Art Sense

A conversationwith Adam Berninger about the new Heft Gallery which recently opened at 300 Broome Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The gallery features artists who utilize contemporary tools, such as artificial intelligence and algorithms, to reflect on the contemporary world. In the conversation, we discuss his journey from running the gallery online under the name Tender to opening the new physical space for Heft. We also delve into how his background in photography and fabrication has influenced his approach to curating and presenting works, as well as the evolving role of the gallerist, and the unique opportunities and challenges of working with artists who are deeply connected to both traditional and digital art communities. https://heftgallery.com/ https://tender.art/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamberninger/

A conversation with painter Kylie Manning about her latest exhibit, There is something that stays , on view at Pace Gallery’s West 25th Street locations in New York through April 19. Known for her sweeping, atmospheric canvases that merge representation with abstraction, Manning’s work evokes a sense of movement, memory, and emotional resonance. In the conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the new body of work and her evolving relationship with color and form. https://www.pacegallery.com/exhibitions/kylie-manning-there-is-something-that-stays/ http://www.kyliemanning.com/ https://www.pacegallery.com/artists/kylie-manning/

A conversation with art critic and author Jarrett Earnest about the new book “Feint of Heart”, in which Earnest has compiled a kaleidoscopic collection of art essays by the late Dave Hickey. Spanning 1982-2002, the assembled works reflect the intelligence, humor and wit that epitomize Hickey’s contribution to the world of art. https://www.davidzwirner.com/collect/feint-of-heart-art-writings-book https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1644231271?tag=simonsayscom https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Feint-of-Heart-Art-Writings/Dave-Hickey/9781644231272

A conversation with renowned photographer Jeff Wall. Wall’s work transforms everyday moments into cinematic, almost painterly scenes. His latest exhibition at Gagosian’s 541 West 24th Street location in New York runs November 8 to December 21. In that exhibit, he explores themes of memory, artifice, and narrative through his unique approach to staged and ‘near-documentary’ photography. https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2024/jeff-wall/ https://gagosian.com/artists/jeff-wall/

A conversation with renowned artist Joel Shapiro. In his sixth decade of studio production, Shapiro continues to push the boundaries of form, movement, and space in his sculptural practice. In the conversation, we discuss the nature of his work and his latest show at Pace, which demonstrates his continued ability to transform basic geometric shapes into dynamic, expressive works that engage both the viewer and the surrounding environment. https://www.pacegallery.com/exhibitions/joel-shapiro-new-york/

A conversation with John Kunemund of Alexander Gray Associates about the gallery’s recent exhibit Conjuring Tenderness: Paintings from 1987 which featured the work of the late artist Hugh Steers. Known for his evocative and deeply personal works, Steers' paintings capture moments of vulnerability and intimacy, often set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. In the conversation, we explore the context of Steers' work, his unique artistic vision, and his work’s continued ability to resonate with contemporary audiences. https://www.alexandergray.com/exhibitions/hugh-steers4 https://www.alexandergray.com/artists/hugh-steers

A conversation with Michael Findlay about his new book "Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man: New York in the Sixties." In this generously illustrated memoir, Findlay traces his journey from his childhood in Scotland to his influential career in New York, where he directed one of the first art galleries in SoHo. We discuss his experiences launching solo exhibitions for artists like John Baldessari and Hannah Wilke, his relationships with iconic figures such as Andy Warhol and Ray Johnston, and his vivid recollections of the vibrant New York art scene of the sixties and seventies. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746815/portrait-of-the-art-dealer-as-a-young-man-by-michael-findlay/ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3791377264?tag=randohouseinc7986-20 https://www.michaelfindlay.com/

A conversation with Natalie Dupecher, Associate Curator of Modern Art at the Menil Collection, about the fascinating and often overlooked artist Janet Sobel. Known for her pioneering drip painting technique and “all over” aesthetic, Sobel significantly influenced the Abstract Expressionist movement, even preceding Jackson Pollock. We discuss Sobel’s artistic development, her use of unconventional materials, and her work’s bridging of surrealism to abstract expressionism. We also delve into the Menil Collection’s current exhibition, exploring key highlights, themes, and the curatorial process behind showcasing her work. “Janet Sobel: All Over” is on view at the Menil Collection in Houston through August 11. "Janet Sobel: All Over" at the Menil Collection Exhibition Trailer

