Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages

The Buddhist monks of Tibet who are known for their tradition of sand mandalas destroy the work after completing it. The word mandala comes from Sanskrit meaning “circle” but a mandala is not your average two-dimensional shape consisting of an outer boundary called the circumference made up of points all equidistant from a fixed center point. A mandala representation of the universe. While many people talk about Mandalas in reference to radial symmetry, mandala designs have spiritual significance beyond mere repetition. The act of creating a sand mandala is meditative. It requires monks to focus, to be calm, still and deliberate in their actions. And then, after completing the construction, they move on to a ritual deconstructing the piece. Even the deconstruction is a part of the artistic process with spiritual significance. Destroying the sand art is a reminder of the transitory nature of the universe. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hans Holbein the Younger painted The Ambassadors in 1533. It is a massive, life sized double portrait filled with symbolism that gives us insights into the political and religious upheaval of the day. Still today, it is probably best known for the anamorphic skull cutting across the floor in the composition. In the Ambassadors, Holbein presents the symbol of mortality as a specter that looms ever present though sometimes difficult to make sense of. It can feel like an odd intrusion disrupting a picture carefully and beautifully constructed but if we shift our view a little we can see that nothing lasts forever. Life and the world are constantly changing but there can be a beauty in that too if we can bring ourselves to look at it from the right perspective. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest for this episode is Karli Wurzelbacher, curator for The Heckscher Museum of Art. She shared her insights into Emma Stebbins, a great neoclassical sculptor from the 19th century. Around the age of 40, Stebbins left America for Europe, where she studied the classic works found around Italy and rose to prominence as a sculptor. Her work was highly prized during her lifetime, but sadly, after she passed away, her work and neoclassical art more broadly fell out of favor. She was long overlooked by history despite high-profile work, including the Bethesda Fountain in New York's Central Park. The Hecksher Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition, Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History. The show is open now through March 26, 2026. For more information, head over to the Heckscher Musuem of Art's website. If you cannot make it out to see the exhibition in person, you can purchase the book https://www.heckscher.org/stebbinscatalog/ Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Degas is famous for his beautiful depictions of ballet dancers, but he was also giving a glimpse into the tough reality those dancers experienced. Edgar Degas, born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas in 1834, grew up in a wealthy Parisian family with strong ties to the arts. In 1855, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts, where he trained under Louis Lamothe, a follower of the neoclassical artist Ingres. During this period, Degas focused on traditional subjects, such as historical scenes and portraits and he was fairly successful at it. Degas would be one of the few Impressionists accepted by the Paris Salon although not for the ballet dancers and the style of work we associate with him today. Degas was deeply interested in depicting movement and the human figure in action. Ballet dancers, with their graceful poses and dynamic movements, provided him with a perfect subject to explore these artistic challenges. These works provided Degas with opportunities to experiment with perspective, composition, and lighting. He used unusual angles and cropping to create dynamic and unexpected compositions, often emphasizing the patterns of light and shadow on the dancers' bodies and costumes. Ultimately, I think these works have stood the test of time because we can look at them through different lenses and still find something to appreciate. Whether social commentary, a peek behind the curtain and glimpse into another person’s lived experiences or simply an aesthetic experience reveling in the lights, the colors, the texture and flow of the costumes and the graceful movements of the dancers, there is something beautiful in the work. Related episodes: ⁠Claude Monet⁠ ⁠Pierre-Auguste Renoir Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I have part two of my interview with Laurie Roberts. Last week, she shared insights into Larry Roberts, her late husband. He made beautiful abstract paintings known for their rich colors. Laurie has given his paintings some new life as she translates some of those paintings into textiles. It was amazing to learn about her design process and how she and her team translate these complex designs with layered colors and organic shapes into rugs, pillows and wall coverings. You can find Laurie's work at LarryRobertsChicago.com Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giovanni Battista Lombardi (1822-1877) was a prominent Italian sculptor of the 19th century, originally from Rezzato, near Brescia. After moving to Rome, he studied under the leading neoclassical sculptor Pietro Tenerani, which grounded his style in classical ideals of beauty and harmony. Lombardi's work is celebrated for its blend of the cool perfection of Neoclassicism with the growing trend toward the emotional depth of Realism. He became highly sought after for two specialties: moving funerary monuments and idealized female figures. A significant portion of his career was dedicated to creating sculptures for the Campo Santo Vantiniano, a monumental cemetery in Brescia, where his work was praised for its quiet, human emotion. Internationally, Lombardi is best known for his masterful sculptures of veiled women. This subject was a popular test of a sculptor's skill in the 19th century, requiring them to create a trompe-l'œil (deceive the eye) illusion of transparent fabric from a single block of hard marble. This technical brilliance was not just an artistic feat; during the Risorgimento (the unification of Italy), such works were a powerful symbol of renewed Italian cultural pride and artistic genius. Lombardi created several variations of the veiled woman, each unique in its expression and composition. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Roberts was a Chicago-based artist best known for his abstract paintings with rich colors and textures. I was able to interview Laurie Roberts, his wife, about how he created his work and how she is carrying on his legacy. This will be a two part interview. This week I have Laurie sharing about Larry's life and his work. In next week's episode, Laurie will share her experience in the design field and how she is translating Larry's work into different media. Check out larryrobertschicago.com to see Larry's work and Laurie's designs based on his paintings. Related episodes: Leonardo da Vinci | The Mona Lisa Salvador Dali | The Persistence of Memory Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridget Riley, born in London in 1931, is a prominent figure in the Op Art movement. Early life experiences, including wartime evacuation to Cornwall and exposure to nature's patterns, influenced her artistic sensibilities. Her style evolved with influences from Seurat, Pollock, and Balla. Riley's breakthrough came in the 1960s with black and white geometric paintings like "Fall" and "Current," which created illusions of movement and depth. Her work gained international recognition through exhibitions like "The Responsive Eye" at MoMA. Riley's exploration of color and form continues to challenge viewers' perceptions and solidify her place in art history. A key work, "Movement in Squares" (1961), exemplifies her innovative use of simple elements to produce dynamic optical effects, marking a pivotal moment in Op Art and influencing various fields beyond fine art. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler Loftis is a contemporary artist based out of New York. Loftis developed a practice rooted that respects traditional practices like drawing and painting from observation, but also celebrating and embracing art as a dialogue with the audience's perceptions having equal weight to the artist's intention. Believing that "artists are course correctors," he is committed to democratizing the art world by removing elitism and fostering human connection. This mission has driven him to found institutions like The Fire Barn Gallery and the platform AllArtWorks, as well as philanthropic initiatives like Portraits for Purpose, all aimed at supporting artists and creating greater access to fine art outside of traditional systems. Find Tyler Loftis online: Official Website All Art Works Foundation Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Koons, born in 1955, displayed an early interest in art. As a teenager, he called Salvador Dali's hotel and arranged to meet the artist. He was inspired by Dali and went on to study art in college. Koons supported himself with various jobs, including working at the ⁠Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago⁠, working the information desk at ⁠MoMA⁠ and as a commodities broker in New York. He gained recognition in the 1980s with his "The New" and "Equilibrium" series, and achieved international fame with his "Banality" series, which challenged notions of art and taste. Koons's work often explores themes of consumer culture, mass production, and the relationship between art and commerce. He is known for his meticulous approach, often employing skilled artisans to create his sculptures. Koons's "Pink Panther" (1988) exemplifies his exploration of popular culture and kitsch, challenging traditional notions of art and value. Related episodes: ⁠Salvador Dali | The Persistence of Memory⁠ ⁠Andy Warhol⁠ ⁠Roy Lichtenstein | Look Mickey⁠ ⁠AP Art History Cram Session⁠ playlist on Spotify Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Le Corbusier (born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) was a pioneer of modern architecture whose ideas reshaped our urban landscapes. A Swiss-born, French-naturalized architect, designer, and urban planner, Le Corbusier championed a new vision for living in the 20th century. His philosophy centered on the idea of a house as a "machine for living in." He envisioned a space defined by function, efficiency, and a stark, geometric beauty stripped of ornamentation. Using modern materials like reinforced concrete, he developed his seminal "Five Points of Architecture," which included lifting buildings on pilotis (columns), open floor plans, non-load-bearing facades, horizontal ribbon windows, and rooftop gardens. These principles found their ultimate expression in iconic buildings like the Villa Savoye. Beyond individual structures, Le Corbusier conceived of grand, often controversial, urban renewal projects, most famously the "Plan Voisin," which proposed demolishing the historic center of Paris to build a "Radiant City" of skyscrapers in parkland. While many of his city plans never materialized beyond paper drafts, his influence was global. 17 of his projects across seven countries are now designated as a collective UNESCO World Heritage site. From co-founding the Purism art movement to writing the influential book Toward an Architecture, Corbu's whose work provoked debate and defined the principles of modernism. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medieval European architecture is defined by two major successive styles: Romanesque and Gothic. Romanesque architecture (c. 1000–1200 CE) is characterized by massive, thick walls, rounded arches, and a heavy, fortress-like appearance. In the 12th century, Gothic architecture introduced innovations like the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress. These engineering advancements functioned as an external skeleton, distributing the weight of the roof. This allowed for significantly taller structures with thinner walls that could be opened up for enormous stained-glass windows. Other key facts from the period include the design of medieval castles, which were military fortresses built for defense over comfort. Gargoyles on cathedrals were not merely decorative but were functional water spouts that protected the building's masonry from water erosion. The vibrant stained-glass windows served a practical purpose as well, acting as giant picture books to teach biblical stories to a largely illiterate population. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is a primary example of Gothic architecture; its construction began in 1163, took nearly 200 years to complete, and it was one of the first buildings to utilize flying buttresses. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the life and work of Tarsila do Amaral, a foundational artist of Brazilian modernism and one of the most celebrated figures in Latin American art history. Born in 1886, Tarsila brought the avant-garde lessons of European Cubism back to her native Brazil, fusing them with local colors and themes to forge a completely new artistic identity for her country. This overview delves into her pivotal role in the Grupo dos Cinco (Group of Five) and the development of the Antropofagia (Cultural Cannibalism) movement, which proposed symbolically "devouring" foreign influences to create a uniquely Brazilian culture. Discover the story behind her iconic 1928 masterpiece, Abaporu, a painting that began as a private birthday gift for her husband and ended up launching a cultural revolution. The summary also highlights Tarsila's signature "caipira" color palette, inspired by the rustic landscapes of Brazil, her status as a fashion icon in 1920s Paris, and her out-of-this-world legacy as the namesake for a crater on the planet Mercury. Tarsila do Amaral's work represents a powerful declaration of cultural independence and remains a vibrant touchstone for artists today. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Illuminated manuscripts are the stunning, handcrafted books of the medieval world, created through a meticulous process in monastery workshops known as scriptoria. Scribes would copy text onto processed animal skin, or vellum, while artists known as illuminators added intricate illustrations and shimmering gold leaf. The term 'illuminated' comes from this dazzling use of gold and silver, which made the pages glitter like sacred objects. While gold provided the glimmer, the most precious material was often the brilliant blue pigment ultramarine, ground from lapis lazuli imported from Afghanistan. In addition to the sacred text, the margins of these books often contained whimsical and bizarre doodles, known as marginalia, featuring everything from knights battling snails to musical monkeys. A pinnacle of this art form is the Book of Kells, a masterpiece of Insular art created by Celtic monks around 800 CE. It is celebrated for its dense, complex Celtic knotwork and vibrant illustrations, most famously on its renowned Chi-Rho page (Folio 34r), a dizzying and meditative work of art that transforms the name of Christ into a sacred image filled with hidden figures and profound symbolism. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am putting a special bonus episode in the feed this week to share a new podcast from Getty. If Objects Could Talk is a great family friendly podcast that gives voice to art and artifacts so listeners can explore history in a whole new way. What dangers await Athena’s brave and loyal owl at the Greek marketplace? This Athenian coin shares his take on how money was made and used in ancient Greek city states—and how different states had different rules around the agora, or marketplace, that could sometimes get you into trouble! Find If Objects Could Talk on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1833978909?view=apps&sort=popularity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My TLDR episodes are meant to be short and to the point with a few key facts to know about the artist and a look at one of their major works. This episode explores the life and work of Ibrahim El-Salahi, a pivotal figure in Sudanese and African modernism. Born in 1930 in Omdurman, Sudan, El-salahi's artistic journey began with the study of calligraphy under his father. After formal art training in Khartoum and at London's Slade School of Fine Art, he developed a unique visual language that blended Western modernist styles like Cubism and Surrealism with his Islamic and African heritage. This innovative approach, which often incorporated calligraphic forms and earthy tones inspired by the Sudanese landscape, was central to the modernist art movement known as the Khartoum School. His wrongful imprisonment in 1975 profoundly influenced his work, leading to the creation of his "Prison Notebook." His significant contributions to the art world are highlighted by his 2013 retrospective at the Tate Modern, the first for an African artist, and the acquisition of his monumental work, "The Genealogies of Trees," by New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The Inevitable is a large-scale black and white work, created during a period of personal grief and political turmoil in Sudan. The piece showcases his signature style, combining the fractured forms of Cubism, the dreamlike qualities of Surrealism, and the expressive lines of Arabic calligraphy to create a dense, chaotic, and emotionally charged composition. The Inevitable stands as a testament to El-salahi's ability to transform personal and national trauma into a universal statement on the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Related Episode: Max Beckmann | Night Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My TLDR episodes give a short and sweet overview with a few interesting facts about a great artist. Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986) stands as a foundational figure of American modernism, celebrated for her revolutionary contributions to art. Rising from a Wisconsin dairy farm to the forefront of the New York art world, her unique vision was shaped by the vast landscapes of Texas and, most famously, the American Southwest. O'Keeffe's relationship with photographer and gallerist Alfred Stieglitz, whom she later married, was pivotal in launching her career after he exhibited her abstract charcoal drawings in 1916. While she is renowned for her large-scale, sensual flower paintings, her body of work is vast, capturing the stark beauty of New Mexico's architecture, rolling hills, and sun-bleached desert bones. Discover the fascinating stories behind the artist, from her clever use of a Model A Ford as a mobile studio to paint in the remote desert to her distinct, self-made wardrobe that mirrored the clean, modern lines of her artwork. Learn about the time she was commissioned by the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now Dole) in 1939 and returned with twenty paintings of the islands' lush scenery—but famously forgot the pineapple. Even after macular degeneration robbed her of her sight in the 1970s, O'Keeffe’s creative spirit endured as she turned to sculpture. Her monumental late-career masterpiece, Sky Above Clouds IV (1965), an enormous 24-foot-wide canvas inspired by her views from an airplane, showcases an artist who never stopped expanding her vision and finding the sublime in the world around her. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As it is back to school season, I thought I would try making a series of episodes that are short and to the point to give students and anyone else interested a quick overview of the artist. Each of my TLDR episodes will give a very brief overview of the artist, 5 interesting things to know about them and a little insight into one of their major works. Claude Monet was a central figure in the Impressionist movement. His childhood in the coastal town of Le Havre shaped his lifelong fascination with light and water, leading him and his contemporaries to leave the studio and paint en plein air. This new approach, focused on capturing the fleeting sensory experience of a moment rather than a detailed representation, was initially mocked. The movement itself earned its name from a critic's dismissive review of Monet's painting, Impression, Sunrise. Delve deeper into the obsessive genius of the artist, from his custom-built floating studio on the Seine River to the world-famous garden he cultivated at his home in Giverny. This garden, and particularly its water lily pond, became the sole subject of his work for the last three decades of his life, resulting in approximately 250 oil paintings. Discover fascinating details about Monet's life, including his passion for gourmet food, his perfectionism that led him to destroy hundreds of his own canvases, and the remarkable story of how cataract surgery in his later years allowed him to perceive ultraviolet light, profoundly changing the colors in his final masterpieces. