Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages

Sandro Botticelli, born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, was a renowned Florentine painter during the Renaissance. By the 1470s, Botticelli established his own workshop and gained recognition for his unique style. He received commissions from wealthy patrons, including the powerful Medici family. For the Medici, Botticelli painted portraits and created allegorical and mythological works that showcased his mastery of line, color, and composition. His most famous paintings, "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," were created during this period. "The Birth of Venus" depicts the arrival of the goddess Venus on the shore after emerging from the sea. The painting is rich in symbolism, drawing from classical mythology, Neoplatonic philosophy, and Christian theology. Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, is the central figure. Her nudity, while controversial today, was associated with purity in classical art. The painting is filled with symbolic elements, like the wind gods Zephyrus and Aura representing the forces of nature, and the Hora of Spring welcoming Venus with flowers, signifying her connection to fertility. 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 Michelle Young, author of The Art Spy. During WWII, French museum curator Rose Valland risked her life to sabotage the Nazi art theft machine, secretly documenting their plunder and saving countless masterpieces. The book is thoroughly researched to not only verify the facts of Valland's work preserving art, but also to gain insights into Valland as a human being. In our interview, Young shared some of her insights into a largely overlooked but incredibly consequential hero of the French Resistance. Buy THE ART SPY: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland (HarperOne; 5/13/25) from your favorite book seller. 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

In 2009, a television presenter from the BBC, a guy by the name of James May, gathered about 2,000 volunteers and approximately 3.2 million bricks donated by LEGO to create a two-story house out of Legos. He created this for a series called James May's Toy Stories. The house even went so far as it had working plumbing, like it had a working shower and toilet all made of LEGO. May actually spent the night in his LEGO house and he made two important discoveries. First, he found out that a LEGO bed is not the least bit comfortable. And secondly, he discovered the structure that he had built was not waterproof. When it was time for the house to come down, May and LEGO donated all of those bricks to charity. There's something beautiful about the fact that after May got to live out his childhood dream of building a life sized LEGO house, he paid it forward by passing on those bricks to other people in need so that everyone could have a chance to build their vision and live their dreams. 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

Jessica Poundstone is the author of Museum of Dogs: a Romp through Art History for Dog People. As the name suggests, it is a light and fun look at dogs as portrayed by various artists throughout time and across cultures. In this episode, we discussed dogs in art history and mentioned several artists including Edouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Berthe Morisot, and Diego Velázquez. In the second segment, we looked at Tama, a dog, as painted by Renoir and another version of the same dog painted by Manet. Buy a copy of Museum of Dogs: a Romp through Art History for Dog People on Amazon or wherever you get your books Contemporary artists we mentioned who are worth supporting: Ryan Berkley Katie Kimmel 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

Marc Chagall (born Moishe Shagal, 1887-1985) was a prominent Russian-French modern artist whose life spanned nearly a century of dramatic historical change. Originating from a Hasidic Jewish community near Vitebsk, Russian Empire (now Belarus), Chagall pursued art studies in St. Petersburg before immersing himself in the Paris art scene from 1911-1914. There, he absorbed influences from Cubism and Fauvism, blending them with his unique heritage of Russian folklore and personal memories to forge his signature dreamlike style. Trapped in Russia by World War I, he married his muse, Bella Rosenfeld, and briefly served as Commissar of Arts in Vitebsk after the Revolution. Chagall later returned to Paris, only to flee Nazi persecution during World War II, finding refuge in the United States where Bella tragically died. Returning to France after the war, he married Valentina "Vava" Brodsky and embarked on a prolific late career, expanding into ceramics, sculpture, and notably, magnificent stained glass works, continuing to create until his death at 97. Please help me launch my new show Fun Facts Daily! Give it a listen and leave a kind rating or review to help others find the show. Find ⁠Fun Facts Daily on Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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

