mono-prints, Matt is in the process of adjusting his practice to create works on canvas. In this episode, Matt tells how music plays a vital role in both his mono-prints and his current work, the impacted of the closure of art fairs and how lock-down may have an ever-lasting effect on the relationship between the gallery and the artist. For more information on Matt Jukes and his work go to www.mattjukes.ink For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to David Iain Brown (@davidiainbrown). David Iain Brown grew up in a fishing village on the South West coast of Scotland, being the only one of his friends or family with an interest in art. He studied his BA in Printmaking and MA in Fine Art at Gray's School of Art - Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. After completing his MA, David moved to Glasgow where he has seen his practice rapidly evolve. His mixed media paintings are created with echoes of his printmaking past. His mundane, everyday objects are often held in place by dense layers of colour, shape and pattern, with a sense of Matisse being felt by the viewer. For more information on David’s work, go to www.davidiainbrown.com For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Ryan Callanan (@RYCA _Artist). Ryan Callanan is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work pays a humorous homage to his love of Hip-Hop, the rave scene and the Star Wars franchise, he often combines these influences with other religious and cultural figures to create a remix of nostalgic iconography. Famous artworks will be will be directly repurposed in a print edition, seeming to have been rapidly ‘tagged’ with a dripping neon smiley face. The Mona Lisa, Warhol’s Marylyn and even the World Cup itself have been daubed with the RYCA-mouflage brush. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Daniel Baker. Being from the Gypsy/Roma community, Daniel's work embraces and takes ownership of 'outsiders' perceptions, stereotypes and even prejudice of that community. By reflecting and sharing its multi-layered and complex cultural history, Daniel's visual information bridges the gap between perception and reality of Roma life. Daniel has a PhD in Gypsy Visuality: Gell's Art Nexus and its potential for artists, from the Royal College of Art, London. In 2019 Daniel curated FUTUROMA at the 58th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. He acted as exhibitor and adviser to the first and second Roma Pavilions; “Paradise Lost” and “Call the Witness” at the 52nd and 54th Venice Biennales respectively. www.danielbaber.net For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Jacqueline de Montaigne (@jdmontaigne) Jacqueline is a figurative/mural artist that lives just outside Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. As you will discover, as well as being an amazing artist, Jacqueline is something of a polymath, having extensive knowledge in several areas. Something she attributes to have always had an inquisitive mind that she cannot seem to rest. Most of the work Jacqueline creates has socio-political undertones, some more visible than others. This podcast was recorded using the built-in software of the conferencing app Zoom, which is reflected in the audio quality. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Tiffany Cole (@tiffanycoleart) Within just four years, Tiffany Cole has become well known from both sides of the easel. She is a figurative artist, predominantly using the female form in monochromatic tones using pencil and pastel, although she has recently started to introduce paint for texture and colour. During lock-down Tiffany has kept her fellow figurative artists supplied with a muse, by modelling for them over the internet conferencing app Zoom. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Alison Lapper MBE (@alison_lapper_mbe) Born with no arms and shortened legs, Alison Lapper spent most of her childhood trying to piece together her own identity. Her extraordinary background and passion for creativity has given us one of the county’s most inspirational artists. Alison’s reputation was bolstered when Marc Quinn created his modern day ‘Venus de Milo’ for Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth, a white marble sculpture of the 8 months pregnant Alison titled, ‘Alison Lapper Pregnant’. That sculpture also went on to be shown at the Venice Biennale with an inflatable version used for the opening of the 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony. Alison was awarded an MBE in 2003 and later, an honorary doctorate from the University of Brighton. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Roy’s People (@royspeople) Roy’s People is the brainchild of Roy Tyson, an entrepreneurial artist that started to generate nan income from his work within just a few months. He went on to create Roy’s Art Fair and Roy’s Art Gallery. Using miniature figures, Roy has the ability to react to cultural events and create an artwork and have it for sale in a matter of hours. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Oliver Malin (@malinoliver) Oliver Malin has moved away from figurative painting, for which was making a quite a name for himself, to making [near] daily cultural documentations in the form of his Bath Chronicles. Describing himself as a domestic war correspondent, Oliver reacts to the articles on Apple news during his daily bath, sometimes with music or on-screen filters. Each Sunday Oliver, accompanied by MC Llamas joins @artlyst founder, Paul Carter Robinson to discuss the week’s arts & culture topics. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Frikkx (@frikkx_art) Frikkx is a man of many talents; a producer of music, art and even beer. He has lived in various countries, for long periods of time and has adopted parts of their culture and customs, which has definitely remoulded his identity. Having been in the UK for 15 years, he has shown at art fairs for several, along with friend Matt Jukes, they created the V-Art.Show., a virtual art fair using the conferencing app ZOOM. Their next show is 4th June, 6-9pm (London time) – goto www.v-art.show for details For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Gary Mansfield speaks to Prachi Gothi (@prachigothi) Prachi completed her BA in Mumbai then moved to London to study at Chelsea for her Masters. She is an abstract artist that most definitely brought with her, the vibrancy of Mumbai, her paintings are often a ball of shapes and textures that explode with colour before you. Prachi is part of the V-Art.Show, an art fair that takes place on June 4th, 6-9pm (London time) via the video meeting App Zoom. To find out more go to www.v-art.show and discover all 16 artists taking part. This podcast was recorded via the video meeting app, ZOOM; during social distancing, using the built-in software. For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www. ministryofarts.org Email: [email protected] Social Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.