A conversation with Mad Butter, a pioneering figure in the evolution of AI art. As a classically trained artist and tech entrepreneur, Mad Butter has dedicated himself to fostering a vibrant community and creating educational resources for AI artists. He has co-hosted the daily AI Art Today program on X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces) for over three years and is currently launching a groundbreaking AI program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. https://www.madbutter.com/ https://x.com/madbutter6

A conversation with art collector Eric Green. Eric and his wife Debbie are the founders of the Green Family Art Foundation, which they run along with their son Adam Green, an acclaimed art advisor who recently landed on ARTnews’ list of Top 75 Art World Professionals. In the episode, we delve into Eric's personal journey as a collector, from his first art history class to the construction of his foundation’s prominent exhibition space in the heart of Dallas’ museum district. In particular, we discuss the foundation's mission to support underrepresented contemporary artists, how he works with curators to turn the collection into exhibitions, and what makes a great piece of art. https://www.greenfamilyartfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/greenfamilyartfoundation/?hl=en https://www.greenfamilyartfoundation.org/exhibitions/23-rupture-connection-curated-by-christopher-y.-lew/ https://www.adamgreenartadvisory.com/

A conversation with author Michael Lobel to discuss his new book, “Van Gogh and the End of Nature”. Lobel offers a groundbreaking reassessment of Vincent van Gogh, revealing how the artist's work is deeply intertwined with the industrial age and its environmental impacts. In the conversation, we explore how Van Gogh’s art, often seen as a pure reflection of nature, is in fact a poignant commentary on the era's ecological challenges, making his work profoundly relevant to today's environmental concerns. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300274363/van-gogh-and-the-end-of-nature/ https://a.co/d/0eUB75WX https://huntercollegeart.org/art-history-faculty/michael-lobel/

A conversation with artist Ronny Quevedo. Ronny’s work is an intricate exploration of identity, culture, and history, often drawing from his personal experiences and heritage. Through his unique approach, Quevedo skillfully blends elements of sports, garment making, and indigenous traditions to create thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional narratives. The discussion explores the arc of his career, his latest show at Alexander Gray in New York and an upcoming project at the Menil Collection in Houston. https://www.ronnyquevedo.info/ https://www.alexandergray.com/exhibitions/ronny-quevedo2 https://www.menil.org/exhibitions/384-wall-drawing-series-ronny-quevedo

A conversation with artist Gisela Colón. Gisela is a Puerto Rican-American artist who explores themes of energy, time, and our place in the universe through the construction of totem-like sculptures and colorful reliefs. She is particularly known for her use of unique, light-activated colors which refract light in unexpected ways. In the conversation, Gisela discusses her roots in Puerto Rico, her affiliation with West Coast minimalism and her current exhibits in New York and Brazil. https://www.giselacolon.com/ https://efrainlopez.co/ https://vimeo.com/218809862 https://www.giselacolon.com/videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiMtSVr0eKI

A conversation with author Rochelle Gurstein about her new book “Written in Water: The Ephemeral Life of the Classic in Art”. Gurstein set out to explore and establish a solid foundation for the classic in the history of taste. However, to her surprise, that history instead revealed repeated episodes of soaring and falling reputations, rediscoveries of long-forgotten artists, and radical shifts in the canon, all of which went so completely against common knowledge that it was hard to believe it was true. In the conversation, Rochelle discusses this surprisingly fluid history of what is loved and respected in the history of art. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300215489/written-in-water/ https://www.amazon.com/Written-Water-Ephemeral-Life-Classic-ebook/dp/B0D36HBGVT?ref_=ast_author_mpb

A conversation with artist Pam Glick. In the conversation, the Buffalo native discusses her lifelong fascination with Niagara Falls and its persistent influence on her work. We also discuss her time at RISD, the evolution of her abstract work, and her ability to overcome the hurdles that life throws at each of us. Pam Glick at Stephen Friedman Exhibition: "Bark"