Fun Facts Daily is a new podcast I have been working on for a bit. It is exactly what the name suggests. Every Monday through Friday, on Fun Facts Daily, I’ll be sharing five fun facts, a word of the day and practical tips all related to a single topic in around 10-15 minutes. I’ll still be bringing you episodes of Who ARTed on Mondays and Fridays, but I wanted to create another show because there’s a lot of amazing stuff to learn beyond the art world. I have been wanting to do this for a while now because I am not just a teacher, but also a lifelong learner and I love sharing the awesome new things I learn. Over the last year or so I noticed that a lot of news shows I listened to left me feeling wound up and anxious. I decided to create the kind of show I want to listen to, focusing exclusively on the good stuff. Every episode has fun facts and interesting stories that are all clean and appropriate for listeners of all ages, so you can listen with the kids and learn together or take some time for yourself to just relax and learn something awesome. Today, I’m giving you all a sneak peek of two episodes I think you’ll enjoy. First, I’m going to have an episode of Fun Facts Daily on Leonardo da Vinci, then I’ll have my episode on inventions built off NASA technology. I hope you like the show, and if you do, please do me a favor and follow Fun Facts Daily on your favorite podcast app. It’s a brand new show and you really appreciate your help getting it off the ground by giving it a listen, a kind rating or just telling a friend about the show. Thanks! Find Fun Facts Daily on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Codex Borgia is a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican manuscript, a 36-foot folded document made of animal hide, dating from the 13th to early 16th centuries. Created by Indigenous peoples, likely in central Mexico, it serves as a religious and divinatory almanac used by priests. Filled with intricate depictions of deities like Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, and Tlaloc, it illustrates the 260-day tonalpohualli ritual calendar. Part of the “Borgia Group,” it survived the Spanish conquest and is now housed in the Vatican Apostolic Library. The codex offers invaluable insight into pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican beliefs, cosmology, and rituals, showcasing complex iconography and artistic skill. It provides crucial information for understanding the history, culture, and religion of ancient Mexican civilizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walter De Maria (1935-2013) was a pivotal figure in Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Land Art, known for large-scale environmental installations. His significant works include The New York Earth Room and The Lightning Field. The Lightning Field, commissioned by the Dia Art Foundation and completed in 1977 in Catron County, New Mexico, comprises 400 stainless steel poles arranged in a precise grid, designed to interact with light and evoke the sublime. De Maria's art often explores themes of scale, human perception, and the relationship between nature and human intervention, emphasizing direct viewer experience over traditional art consumption. My guest this week is Tim Bogatz, host of Art Ed Radio from The Art of Education University. Tim and I are both active on the Art of Ed Community and I would encourage all my fellow art teachers to join if you haven't already. If you are interested in learning more about The Lightning Field or you would like to try to make the pilgrimage and stay there, check head over to Diaart.org 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

Elaine de Kooning (1918-1989) was a vital figure in 20th-century American art. She was a renowned Abstract Expressionist painter, portraitist, and writer. Elaine de Kooning's 1963 portrait of John F. Kennedy, now at the National Portrait Gallery, is a significant work reflecting her Abstract Expressionist style applied to portraiture. Commissioned by the Truman Library, the painting captures Kennedy's dynamic energy and charisma through vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and a fragmented, almost unfinished quality. Created during and after Kennedy's time in office, the work became a poignant memorial after his assassination, symbolizing the turbulence and vitality of his presidency, and cementing de Kooning's reputation as a master portraitist. Related episodes: Willem de Kooning Jackson Pollock Janet Sobel Lee Krasner Mark Rothko Erased de Kooning 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

Willem de Kooning, a Dutch-American Abstract Expressionist painter, was born in Rotterdam in 1904. He stowed away on a freighter in 1926, eventually settling in New York City. De Kooning's early work transitioned from figurative studies to abstraction, though he never fully abandoned the figure, famously stating, "Flesh was the reason oil paint was invented." He gained recognition for his black-and-white abstract paintings and married fellow artist Elaine Fried. Known for his perfectionism, he often reworked his canvases extensively. He moved to East Hampton in 1963, and despite later suffering from Alzheimer's, continued painting until the late 1980s. De Kooning died in 1997, leaving a lasting legacy as a key figure in 20th-century art. Willem de Kooning's "Woman I," created between 1950 and 1952, is a seminal work of Abstract Expressionism. This large-scale painting, now housed at the Museum of Modern Art, is the first in his "Woman" series and is renowned for its intense process and controversial imagery. De Kooning worked on the canvas for nearly two years, repeatedly painting over and scraping away layers, embodying the "action painting" style. Inspired by diverse sources, from contemporary advertisements to ancient fertility figures, "Woman I" depicts a distorted, powerful female figure with aggressive brushstrokes, vibrant yet garish colors, and a chaotic composition. The painting sparked debate upon its 1953 exhibition, with some critics viewing it as misogynistic, while others recognized its challenge to traditional notions of beauty and the female nude. "Woman I" remains an influential piece, reflecting de Kooning's struggle with representation and solidifying his reputation as a major, albeit provocative, force in post-war art. Related episodes: Jackson Pollock Janet Sobel Lee Krasner Mark Rothko Erased de Kooning 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