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gerhard Richter, born in Dresden, Germany, in 1932, is a towering figure in contemporary art, whose life and work were forged by the tumultuous history of 20th-century Germany. Growing up under the Nazi regime and later living in Communist East Germany, Richter's early artistic education was in the state-sanctioned style of socialist realism. In 1961, he escaped to West Germany, where his career began to flourish. Rejecting adherence to a single style, Richter has spent decades exploring the possibilities of painting. His vast and varied body of work includes blurred photorealistic paintings based on found and personal photographs, monumental abstract pieces created with a giant squeegee, somber historical paintings, and modern stained glass designs. Richter's artistic practice is marked by a systematic and conceptual approach. He meticulously numbers each of his works in a catalogue raisonné, emphasizing their place in an ongoing investigation of how images are made and understood. His iconic abstract paintings are often created by dragging a large squeegee across layers of wet paint, a technique that introduces an element of chance and removes the traditional artist's hand. Richter's work frequently delves into the complex nature of memory and history, using his own family photographs—including a haunting image of his "Uncle Rudi" in a Nazi uniform—as source material. This tension between the personal and the historical, the abstract and the figurative, is powerfully captured in major works like his enigmatic 1988 portrait of his daughter, "Betty," and his celebrated stained-glass window for the Cologne Cathedral. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since it is back to school season, I thought I would make a series of episodes optimized for classrooms to give students a quick overview and a few interesting facts about an artist. I am labeling these episodes with TLDR and each of them will follow the same format. First, I will give a very quick bit of biographical information. Second I'll list 5 interesting facts about the artist. Finally I'll talk about one of the artist's works. This week I covered Georges Braque and his painting Violin and Palette from 1909. Georges Braque co-founded the groundbreaking art movement of Cubism. Discover his beginnings in a family of house painters, where he learned decorative techniques like creating faux woodgrain that would later influence his fine art. The summary traces his artistic journey from early Fauvist-inspired works to the pivotal moment he met Picasso. This led to one of art history's most famous collaborations, an intense period where Braque and Picasso deconstructed traditional perspective to invent Analytic Cubism, working so closely they compared themselves to the Wright brothers. Learn how Braque's service in World War I and a severe head injury profoundly changed him, leading him to develop a more personal, contemplative style focused on still lifes for the remainder of his celebrated career. Delve into the specific innovations that cemented Braque's legacy, including his 1912 invention of papier collé (pasted paper), a technique that evolved into collage and forever changed the definition of art. We also uncover the surprising origin of the term "Cubism," born from a critic's dismissive remark about Braque's paintings being made of "little cubes." The discussion highlights a key masterpiece, Violin and Palette (1909), a prime example of Analytic Cubism. The painting breaks down its subjects into fragmented, geometric planes with a muted color palette, inviting viewers to analyze form and perception from multiple viewpoints at once, challenging the conventions of Western art and paving the way for abstraction. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pioneering 19th-century photographer Eadweard Muybridge is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in capturing movement, which laid the foundation for modern cinema. After immigrating to the United States and gaining fame for his stunning landscape photographs of the American West, his career took a decisive turn in 1872. Muybridge was commissioned by railroad tycoon and former California governor Leland Stanford to settle a popular debate and a significant wager of $25,000. Stanford had bet that all four of a horse's hooves leave the ground at once during a gallop. This question pushed the limits of early photographic technology and set Muybridge on a quest to freeze a moment invisible to the naked eye. After years of experimentation, interrupted by a dramatic murder trial, Muybridge devised an ingenious solution in 1878 at Stanford's Palo Alto farm. He arranged a series of cameras along a track, with their shutters triggered sequentially by threads broken by a galloping horse. The resulting sequence of images, famously known as The Horse in Motion, definitively proved that a horse is, for a brief moment, completely airborne. This experiment did more than settle a bet; it revolutionized the scientific study of locomotion. To display his findings, Muybridge later invented the zoopraxiscope, a device that projected the images in rapid succession to create the illusion of movement, directly paving the way for the development of cinematography. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is Mark Vernon, author of Awake! William Blake and the Power of Imagination. We discussed William Blake, the famous poet and visual artist known for his spiritually charged work. The piece we discussed was The Ancient of Days. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I wanted to share an episode of my other podcast, Fun Facts Daily, with some interesting information about clay and ceramics. You'll learn what makes things blow up in the kiln and how to avoid it. The episode also covers interesting facts from ancient uses of ceramics to modern applications in smartphones and even space shuttles. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest for this episode is Kathleen Langore, author of a new book about the artist, Amalia Kussner. She was a highly successful portrait artist who specialized in miniatures. Kussner drew her subjects in a realistic but soft and flattering style that left her patrons feel like she was giving them the best version of their likeness. Her miniature portraits were a big deal as she traveled to Europe painting for royalty. Pick up a copy of The Miniature Painter Revealed: Amalia Kussner’s Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune by Kathleen Langone on Amazon or wherever you get your books. Listen to Kathleen Langone's podcast, People Hidden in History Listen to my episode on another royal portrait artist, Elizabeth Vigée Le Brun Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the life and work of celebrated American artist Wayne Thiebaud, known for his vibrant and textured paintings of everyday objects. Born in 1920, Thiebaud's early experiences as a sign painter and an apprentice animator at Walt Disney Studios shaped his understanding of visual communication and iconic forms. Though often associated with the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, Thiebaud’s approach was distinct. While artists like Andy Warhol embraced mechanical reproduction, Thiebaud celebrated the painter's touch, using thick impasto, brilliant colors, and strong shadows to bring his subjects to life. His signature works feature commonplace items, particularly diner foods like pies, cakes, and gumballs, transforming them into objects of formal study and cultural nostalgia. Thiebaud's career gained national recognition following his inclusion in the landmark 1962 exhibition, "New Painting of Common Objects," at the Pasadena Art Museum. A deep dive into one of his early masterpieces, Pie a la Mode (1961), reveals the key elements of his style: the luscious, tactile quality of the paint, the signature halos of color outlining the object, and the ability to find artistic complexity in the simple pleasures of American life. Beyond his famous still lifes, Thiebaud also applied his unique vision to compelling landscapes of San Francisco and detailed figure paintings, solidifying his legacy as one of America's most beloved painters and a dedicated long-time professor at the University of California, Davis. Related episodes: Claes Oldenburg Roy Lichtenstein Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man Ray was a pioneer of cameraless photography. His signature technique was the "Rayograph" created by placing objects directly onto light-sensitive paper often manipulating them during exposure. Of course, that was not his only trick. Man Ray experimented with solarisation and in his piece Ingres's Violin, he painted on a photograph, then took another picture of the manipulated image. For this episode, my guests were Mark Small and Jack Shoulder, the writers of a new book Museum Bums: A Cheeky Loot at Butts in Art. They are also behind the wildly popular Museum Bums Instagram account. Show them some support: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/museumbums/?hl=en⁠ Book: ⁠https://a.co/d/fDvMMBb⁠ Calendar: ⁠https://a.co/d/gWl0QPG⁠ Cards: ⁠https://a.co/d/4fd1EaJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amrita Sher-Gil, born in 1913 to a Sikh aristocrat and a Hungarian-Jewish opera singer, was a trailblazing artist who blended European and Indian influences. After studying art in Paris and achieving early success at the Grand Salon, she returned to India in 1934. Though initially met with resistance due to her modern style, Sher-Gil's evocative portrayals of Indian life and her unique fusion of cultural traditions ultimately garnered critical acclaim. Her paintings, like the renowned "Bride's Toilet," showcased her bold colors, expressive figures, and insightful observations. Despite her untimely death in 1941, Sher-Gil's legacy as a pioneer of modern Indian art endures, inspiring generations of artists and solidifying her place as one of India's most celebrated creative figures. Related episodes: ⁠Paul Cezanne | Mont Sainte-Victoire⁠ ⁠Charuvi Agrawal | 26,000 Bells of Hanuman⁠ ⁠Shiva Nataraja | Shiva Lord of the Dance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the life and work of David Hockney, one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born in Yorkshire in 1937, Hockney's rebellious spirit and prodigious talent were evident from his early days at the Royal College of Art. His move to Los Angeles in 1964 marked a pivotal moment, as he swapped the grey skies of England for the bright, constant sunlight of California. This new environment inspired his most iconic motifs, including pristine swimming pools, modernist architecture, and a vibrant, flat style perfectly captured with new acrylic paints. Hockney became celebrated for his psychologically rich double portraits, his innovative photographic collages known as "joiners," and in later years, a passionate return to painting the English landscape of his youth. A deep dive into Hockney's 1967 masterpiece, A Bigger Splash, reveals his genius for capturing time, motion, and atmosphere. The large 8 foot by 8 foot painting juxtaposes a serene, California setting with the chaotic, fleeting explosion of water from an unseen diver. While often associated with Pop Art, Hockney's work is deeply personal, celebrating the joy of looking and challenging the conventions of perception. From paintbrushes to the iPad, Hockney has remained a relentless innovator, solidifying his status as a modern master. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a young adult, Edvard Munch studied art. He was influenced early on by the Impressionists, but he really came into his own when he began using painting as a way of expressing his inner struggles. He is best known today for his expressionistic works like The Scream. Interestingly The Scream is not about a person screaming. The tormented figure in the painting is actually suffering an anxiety attack and overwhelmed by the din or the noise of the world around him. The specific look of the figure may have actually been based on a Peruvian mummy that was on display in the World’s Fair in Paris in 1889. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guests this week were the author and illustrator of the fantastic book I’M NOT YOUR MUSE: Uncovering the Overshadowed Brilliance of Women Artists & Visionaries. I spoke with Lori Zimmer and Maria Krasinski about the artists they discovered and the process of creating the book. I'm Not Your Muse tells the stories of thirty-one female artists whose achievements have largely been underappreciated. Find the book on Amazon or wherever you get your books. Related episodes: Frida Kahlo Amrita Sher-Gil The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transformation mask is a carved and painted sculpture, a status symbol, a costume element and a simple machine all at once. Pulling the strings on the mask allows the wearer to move parts that effectively animate the mask and bring it to life in front of the gathered crowd. Kwakwaka’wakw artists created a number of different masks representing different figures. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I have an interview with the author and illustrtor behind a new graphic novel that tackles the story of Maria Lani who convinced over 50 prominent artists to make her portrait. Dozens of artists including Matisse, Derain, and Chagall created portraits of Lani so they could be used in a movie that was never actually produced. When Lani and the collection disappeared, many were left to wonder if the whole thing was an elaborate con to steal masterpieces from Paris's greatest modern artists. Jonathan Lackman and Zachary J. Pinson created a stunning book telling this story through thousands of hand drawn panels. They were kind enough to share their insights into the history and the process of producing the book. For more information, check the links below: https://marialani.com/ https://www.instagram.com/arkansasgreasefire/ https://jonlackman.com/ And of course, you can buy the book from Fantagraphics. It will be available at all major book sellers starting July 22. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science LabWho ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amedeo Modigliani, a rebellious Italian painter, left a lasting mark on the art world with his distinctive style and captivating portraits. Born in Livorno in 1884, his early life was marked by illness and a dramatic incident that saved his family from financial ruin. Modigliani's art, influenced by diverse sources like Cezanne, Brancusi, and African sculpture, is characterized by elongated figures, long necks, and almond-shaped eyes. He moved to Paris in 1906, where he became a part of the bohemian art scene, despite struggling with poverty and rejection. His first solo exhibition in 1917 caused a scandal due to its nude paintings, but it also solidified his position as a major artistic figure. Modigliani's tragic early death at 35 cut his career short, but his legacy lives on through his unique artistic vision, capturing the essence of human emotion and form in his timeless works. Related Episodes: ⁠Henri Matisse⁠ ⁠Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec⁠ ⁠Pablo Picasso⁠ ⁠Paul Cezanne⁠ Check out my other podcasts ⁠Art Smart⁠ | ⁠Rainbow Puppy Science Lab⁠ Who ARTed is an⁠ ⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠ Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: ⁠[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a tremendous pleasure to get to interview Jennifer Dasal about her new book, The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris. We discussed the art scene in Paris in the 19th century, particularly the experiences of American women artists. The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris will be available at your favorite bookstores starting July 15. You can order a copy now from Amazon Listen to Jennifer on ArtCurious wherever you get your podcasts. In this episode, we mentioned other artists. Use the links below if you want to learn more about them: Edmonia Lewis Auguste Rodin Mary Cassatt Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) was a leading figure of the Regionalist movement, known for his dynamic depictions of American life, labor, and landscapes. Born into a politically prominent Missouri family, Benton initially pursued art against his father's wishes, studying at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and later in Paris, where he engaged with avant-garde movements like Cubism and Synchromism. However, he eventually rejected European modernism, advocating for a distinctly American art form that captured the realities of the nation. His signature "muscular realism" is characterized by swirling forms and vibrant colors, often seen in his prolific murals in public buildings such as the Missouri State Capitol. Benton's monumental mural cycle, America Today, completed in 1931, stands as a prime example of American Regionalism. Executed in egg tempera on linen, these ten panels offer a panoramic view of American life during the Great Depression, featuring scenes of bustling cities, industrial activity, and rural labor. The mural, originally commissioned by The New School for Social Research, showcases figures like steelworkers, farmers, and jazz musicians, with Benton subtly including himself and his family within the work. America Today is a powerful visual narrative that celebrates the resilience of ordinary Americans and critiques the challenges of the era, solidifying Benton's legacy as a chronicler of American history and culture. The mural is now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun is best known as Marie Antoinette's favorite portrait painter. In this episode, I spoke with Judith Lissauer Cromwell, author of a new biography of Vigée Le Brun. Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun first studied art with her father. Sadly, he passed away while Vigée Le Brun was just a child. Her mother helped her to gain access to artworks, to gain inspiration and continue developing her talent. By the time Vigée Le Brun was a young adult, she gained a reputation for painting beautiful portraits of the French aristocracy. Marie Antoinette spent years trying to find a painter who could create a portrait that would satisfy her mother. Vigée Le Brun painted a beautiful portrait and quickly became the queen's favorite artist, but being so closely associated with the queen became perilous during the French Revolution. Buy the book on Amazon or wherever you get your books. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Constantin Brâncuși was a Romanian sculptor who made a significant impact on modern art through his abstract sculptures. His passion and dedication to art is legendary. In the autumn of 1903, he began a months-long walk from Bucharest to Paris, where he sought to immerse himself in the avant-garde art scene. Brâncuși's work, characterized by simplified forms and a focus on the essence of his subjects, often sparked controversy, as seen with his Bird in Space sculpture, which was challenged by U.S. customs officials who didn't recognize it as art. This led to a landmark court case that ultimately recognized abstract art as a legitimate form. Brâncuși's dedication to his unique artistic vision and his exploration of fundamental forms left a lasting legacy on the world of modern sculpture. Related episodes: ⁠Auguste Rodin⁠ ⁠Amedeo Modigliani⁠ ⁠Henri Matisse⁠ ⁠Marcel Duchamp⁠ The Kiss is one of the 250 artworks required for AP Art History. For those students across the US trying to prep for the test, check out my ⁠AP Art History Cram Session⁠ playlist on Spotify. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hieronymus Bosch was a 15th-century Dutch painter whose fantastical and often unsettling works continue to captivate viewers today. His most famous painting, "The Garden of Earthly Delights," is a triptych that depicts a complex narrative of creation, temptation, sin, and damnation. Bosch's unique visual vocabulary, drawn from religious iconography, folklore, alchemy, and contemporary social mores, challenged the established norms of religious art and introduced an element of ambiguity into his narratives. Bosch's exploration of human psychology and the darker aspects of human nature contributed to the subversive nature of his art, offering a more nuanced and unsettling view of the human condition. Despite the often disturbing imagery in his paintings, Bosch was a respected member of his community and a devout Catholic. The enduring power of his work lies in its masterful balance between the concrete and the ambiguous, inviting viewers to decipher the complex relationships and narratives within his paintings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ardabil Carpet, a masterpiece of 16th-century Persian weaving, represents a pinnacle of Safavid art. Though associated with Ardabil, scholars suggest it may have been woven in Kashan, a prominent center for carpet production during that era. Commissioned during the reign of Shah Tahmasp I (1501-1736 CE) for the Shrine of Shaykh Safi al-Din Ardabili, this monumental wool pile carpet on a silk foundation measures an impressive 34 feet 6 inches by 17 feet 5 inches and boasts over 25 million knots. The carpet's intricate design features a central medallion surrounded by elaborate floral motifs, scrolling vines, and arabesques, reminiscent of a lush garden, a common theme in Islamic art. Notably, two asymmetrical mosque lamps hang from the central medallion, symbolizing divine knowledge and adding to the carpet's sacred context. Inscriptions include a couplet from the poet Hafiz, emphasizing devotion and humility, fitting for a piece created for a revered shrine. Dated 946 AH (1539-1540 CE), the Ardabil Carpet's precise dating is a rare and valuable historical marker. Its acquisition by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 1893 significantly elevated the recognition of Islamic art in Western collections, and its enduring influence continues to inspire textile art and design globally. The Ardabil Carpet is one of the 250 works required for AP Art History. If you want to learn about more works from that list, check out my AP Art History Cram Session playlist on Spotify. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Abbott McNeill Whistler was a prominent figure in the Aesthetic Movement focusing on "Art for art's sake." One of Whistler's most renowned works is "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1," widely known as "Whistler's Mother," painted in 1871. This oil on canvas depicts his mother, Anna McNeill Whistler, seated in profile. Despite Whistler's insistence that the painting be appreciated for its formal qualities, its subtle harmonies of grey and black and balanced composition, it has garnered widespread sentimental appeal as a profound depiction of maternal dignity and old age. The painting, initially met with mixed reviews in London, achieved masterpiece status in Paris and was acquired by the French state. Its enduring presence in popular culture, including its use as a symbol of American motherhood during the Great Depression, showcases its unique blend of artistic innovation and emotional resonance, continuing to captivate audiences over a century and a half after its creation. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francisco Goya (1746-1828) is one of Spain's most important and complex artists. His career bridged the gap between the Old Masters and the modern era. He found success as a court painter for the Spanish monarchy, creating bright, lively tapestry designs for the royal palaces. However, a devastating illness in 1792 that left him completely deaf marked a profound turning point. His art took on a darker, more critical tone, evident in his series of satirical etchings, Los Caprichos, which targeted the follies of Spanish society. The horrors he witnessed during Napoleon's invasion of Spain (1808-1814) were unflinchingly documented in his print series, The Disasters of War. In his final years in Spain, Goya painted his most enigmatic and disturbing works, the "Black Paintings," directly onto the walls of his country home, creating private, nightmarish visions like Saturn Devouring His Son. The Third of May 1808, painted in 1814, is a monumental and revolutionary depiction of war. Breaking from centuries of tradition that glorified battle, Goya focuses on the brutal, systematized execution of captured Spanish civilians by a faceless French firing squad. The painting's power comes from its raw emotion, its dramatic use of light to illuminate the victims, and its central, Christ-like figure whose gesture of martyrdom has become a universal symbol of protest. As one of the first truly modern paintings, The Third of May 1808 stripped war of its romance and its influence resonates through the history of art, most notably in works by Édouard Manet and Pablo Picasso's famous anti-war mural, Guernica. Related episodes: Édouard Manet Pablo Picasso Auguste Rodin Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is B.A. Shapiro, author of a new historical fiction book, The Lost Masterpiece. Her book focuses on Berthe Morisot and the French Impressionists. In this interview, we dicussed some the things Shapiro learned through her exhaustive research into Morisot and other artists who appear in her book. Images discussed in the episode: Two Sisters on a Couch The Mother and Sister of the Artist Find The Lost Masterpiece at Amazon or wherever you get your books starting July 17. Related podcast episodes: Berthe Morisot Edgar Degas Edouard Manet Claude Monet Mary Cassatt Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I wanted to share an episode of Culture Kids. Culture Kids is a great podcast for kids and families to enjoy learning about the world. It was a privilege to be a guest on their show talking about art and the moon. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to follow Culture Kids wherever you are listening. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Édouard Manet, born in Paris in 1832, defied his privileged upbringing to pursue art, despite initial family opposition. Studying under Thomas Couture, Manet diverged from academic traditions, favoring scenes of modern Parisian life. His controversial works, such as Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe and Olympia, challenged artistic and social norms by depicting contemporary figures in realistic settings, notably nudes without mythological context, sparking public outrage but inspiring avant-garde artists. Although not an official Impressionist, Manet's innovative style, characterized by bold brushstrokes and stark contrasts, influenced many in the movement. His final major work, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, further exemplifies his fascination with modern life, using complex perspectives and reflections to explore themes of reality, illusion, and the social complexities of urban environments. Manet's art redefined the depiction of modern life, challenging accepted artistic and social