A conversation with the celebrated artist Stanley Whitney. Known for his vibrant use of color and rhythmic compositions, Stanley will take us through the journey of his illustrious career, including its pivotal moments, challenges, and triumphs. Stanley currently has two major exhibitions of his work on view. First, a survey of new work titled "By the Love of Those Unloved" at Gagosian’s 980 Madison Avenue location in New York. And second, a comprehensive retrospective titled "How High the Moon," at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. "Stanley Whitney: By the Love of Those Unloved" Gagosian "Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon" Buffalo AKG Art Museum Profile at Gagosian

A conversation with digital artist and author diewiththemostlikes, whose work consists of short creative prose and digital graphics which examine the human condition through an absurdist lens. Die’s work is filled with scenes of consumption and excess by figures oblivious of the death and decay around them. I encourage listeners to follow the links in the episode description to understand more clearly the nature of his work, especially on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Previous guest Derek Edward Schloss also joins the conversation to talk about his new gallery Glitch Marfa and the artist residency “30 Days in Marfa'' which diewiththemostlikes is currently concluding. That conclusion will culminate with an NFT drop on Art Blocks titled “Nameless Dread”. https://www.artblocks.io/marketplace/collections/nameless-dread-by-diewiththemostlikes https://x.com/toadswiback https://onetie-alltie.com/about/ https://www.glitchmarfa.com/30dm/ https://www.glitchmarfa.com/ https://x.com/glitchmarfa

A conversation with Daniel Walbidi, an extraordinary indigenous Australian artist whose work bridges the spiritual and ancient wisdom of the desert with contemporary artistic expression. The one-on-one discussion with Daniel provided the unique opportunity to connect through the common language of visual art with someone nearly 10,000 miles away. In the conversation, Daniel and I discuss his creative process, the significance of his cultural heritage, and the importance of place in his art. We also explore the meditative nature of both producing and experiencing art. Our conversation centers around his latest show, ‘Yurlupirti - Forever Without End (eternal),’ which is the inaugural exhibition at D’Lan Contemporary’s new space in New York. This exhibition features ten new paintings that delve deeper into Daniel's personal beliefs and cultural perspectives, highlighting the fusion of coastal and desert environments through a vivid and layered abstract style. https://dlancontemporary.com.au/exhibition/yurlupirti-new-york/ https://www.shortstgallery.com.au/artists/119-daniel-walbidi/works/

A conversation with Jordan Schnitzer, the world's foremost collector of prints and multiples. In the conversation, we discuss Jordan’s undeniable passion for art, his thoughts on collecting, and his unwavering support for arts programming. In particular, we delve into his support of a current exhibition at The Getty titled "First Came a Friendship: Sidney B. Felsen and the Artists at Gemini G.E.L." For over five decades, Gemini G.E.L Co-Founder Sidney B. Felsen has documented the vibrant life and creative processes at Gemini through his love of photography. This has resulted in an unmatched historical record of some of the most influential artists of the last sixty years, including Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, Ellsworth Kelly, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Gehry and Julie Mehretu. Felsen's intimate photographs which capture the collaborations and friendships that have shaped Gemini's legacy, are on view at The Getty through July 7. https://www.getty.edu/research/exhibitions_events/exhibitions/sidney_b_felsen/index.html https://www.jordanschnitzer.org/ https://schnitzercare.org/ https://www.geminigel.com/

A conversation with Jim Shaw, an artist known for his eclectic approach and profound commentary on contemporary culture. Jim's expansive body of work spans a variety of media, from large-scale paintings to intricate drawings, each piece offering a window into his rich and complex imagination. Throughout his career, Jim has drawn heavily on post-war popular advertising, using the familiar visuals of mid-century America as a backdrop for his exploration of society's undercurrents. In the conversation, we delve into Jim's fascination with the juxtaposition of invented religions—creating narratives that blur the lines between reality and fiction, and challenge our perceptions of belief and ideology. We also get an inside look at his inspirations and working process, revealing how historical influences and personal experiences shape his artistic vision. In addition, we discuss the work that is currently captivating audiences at several major exhibitions, including Gagosian in London, the Palazzo Diedo in Venice, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp. These shows collectively present a comprehensive view of his artistic journey and the themes that continue to drive his work. https://gagosian.com/artists/jim-shaw/ https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2024/jim-shaw/ https://berggruenarts.org/ https://www.muhka.be/en/exhibitions/jim-shaw-the-ties-that-bind/

A conversation with the legendary art critic, Roberta Smith. For nearly five decades, Roberta has been a guiding force in the art world, shaping conversations and perceptions with her incisive critiques and unparalleled insights. From her early days working alongside Donald Judd to her illustrious tenure at The New York Times, Roberta's journey through the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art offers a unique perspective on the intersection of creativity, criticism, and culture. In the conversation, we delve into Roberta's remarkable career, exploring the challenges and triumphs of navigating the art world's intricacies, as well as gathering insights into how she crafts her acclaimed reviews and essays. In addition, we'll explore the dynamic interplay between art and life, as Roberta shares her experiences as a partner to fellow art critic Jerry Saltz. Together, they form a powerhouse couple whose passion for art reverberates through their personal and professional lives. https://www.instagram.com/robertasmithnyc/ https://www.nytimes.com/by/roberta-smith

A conversation with the iconic Jeffrey Deitch regarding an exciting 2022 exhibition at Deitch’s Los Angeles gallery that has been synthesized into a new book titled "Luncheons on the Grass," available now from Rizzoli Electa. The innovative exhibition revisited and reimagined Édouard Manet’s seminal work, Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe, a painting that shocked the 1863 Parisian art scene and is often heralded as the first modern painting. Our conversation explores how Deitch convinced over thirty of today’s most acclaimed painters (including Cecily Brown, Jeff Koons and Christina Quarles) to respond to Manet's painting by creating works that dialogue with this historic piece, each bringing contemporary perspectives to themes of modernism, realism, and societal depiction. The result not only reconsiders Manet’s impact on modern art but also examines the intersections of historical reverence and contemporary creativity. Jeffrey and I are also joined for the conversation by Viola Angiolini, Director of Research and Curatorial Projects at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery. https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847899876/ https://deitch.com/los-angeles/exhibitions/luncheon-on-the-grass

A conversation with artist Tara Donovan. Donovan is renowned for transforming everyday objects into breathtaking, organic installations. Through her meticulous accumulations of materials such as plastic cups, straws, and toothpicks, Donovan continues to delve into areas of transcendence and transformation by making the mundane magnificent. Her sculptures and installations not only invite viewers to reconsider the materials that populate their daily lives but also explore the complex interplay between natural forms and manufactured elements. https://www.pacegallery.com/exhibitions/tara-donovan-stratagems/ https://www.pacegallery.com/artists/tara-donovan/

A conversation with artist Tony Cragg. Known for his dynamic, often swirling forms that push the boundaries of material and movement, Cragg’s work is a testament to the endless possibilities of sculpture. His innovative use of materials, including bronze, steel, plywood, glass and a variety of synthetic compounds, allows him to explore and express complex forms that make reference to nature, science, and the intrinsic properties of the objects that surround us. The conversation touches on a variety of topics, including process, materials and inspirations. https://www.tony-cragg.com/ https://www.mariangoodman.com/artists/37-tony-cragg/

A conversation with artist Rick Lowe. Renowned for his pioneering work with Project Row Houses in Houston, Lowe's creative endeavors have reshaped the landscape of contemporary art and in 2014 earned him a MacArthur Fellowship. In our conversation, we explore the concept of social sculpture and its ability to transcend traditional art boundaries to catalyze societal transformation. We also explore Lowe's personal evolution, including his celebrated return to painting and his current exhibit in Venice. https://www.ricklowe.com/ https://gagosian.com/artists/rick-lowe/ https://gagosian.com/news/museum-exhibitions/rick-lowe-the-arch-within-the-arc-museo-di-palazzo-grimani-venice/ https://projectrowhouses.org/ https://www.macfound.org/fellows/class-of-2014/rick-lowe