The CIA secretly leveraged Abstract Expressionism, particularly the art of Jackson Pollock, during the Cold War. This wasn't about controlling artists but using their work as a symbol of American freedom and individualism against Soviet Socialist Realism. Through the Congress for Cultural Freedom (CCF), the CIA funded major art exhibitions like "The New American Painting" and collaborated with institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to promote this art internationally. While the CIA didn't create Abstract Expressionism, they amplified its impact, making it a powerful cultural weapon and shifting the art world's focus to New York. Discover the hidden history of how art became a tool in the battle for hearts and minds during the Cold War. Related episodes: Jackson Pollock Janet Sobel Lee Krasner Mark Rothko Erased de Kooning 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

Tembe Denton-Hurst (@tembae) is a beauty and culture writer at New York magazine and the author of Homebodies. Her newest book Fresh Sets: Contemporary Nail Art from Around the World travels the world to put today’s most inspired nail art at your fingertips. It features profiles of 35 professionals who are carving out a name for themselves on the streets of cities like New York, LA, Vancouver, London, Berlin, Paris, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo, Punjab, Melbourne/Naarm, and more. In the second segment, we discussed work by Leslie Arrañaga and a photo of her work is used as the cover art for this episode. Photo credit: © Lesly Arrañaga / @leslydidthem 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

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Arts Madness Tournament. After 6 weeks and thousands of votes, we have narrowed the field from 64 down to 1 ultimate artist. Listen for fun facts about our two final artists, Katsushika Hokusai and Maurizio Cattelan, and find out who came out on top in our final round. 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

Joan Miró, a renowned Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist, was born in Barcelona on April 20, 1893. Initially steered towards business, Miró's true passion was art. He studied at Barcelona's La Llotja School of Fine Arts and later the Escola d'Art. A period of illness led him to Mont-roig del Camp, a pivotal experience that solidified his commitment to painting and connection to nature. Miró absorbed influences from Fauvism and Cubism, joining the Courbet Group. In 1920, he moved to Paris, befriending Picasso and experiencing poverty, which fueled his art. His work The Farm marked a shift away from realism, and he later embraced Surrealism, developing a unique symbolic language. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

I was thrilled to interview Justin Witte, curator at the Cleave Carney Museum of Art. This summer, the Cleave Carney Museum of Art will be hosting Hokusai & Ukiyo-e | The Floating World. This is will be the first time this collection of works has come to the United States. They will be exhibiting not only prints, but also hand painted pieces from Edo, Japan. The collection features works by Hokusai, Hiroshige and other great artists from the period. Anyone interested in learning more or wanting to buy tickets for the show, go to Hokusai2025.org Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

Lee Krasner, born Lena Krassner in 1908, was a pivotal Abstract Expressionist artist often overshadowed by her marriage to Jackson Pollock. Despite this, she forged a unique artistic path, studying at the Women's Art School of Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design before embracing modernism after the opening of MoMA in 1929. Influenced by Hans Hofmann's Cubist theories, Krasner experimented with abstraction, contributing to the WPA's Federal Art Project and the American Abstract Artists group. Her significant "Little Images" series, collages, and later large-scale works like the "Earth Green" and "Umber" series showcased her evolving style and resilience. While initial critical reception was mixed, Krasner gained recognition later in her career, culminating in retrospectives at the Whitechapel Gallery and the Whitney Museum, solidifying her legacy as a vital figure in 20th-century art. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

Today, Vincent van Gogh is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated artists, but in his lifetime, he had extremely limited commercial success. When Vincent died and his brother Theo unexpectedly passed shortly later, the widow Jo van Gogh was left with a young child to raise and no apparent means to support herself. She inherited a collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings, but most considered them to be worthless. Joan Fernandez takes us into her her world and shares how Jo crafted Vincent van Gogh's legacy. Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh is a wonderful read that captures the triumphs and struggles that will help you see Jo, Vincent and the artwork in a new way. Joan Fernandez spent 30 years in Corporate America with a professional career in marketing. This background made Jo van Gogh’s marketing genius leap off the page. In 2018, Joan decided to retire to write Jo’s story. She also pens a weekly blog sharing tidbits about Jo as well as essays about shattering limitations that stand in the way of reaching our true potential—a lesson she learned from studying both Jo and Vincent. Check it out at https://joanfernandez.substack.com/ Find Joan online: https://www.instagram.com/joanfernandezauthor/ https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Saving-Vincent/Joan-Fernandez/9781647428709 https://www.joanfernandezauthor.com/ https://joanfernandez.substack.com/p/when-a-4-word-feminist-manifesto Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

A young, up-and-coming Robert Rauschenberg knocked on the door of Willem de Kooning, one of the biggest stars of the art world in his day. Rauschenberg had a big ask. He didn't want advice or help in the traditional sense. He wanted de Kooning to give him a drawing so he could erase it. After an uncomfortable conversation, de Kooning agreed. He looked through his portfolios and picked out a drawing. It was not easy. Rauschenberg spent weeks and wore through numerous erasers on the mixed media piece. In the end he obliterated nearly every trace of de Kooning's drawing in an act that some consider to be an iconoclastic destruction of the artist's legacy and others see as an incredible tribute that completely upended the way we encounter the work moving it from the paper to the imagination. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

Guoying Stacy Zhang is an art historian and advisor specializing in Buddhist art. She previously served as the associate curator of the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum and she has advised numerous private collectors on their acquisitions. Her latest work focuses on the intersection of art, spirituality, and technology. In our conversation, she discussed the history of Buddhism, some of themes and motifs in artwork, and how works have evolved over the centuries. We discussed a stone carving of Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda. Find Guoying Stacy Zhang online: www.gszhang.com www.buddhaland.io Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

Andrew Wyeth was the son of a successful illustrator. Wyeth is best known for his painting "Christina's World" which is among the few artworks to leap from the museum walls to popular culture as it has been referenced in numerous photos, TV shows and movies. The painting was inspired by Wyeth's neighbor who was unable to walk but chose to crawl rather than use a wheel chair. He was inspired as he saw Christina crawling across her family farm to make her way back home. The expansive field serves as a powerful symbol of Christina's vulnerability and isolation. Still, he created the composition from a worm's eye view so that we the viewers are not looking down upon Christina. We are invited to see the world through her eyes and look up at the scene and the house that seems so far off on the horizon. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) was a pivotal figure in the Northern Renaissance, renowned for his mastery of painting, printmaking, and art theory. Born in Nuremberg, Germany, Dürer's early training as a goldsmith and painter laid the foundation for his innovative techniques in woodcut and engraving, exemplified by his famous Apocalypse series and the meticulously crafted Adam and Eve. His travels to Italy exposed him to classical ideals and Renaissance innovations, which he integrated into his unique style. As the court painter to Emperor Maximilian I, Dürer's influence extended throughout Europe, solidifying his legacy as a true Renaissance man and a master of art. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

In mid-19th century Paris, the prestigious Paris Salon, sanctioned by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, reigned as the art world's epicenter, acting as the primary gateway to artistic success. By 1863, mounting rejections ignited public outcry, compelling Emperor Napoleon III to establish the groundbreaking Salon des Refusés. This exhibition, held at the Palais de l'Industrie, showcased rejected artists like Manet, Cézanne, and Pissarro, with Manet's "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe" causing particular scandal. Despite harsh critical reception, the Salon des Refusés became a pivotal moment, exposing the Académie's rigidity, fostering modern art's rise, and demonstrating a public appetite for unconventional art, ultimately paving the way for future artistic revolutions like Impressionism, and cementing its legacy as a symbol of artistic freedom. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

I recently had the pleasure to interview Pierre Benjamin, UK-based artist with years of experience specializing in 3D character and concept art, illustration, painting, and sculpture. His artistic journey began in childhood, deeply influenced by his photographer father and his grandfather, figurative painter Gérard Calvet. Formal training included sculpting under Serge Destarac, art history at the Louvre Museum, and a BA and MA in games and animation from the University of South Wales, where he now lectures. Find Pierre Benjamin online: https://www.instagram.com/pierre_benjamin https://pierrebenjamin.art/ https://www.tiktok.com/@artofpierrebenjamin https://www.canvasgallery.com/artists/200-pierre-benjamin/works/ Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 2 will begin Monday, March 3. Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round at whoartedpodcast.com/vote 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

Piet Mondrian is considered an icon of modern art, but he didn't start off that way. While he always loved art, he got his degree in education. Mondrian's early paintings were somewhat traditional landscapes. He experimented with Impressionist and Post Impressionist styles, then moved on to some Cubist influence. His major breakthrough was with the De Stijl movement focusing on the basic elements of art using straight lines and primary colored rectangles. Mondrian was one of the most prominent theorists of the group as he developed a style he referred to as Neoplasticism. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

The brilliance of Edward Hopper is that he was able to be simultaneously specific and concrete yet vague and leave a lot up to the viewer to interpret. In a painting like Nighthawks we see people gathered in a diner, but as viewers we are stuck on the outside looking in. We feel isolated and apart from the scene and as we look closer, we discover that the people inside the diner are isolated themselves. It is not a group of four inside the space but rather a collection of four individuals. My guest for this episode was Julie Averbach, the founder of smARTee, a non-profit that helps people feel connected and continue their lifelong learning via free virtual museum tours. She is also the author of the upcoming book, The Art of Trader Joe's (https://theartoftraderjoes.com) which helps readers appreciate the subtle brilliance of the grocery chain. Buy the book on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Zaria Forman is a contemporary artist whose breathtakingly realistic, large-scale pastel drawings capture the fragile beauty of landscapes threatened by climate change. Unlike brushes or other tools, pastels allow for a direct, tactile connection with the artwork. Forman works primarily with her fingers and palms, smudging and blending the pigments directly onto the paper. This hands-on approach creates a unique intimacy and allows for an incredibly subtle layering of color and tone, resulting in the hyperrealistic detail that defines her drawings. The choice of pastels also reflects the ephemeral nature of the landscapes she depicts. Just as the glaciers are melting and the sea ice is breaking apart, the pastel itself is a delicate medium, susceptible to smudging and fading. By showcasing the breathtaking beauty of these endangered landscapes, she hopes to inspire people to protect them. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Maurizio Cattelan is an Italian artist known for his provocative and satirical sculptures and installations that challenge the norms of the art world. His works often spark controversy and public discourse, blurring the lines between high art and everyday objects. Some of his most recognized pieces include, "Strategies," his mock up of a magazine cover intended to help him land a spot on the actual magazine's cover, "Comedian," a banana duct-taped to a wall, which sold for $120,000, and "America," a fully functional solid gold toilet that was once stolen from Blenheim Palace. Cattelan's art is often seen as a commentary on consumerism, celebrity culture, and the value of art itself. My guest this week was Tim Bogatz, host of Art Ed Radio from The Art of Education University (where you can also see articles I have written). In this episode, we referenced work by other artists. Listen to these episodes to learn more: Marcel Duchamp | Fountain Meret Oppenheim | Object Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Today, Renoir is remembered as one of the greatest painters of the Impressionist movement. His paintings are soft and delicate, but his life and his work was a painful struggle. Most painters pride themselves on their ability to work with their hands. They spend years practicing, developing fine motor skills and muscle memory to easily render a beautiful image, but Renoir’s hands weren’t on board with the plan. As his son Jean recounted “Visitors who were unprepared for this could not take their eyes off his deformity. Though they did not dare to mention it, their reaction would be expressed by some such phrase as ‘it isn’t possible! With hands like that, how could he paint those pictures?” In 1899, Pierre-Auguste Renoir was sticken with Rhumetiod Arthritis which not only caused painful inflammation of the joints. It left his hands deformed. While even the most minor movements of his hand or wrist would bring pain, Renoir persisted. He continued making beautiful paintings until his death 20 years later because as he said, “pain passes, but beauty remains.” Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Nick Cave, born February 4, 1959, in Fulton, Missouri, is a contemporary American artist best known for his "Soundsuits," wearable sculptures that blend sculpture, performance art, and social commentary. Raised in a large family that valued resourcefulness, Cave's early experiences with textiles and transformation shaped his artistic practice. He studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and later at Cranbrook Academy of Art. The 1991 Rodney King beating profoundly impacted Cave, leading to the creation of the Soundsuits as a response to racial injustice and a symbol of protection and empowerment. These intricate suits, made from found objects, textiles, and human hair, obscure the wearer's identity while creating a powerful visual and auditory spectacle. Cave's work extends beyond sculpture to include performances that engage communities and promote social change, solidifying his place as a significant figure in contemporary art. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

I interviewed Ephraim Urevbu a contemporary artist based in Memphis Tennessee. He shared his life experiences growing up in Nigeria then coming to the United States to study art and the ways the US did and did not fit with his expectations. We discussed his painting E Pluribus Unum and his work on The Naked Truth Project which seeks to spark conversations for an honest telling of America's history. One of the things that I really loved about speaking with Urevbu was his ability to discuss serious and painful truth while simultaneously recognizing the good and hope for the future. Find Ephraim Urevbu online: Website: https://www.nakedtruthartproject.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedtruthartgallery/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nakedtruthart?_t=8naZtXnPwNz&_r=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nakedtruthartproject/61551355179539/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jess Phoenix is a designer based out of Seattle, Washington. She is known for making bright, bold floral patterns. She was nice enough to sit down with me to share her history, her influences and her process. Find Jess Phoenix online: Website: www.jessphoenix.com Instagram: @Jessraephoenix Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Today I have another artist interview. I have been a big fan of Tom DesLongchamp since I first encountered his drawings while I was researching an episode of my other podcast Art Smart. In addition to mind blowing marker drawings, Tom creates live animation performances on Cartoon Mess. I talked with him about his life, his influences and his process. Check out Tom's links: Website https://www.tomdeslongchamp.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomthinks/ Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/tomthinks Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@thismystery https://www.youtube.com/@CartoonMessLIVE Related episodes: Art Smart | Markers Who ARTed | Interview with Herb Williams Who ARTed episode talking about Tom's marker drawing Fellow art teachers, check out my article about Tom DesLongchamp and Herb Williams on The Art of Education Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Herb Williams is an incredibly talented sculptor bringing crayons to a whole new dimension. I sat down to talk to Williams about his background, his artistic influences, and exactly how and why he uses crayons to sculpt. He shared his memories of making art as a child as well as his experience working in a foundry making lost wax castings before he decided to pursue a literal dream of making sculptures out of crayons. For more from Herb Williams, check out his website and follow him on Instagram @herbwilliamsart Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Reggie Laurent is a contemporary artist based out of Atlanta. Laurent is a largely self-taught artist working in a variety of media and often on unexpected surfaces. He is known for his DNA series of paintings characterized by bold colors and elaborate patterns in abstract compositions. He says that the DNA series is largely similar to his childhood doodles and the creative expression that was always in him. While many artists inspire students with their stunning work, Laurent goes further by explaining his process and working with groups of students via Zoom. Find Reggie Laurent Online: https://www.laurentoriginals.com/ www.instagram/laurentoriginals https://woodpeckerscrafts.com/reginald-laurent-dna-collection/ Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Jason deCaires Taylor, is a UK-based contemporary artist who has seamlessly merged art and environmental activism. Renowned for his captivating underwater sculptures, Taylor's creations serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address environmental concerns. Crafted with meticulous detail, his sculptures not only captivate the eye but also provide a haven for marine life, fostering the growth of coral reefs and supporting fragile ecosystems. Join us as we explore Taylor's artistic journey, his passion for marine conservation, and the profound impact his work has on raising awareness about the delicate balance of our planet's oceans. Find out more and support his work: www.underwatersculpture.com www.underwatermuseum.com Donate to a project Instagram: #jasondecairestaylor YouTube: @jasondecairestaylorstudio Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Hilma af Klint was a painter making abstract art years before men like Kandinsky and she was exploring automatic drawing long before the surrealists. She knew she was well ahead of her time, which is why she stipulated in her will, that many of her greatest works were not to be displayed until 20 years after her death. Related episodes: Hilma af Klint | What a Human Being Is Spirit Photography Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Jack Kirby created some of the biggest names in the golden age of comics including: Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, Black Panther, The Incredible Hulk. He basically populated the Marvel Universe. In 1970 though he felt like he wasn't getting the credit he deserved there and left Marvel for DC. There he created a series, Fourth World which I imagine he thought would demonstrate his brilliance and make Marvel wish they hadn’t blown it with him. The series was a commercial flop so maybe not the great “I told you so” he likely envisioned as he left Marvel for their rival, but some of the New Gods from the series live on in the DC Universe. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

