Alexandra delves into the resurgence of “Quiet Luxury” and the “Old Money Aesthetic.” Why does everyone want to dress preppy all of a sudden? Do the rich really dress differently from the rest of us? And what does the popularity of this fashion style tell us about our personal and societal bias?

Then, Alexandra interviews Olivia Whitting from the Art Loss Register. Olivia tells us about this database and how it can be used to prevent the illegal selling of stolen art. We also chat about the Cultural Heritage at Risk database, the stealing of Ukrainian art, and controversial cases where museums are asked to return historically looted art.

The Art Loss Register: https://www.artloss.com/

View the full show notes here: https://www.alexandrakytkasharpe.com/art-is-cheaper-than-therapy

What does the bag you carry say about you?

I chat with Hannah Robinson, freelance illustrator and cartoonist who has done work in the Guardian, the New Yorker and more. We talk about her artistic influences including Wallace and Gromit, learn how illustration can help break down a complicated topic like the mini-budget, and talk a LOT about bags- rubbish bags, Hermes birkins, and everything in between. Also, falling in love with a pickle man?

Also, the news has exploded surrounding the forced resignation of a Florida principal after parents complained about the teaching of Michelangelo's David to a class of sixth graders. Commentators have asked the question- how can these parents possibly think that this sculpture is pornographic? I discuss some of the questions this raises, including the question of what art is considered sexual, to what extent culture plays a role in understanding of art, and what implications Florida’s parental rights movement may have in the art world.

You can find the full shownotes including the art we reference at https://www.alexandrakytkasharpe.com/art-is-cheaper-than-therapy

Hannah’s instagram @robinsondraws

Dr. Michelle Fletcher joins us to tell us about the Visual Commentary on Scripture, films about the end of the world, and her online exhibition of Daniel 5. Also, London museums have yet to recover their pre-covid numbers and the fashion colours of the year includes black and white?

Learn more about the Visual Commentary on Scripture: https://thevcs.org/

Head to the shownotes for images mentioned in the episode: https://www.alexandrakytkasharpe.com/art-is-cheaper-than-therapy

I chat with David Popa, a Finland based artist originally from NYC who creates large-scale ephemeral works with natural earth-based pigments. From speaking about his father’s background in both early 80s graffiti and classical painting, to Popa’s childhood unrest in the studio, we learn about the concept of thin spaces and a form of art that combines adventure with traditional painting.

Links:

You can also access the full show-notes including images that we reference on alexandrakytkasharpe.com. 

Welcome to Art is Cheaper than Therapy, the accessible arts and culture podcast. We'll be bringing in-depth conversations for amatuers and professionals alike in the areas of art, fashion and design. Join us and hear from artists, academics, professionals and amateurs. Whether you know a lot about art already or are just a bit art-curious, this is a great place to start- without intimidating.