standards. He moved beyond historical or allegorical subjects, portraying bustling Parisian streets, cafes, and ordinary people. His bold style laid the groundwork for modern art. Despite facing constant criticism and rejection from official art circles, Manet became a pivotal figure, mentoring and inspiring many later Impressionists. His legacy endures through his significant contribution to the evolution of painting, notably his departure from academic rules and commitment to depicting the nuances of everyday life, culminating in his complex and thought-provoking final masterpiece. Related episodes: Diego Velazquez Claude Monet Berthe Morisot Edgar Degas The Salon des Refuses Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) stands as a titan in the realm of Japanese woodblock prints of the ukiyo-e period. His tranquil landscapes, meticulously detailed cityscapes, and captivating depictions of flora and fauna continue to resonate with viewers centuries after their creation. Hiroshige's life, however, was far from a serene stroll through the picturesque scenes he immortalized. Born into a humble background and navigating a rapidly changing artistic landscape, Hiroshige's artistic journey mirrored the dynamism of his era. Related episodes: ⁠Who ARTed | Katsushika Hokusai⁠ ⁠Art Smart | Ukiyo-e Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966) was a significant 20th-century artist known for his elongated, attenuated sculptures that often embody post-war existential themes. Born in Switzerland, he was influenced by his artist father and later by Renaissance, Egyptian, and African art. He moved to Paris, studied sculpture, and was briefly involved with the Surrealists before breaking away to focus on working from live models. Giacometti's intense artistic process involved obsessive observation and self-criticism, often leading to the destruction and reworking of his pieces. His later work, characterized by signature elongated figures, resonated deeply in the post-war era, reflecting themes of isolation, fragility, and the human condition, and were linked by philosophers like Sartre to Existentialism. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I thought it would be fun to switch things up a little bit. Instead of focusing on just one artist and artwork, I’ve got 5 artists who work with food in ways most people would never consider. Jason Mecier creates mosaic portraits of celebrities using their favorite snacks, vices, and trash, making him a prominent figure in "junk art." Vik Muniz recreates famous paintings on a large scale using discarded materials, including garbage and chocolate syrup. Conrad Engelhardt crafts pointillist-style mosaics using wine corks, capitalizing on the various wine stains as his color palette. Jim Bachor fills city potholes with custom-made glass and marble tile mosaics, creating unexpected street art. Finally, Kristen Cumings uses thousands of Jelly Belly jelly beans to create vibrant mosaic masterpieces, including portraits and recreations of famous artworks. Cover art for this episode was Big Bird (breakfast cereal) by Jason Mecier. Image courtesy of the artist. If you like mini episode with fun facts, check out my other podcast Fun Facts Daily Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles and Ray Eames were an iconic husband-and-wife design team who became leaders of the Mid-Century Modern movement. Their partnership began at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, merging Charles's architectural and structural background with Ray's keen artistic eye for color and form. A critical development in their career was perfecting a method for molding plywood into complex shapes, a technique they developed while making leg splints for the U.S. Navy during WWII. They famously applied this innovation to furniture, with their most enduring creation being the 1956 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Designed to have the "warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt," the chair combined luxurious materials with ergonomic comfort, becoming an instant classic and a symbol of sophisticated taste that is still in production today. Beyond furniture, their influential Eames Office also created pioneering films, toys, and architecture, including their own modular Eames House, all driven by the goal of making thoughtful, high-quality design accessible to improve everyday life. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Petra, the ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs of Jordan, is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Nabataean civilization. Established in the 4th century BC, Petra's strategic location along trade routes fueled its prosperity. The Nabataeans carved impressive structures like the Treasury and the Monastery directly into the rock face using chisels, hammers, and picks. The city's architecture reflects a blend of Hellenistic, Egyptian, and Assyrian influences. Petra's intricate carvings, water systems, and monumental tombs highlight their advanced skills and cultural beliefs. Though the city declined after an earthquake and shifting trade routes, its rediscovery in the 19th century unveiled its remarkable legacy. Many people today first laid eyes on Petra when it was featured in the popular movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Today, Petra stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivating visitors with its unique blend of history, architecture, and artistry. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mariko Mori, born in Tokyo in 1967, is a Japanese artist whose work blends traditional Buddhist iconography with futuristic digital art. With a background influenced by her father's inventiveness and her mother's art history knowledge, Mori initially studied fashion design before pursuing visual arts in London and New York. Her early pieces featured herself in elaborate costumes, exploring identity and technology. Mori's notable work, "Pure Land," created between 1996 and 1998, reflects her shift towards spirituality and transcendence. She combines photography with digital manipulation to create surreal, otherworldly scenes, often featuring herself as a goddess figure surrounded by symbolic elements, drawing inspiration from Buddhist art, Japanese mythology, and personal experiences like sleep paralysis. Her art explores themes of enlightenment, technology, and the intersection of tradition and the future. Please note: I will mostly be playing mini episodes through the summer. I have a few full length episodes coming in June and July, but for scheduling reasons, I am mostly going to be making solo mini episodes for a while. Links: AP Art History Cram Session playlist on Spotify Fun Facts Daily on your favorite podcast app. Check out my other podcasts Fun Facts Daily | Art Smart | Rainbow Puppy Science Lab Who ARTed is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices