Artalogue

Today on the Artalogue, we’re exploring the fascinating world of ancient Roman art with Jacqueline Giz, a passionate PhD student from the University of Michigan. Jacqueline shares her unique journey from aspiring lawyer to art historian, initially sparked by her parents' love for art and Roman history. Discover how her childhood curiosity evolved into a professional pursuit, focusing on the the lesser studied art and artefacts of the ancient  Mediterranean. We chat candidly about picking a university that’s right for you, with Giz elaborating on her choice to study at the University of Michigan, partially influenced by the Kelsey Museum's exceptional collection.

Giz also discusses transformative power of museums in making history accessible and engaging. Museums, she explains, are not just repositories of the past but vibrant spaces that can offer profound experiences to diverse audiences. We chat about the challenges of curating archaeological objects and the importance of providing meaningful context that resonates with contemporary viewers. From crafting impactful curatorial labels to engaging visitors outside traditional methods, Giz shares her insights and experiences in bridging the gap between ancient artifacts and modern audiences.

With Gladiator 2 being on everyone’s mind, we elaborate on the often-misunderstood Roman Empire and its portrayal in popular media. While movies like the second Gladiator film can ignite interest, they also risk distorting historical narratives. 

Speaking about the academic side of the art world, Giz offers her perspective on overcoming imposter syndrome, encouraging listeners to embrace their achievements amidst the academic pressure. Her reflections provide both a window into the ancient world and an inspiring message of self-belief. Join us for a captivating episode that blends art, history, and personal growth, offering a fresh perspective on the ancient Mediterranean and its relevance today.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Step into the captivating world of tattooing with our esteemed guest, Paul Booth, a legendary tattoo artist celebrated for his dark and provocative style. Paul tells us about his career journey from admiring the tattoos of a classmate to opening a 3 story tattoo shop and gallery in Manhattan. Paul opens up about his unique style evolution, rooted in the bold use of black and gray shading. 

Explore the profound journey of tattoos as keepsakes that memorialize pivotal life moments and personal histories. Paul shares heartwarming anecdotes about tattoos that symbolize cherished relationships and personal milestones, such as his face tattoo designed by his mentor. Booth’s  artistic expression transcends the skin by embracing music, clay, and even the digital domain of AI design. 

Amidst tales of artistic triumphs and challenges, Paul reflects on the division many see between tattooing and fine art.  His invaluable advice for aspiring artists underscores the importance of genuine artistry over ego, inspiring them to dedicate themselves to their craft. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the enduring power of creativity and the limitless potential of art as a transformative force.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

When I asked Bill Powers, owner of Half Gallery (who also happens to be an avid tennis player) what similarities could be drawn between the art world and the game, he replied "I guess sometimes people may pay more attention to their outfits than their backhand."

Throughout our conversation, Bill Powers, the owner of Half Gallery, serves some keen insight from his many years in the Art World. Starting as a culture journalist  writing for magazines and esteemed publications like the New York Times, Powers pivoted to becoming a gallerist when the moment arose. "Why not me?", he thought. He now contributes to Muse, Purple and Autre magazines. He now has two books available through Junior Publishing, Glissando and Early 21st Century Art.  

Alongside discussions about his career and gallery, we discuss the changing Art World and what the future holds. We chat about the shifting nature and relevancy of art criticism and the growing influence of market dynamics on artistic expression. From the recent spectacle of Maurizio Cattelan's "Comedian" at the recent Sotheby's auction to the disruptive force of NFTs, we try to untangle and understand how commercial success is reshaping taste and connoisseurship. Bill reflects on the delicate balance of business with creativity. His story is a compelling glimpse into the ways in which different aspects of the Art World converge.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Join us as we welcome Joel Nichols, a brilliant Rhodes Scholar whose journey as an artist has taken an exciting turn. I chatted with Joel right before he was leaving Winnipeg for Oxford to further his studies. Through our conversation, Joel reveals how his initial pursuit of science and medicine was put aside after a chance drawing class at university. His interest in science has serendipitously intertwined with his artistic endeavours, particularly in the chemistry-rich world of ceramics. His practice spans multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, and printmaking, creating an interdisciplinary dialogue that speaks to themes of identity, queer theory, and bodily autonomy. Joel channels his heritage and diverse background into his work, making it relatable and accessible to a variety of audiences. 

In the second half of our discussion, Joel reflects on his transformative experiences at the University of Manitoba's School of Art and his incredible residency at the Banff Center. With breathtaking studio views and the camaraderie of a diverse group of artists, Joel's time in Banff proved to be a period of profound growth and connection. He shares the challenges and triumphs of creating large ceramic vessels using the Korean Onggi technique and how these experiences shaped him both personally and artistically. We also talk candidly about stepping into the commercial side of art production and the challenges that can present an artist. 

Tune in to hear about Joel’s journey and what fuels the artist’s innovative practice right before he heads off to Oxford to pursue an MFA as a prestigious Rhodes Scholar. 

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Hangama Amiri, an acclaimed Afghan-Canadian textile artist, joins us to share her remarkable journey from painting to textiles, drawing deeply from her Afghan heritage and personal history. In our conversation, Amiri explains how she transforms fabrics to tell a story with her art and how powerful the medium is to express authenticity and connection.