When you think of bold and revolutionary modern artists from the 20th century, you probably don't think of a grandmother laying across her living room floor painting, but maybe you should. Janet Sobel was a Ukrainian American painter who was dripping paint across the canvas long before Jackson Pollock "invented" the technique. Other artists mentioned in this episode: Jackson Pollock Alexander Calder Norman Rockwell Roy Lichtenstein Georgia O'Keeffe Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Wolfgang Beltracchi, born Wolfgang Fischer in 1951, is considered one of the most skilled art forgers in history. He meticulously crafted fake paintings by adopting the styles and techniques of famous artists. Rather than simply copying, he immersed himself in the artist's world, studying their letters and visiting their inspirational landscapes. With a deep understanding of the artist, he created pieces missing from their body of work. Beltracchi also forged supporting documentation, including photographs and gallery notes, to establish provenance. His forgeries were so convincing that many were sold as authentic works. However, his scheme unraveled when a painting attributed to Heinrink Campendonk was discovered to contain titanium white, a pigment not available during Campendonk's time. Despite being convicted for just over a dozen forgeries, Beltracchi hinted at creating hundreds more. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

The late 1930s were a rough time in Europe. Nazis were on the rise, and museums began hiding their most treasured works or even shipping them off to safe locations. As all of these works were floating around in the art world and many pieces being hidden, Hans van Meegeren emerged as an art dealer with some lost Vermeers. As I explained in the previous episode about the Vermeer stolen from the Isabella Steward Gardner museum, there aren’t a lot of Vermeer paintings and much of his biography is unknown. There are some historians who believe Vermeer studied under an artist who was heavily influenced by Caravaggio. Van Meegeren was celebrated for bringing the world the gift of these lost Caravaggio influenced Vermeer paintings. The critics loved the paintings and they loved Van Meegeren for discovering these lost works. He sold them for huge amounts and over just a few years amassed a fortune of about $30 million in today’s money. The thing is Van Meegeren would sell to anyone with money, including the Nazis. Hermann Goering, Hitler's vice chancellor was an art lover. He particularly loved the Vermeer painting he got from Van Meegeren. In the 1940s, the allies came knocking to ask why Han van Meegeren was doing business with the Nazis. Now whatever they expected to hear as his response, I guarantee they were surprised. Van Meegeren declared that he deserved to be treated as a hero for his dealings with the Nazis because all of the works he sold them were fakes. He claimed that by selling and trading these forgeries he was able to get 137 authentic Dutch masterpieces from the Nazis. It was an interesting defense, that he was not a war criminal but simply forger. It would be hard for anyone to feel sympathy for the victims of this crime but most found it too hard to believe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rene Magritte's painting, Son of Man, is among the most famous images of the Surrealist Movement. It is one of the few artworks that transcends the museum and has become a part of pop culture. Actually, technically it isn’t even in the museums. Son of Man is privately owned and rarely seen on public display, but it has been referenced in books, movies like Stranger than Fiction and The Thomas Crown Affair, tv shows like The Simpsons, music videos by the likes of Michael Jackson. Of course, listeners of this show no doubt recognize that the painting was also the inspiration for the greatest pop culture image of all time, my podcast cover art. Related episodes: Rene Magritte | The False Mirror (full episode) Salvador Dali | The Persistence of Memory Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Keith Haring, renowned for his iconic pop art and graffiti, rose to fame in the 1980s New York art scene. His signature style, characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, and symbols like the radiant baby and barking dog, often conveyed social messages. Haring's art wasn't confined to galleries; it flourished in public spaces, notably subway stations, making it accessible to everyone. Despite his untimely death due to AIDS in 1990, his legacy lives on through his art and the Keith Haring Foundation, which supports children and AIDS/HIV organizations. Haring's work continues to inspire and resonate, bridging the gap between high art and popular culture. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Origami is the Japanese art of folded paper sculpture. It is a tradition that is basically as old as paper. In the 6th century CE, Buddhist monks brought paper from China to Japan. While origami has been practiced for hundreds of years, it has gone through some drastic changes in the way it was perceived by people. Early on when paper was really expensive and labor intensive to produce, origami was for the select few and for special occasions. As paper became more affordable, ordinary people made origami models as gifts or folding cards and envelopes for correspondence. It was used as I said to illustrate concepts like geometry in school and became associated with school children. For a long time, origami remained at a relatively low status dismissed as a children’s craft rather than fine art of a mature artist. Akira Yoshizawa probably elevated the art form more than anyone else. 1954 his first book was published Atarashii Origami Geijutsu (New Origami Art) this established the system of notation for origami folds which is basically the standard for origami instructions today. That same year, he founded the International Origami Center of Tokyo. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Roberto Matta was a Chilean born artist whose life and work transcended boundaries. He was always looking to explore new ideas, push his work further and to astonish. As he said, “A landscape is at peace whenever there is no visible catastrophe and yet ecologically it is violent and devouring. One must grasp what lies behind appearance.” Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Felix Gonzalez-Torres was a conceptual artist who became well known in the 1980s and 90s for his works that broke down the barrier between artist and audience. Many of his works invited the audience to become a part of the creative process making the work more dynamic and engaging. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Henri de Toulouse Lautrec was associated with the Moulin Rouge since it first opened in 1891. He was captivated by the unique spirit of the club where people of all walks of life would mingle and enjoy the festivities. Of course it probably also helped that the nightclub’s owner bought Lautrec’s Equestrian painting to hang in the foyer. That painting was one of Lautrec’s many works depicting the circus with an active and exciting composition showing the performers in action. It seems fitting for the Moulin Rouge which was known for it’s active performances and circus like atmosphere. In addition to being the birthplace of the high energy can can dance, The Moulin Rouge boasted some other wild innovations including building a dance floor for patrons to enjoy dancing along as the spirit moved them, and there was even an elephant on the premises in the garden. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a Nigerian-born artist who moved to America as a teen and her work Predecessors looks at how her family has changed over generations. She uses painting and collage techniques to share her memories and connect different aspects of her identity as she has roots in both Nigeria and America. If you want to learn more, check out the full episode I recorded with Janet Taylor, an artist, art teacher, and writer for The Art of Education University. Njideka Akunyili Crosby (full episode) Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Mark Rothko is one of the most famous painters of the Abstract Expressionist movement. While many look at his paintings as simple rectangles of various colors, he sought to express much deeper ideas and emotions in the most simple and direct way possible. He meticulously layered washes of oil paint to achieve deep, rich colors on massive canvases that overwhelm the viewer. The Seagram Murals were initially commissioned for an upscale restaurant in the building designed by Mies van der Rohe, but after eating there and seeing the space, Rothko returned the money and kept his paintings in storage because he felt the patrons would not understand and appreciate his work. Check out my Spotify playlist of artists who started in a field other than art. Mark Rothko is one of the artists on the AP Art History list. Check out my AP Art History Cram Session playlist to learn about other artists/works from AP Art History. If you are struggling or in crisis, https://988lifeline.org/ or phone 988 can help. It is free and confidential. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

"Fallen Astronaut" is a 3.5-inch aluminum sculpture created by Belgian artist Paul van Hoeydonck and placed on the moon in 1971 by astronaut David Scott to commemorate fallen astronauts and cosmonauts. The sculpture, depicting a stylized human figure, was secretly brought aboard Apollo 15 and has remained on the moon since. While Van Hoeydonck intended to sell replicas, NASA's policy against commercial exploitation prevented this. This artwork, while not the first in space, represents a significant artistic and cultural achievement, symbolizing humanity's exploration of space and honoring those who lost their lives in the pursuit. Van Hoeydonck's artistic career was marked by experimentation and innovation, with the "Fallen Astronaut" reflecting his minimalist aesthetic and fascination with space and technology. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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

Victor Vasarely was a Hungarian-French artist known for his innovative style and contributions to the Op Art movement. One of Vasarely's most famous works is "Zebra," created in 1937. This painting showcases his ability to create optical illusions through the use of black and white stripes. When viewed from a distance, the stripes appear to vibrate and create a sense of movement. This technique, known as the "Vasarely effect," became a hallmark of his style. The Zebra painting is considered to be the first Op Art painting. Arts Madness 2025 Season 11 is all about my Arts Madness Tournament. Once again, I hope you will weigh in on your favorite artists/artworks as we go from 64 down to 1. For this year’s tournament, I put 32 works from the AP Art History list in one bracket, and on the other side, I have 32 artists/works from my personal “Salon des Refusés” that were not included in the curriculum. Voting for Round 1 will begin Monday, February 24. In the meantime, learn about all the different artists/artworks. I will be posting daily mini episodes for 64 days (mostly encore presentations with some updates and new episodes most Mondays). Arts Madness 2025 links: The Brackets Vote in the Current Round 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