We also shine a light on the resilience of Afghan women through salon culture, a fascinating aspect of Amiri's experiences during her visits to Afghanistan that have become prominent in her work. These salons are more than spaces for beauty—they are bastions of resistance and entrepreneurship in male-dominated settings. Amiri reflects on the art world's often narrow views on textiles and shares insights inspired by her academic journey, challenging the notion that textile art is merely craft. Her experiences at NSCAD and Yale underscore the importance of diversity and representation in fostering artistic growth and confidence.

In our final segment, Amiri reflects on her transition to an independent artistic practice and the freedom it offered to develop her unique voice. Aspiring artists will find her advice invaluable: understanding your relationship with your materials and staying true to your intuition as key to authentic expression.
---
Hangama Amiri holds an MFA from Yale University, where she graduated in 2020 from the Painting and Printmaking Department. She received her BFA from NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is a Canadian Fulbright and Post-Graduate Fellow at Yale University School of Art and Sciences (2015-2016). She is also a Kaiserring Stapendiatin of 2023 by Monchehaus Museum in Goslar, Germany. Her recent exhibitions include A Quiet Resistance (2023) at Monchehaus Museum, Goslar, Germany; A Homage to Home (2023) at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, CT; Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (2023), Sharjah, UAE; Reminiscences (2022) at Union Pacific in London; Henna Night/ Shabe Kheena (2022) at David B. Smith Gallery, Denver, CO; Mirrors and Faces (2021) at Cooper Cole Gallery, Toronto; Wandering Amidst the Colors (2021) at Albertz Benda, New York, NY; Spectators of a New Dawn (2021), Towards Gallery, Toronto; and Bazaar: A Recollection of Home (2020) at T293 Gallery, Rome, Italy.

Follow Hangama on Instagram

Cover photo taken by Denis Gutiérrez-Ogrinc.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Canadian artist Corri-Lynn Tetz takes us on an intimate journey through the world of figurative painting, sharing how her grandmother's artistry ignited her passion for painting. From studying at Red Deer College, Emily Carr University, and Concordia University, Corri opens up about navigating the challenges of art school as a figurative painter and the tension woven into her work. She reveals how persistence and a commitment to her artistic vision have been essential, even when her chosen path felt like a "dirty secret." Talking on the heels of her first European solo show in London, Tetz’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft.

In our discussion, we discuss transforming found images into paintings that challenge the male gaze, with Corri sharing her unique perspective on using more explicit images that emphasize humanity instead of objectification. We touch on her experiences at recent exhibitions like "Tender Buttons" in London and discuss the demanding yet exhilarating task of balancing creative pressures during busy periods. Corri-Lynn reflects on her career's winding roads, offering invaluable advice for budding artists on embracing the uncertainty and financial realities of the artistic journey. Stay tuned for insights and inspiration from an artist dedicated to lifelong exploration and innovation.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

In today’s episode, join us for an eye-opening chat with Cameron Fraser-Monroe, a trailblazing Canadian dancer and choreographer from the Tla’amin First Nation. From his early start in Ukrainian dance to his prestigious training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Fraser-Monroe’s journey is nothing short of fascinating. We discuss his inspirations in dance and why he chose to prioritize dance over a potential career in mechanical engineering, getting candid about physical and time constraints in dance careers. 

Fraser-Monroe has performed with many companies including Dancers of Damelahamid, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada from Mexico to New Zealand. As a choreographer Fraser-Monroe has received commissions from the National Ballet of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Whim W’Him Seattle, Ballet Kelowna, the Winnipeg Summer Dance Collective, Artist's Climate Collective, Transformation Cabaret at the Cultch, and both PULSE and Indigenous Day Live! on APTN. For the past five years Fraser-Monroe has served as Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Summer Dance Collective, making dance more accessible in downtown Winnipeg. In 2023/24, he is the Choreographer in Residence at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, their first in 20 years.

Learn more about ballet production with us as Fraser-Monroe takes us through the creation of one of his more recent works, "T'əl: The Wild Man of the Woods”performed by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Discover the intricate process from commission to premiere, involving rich imagery, extensive physical research, and the innovative inclusion of a narrator to tell the story in both Ayajuthem and English. Fraser-Monroe tells us more about how this unique choice underscores the importance of authentic oral history within Indigenous storytelling as well as engaging audiences on a deeper level.

Looking ahead, Cameron shares his vision for the future of ballet in Canada, emphasizing the need for greater diversity and originality. He passionately discusses his upcoming projects, including a fundraiser in the Tla'aman Nation and his upcoming artistic endeavours. Cameron’s commitment to meaningful community engagement and his advice for aspiring dancers—to seek inspiration beyond dance—highlight his dedication to creating a more inclusive, innovative and exciting ballet scene.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Guinevere Turner is a writer, director and actor who has been working in film and TV since her 1994 debut film Go Fish, which she wrote, produced and starred in. She teamed up with director Mary Harron to write the films American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page and Charlie Says. She was a writer and story editor on Showtime’s The L Word, and she played a recurring character on that show. She has written and directed seven short films, two of which premiered at the Sun, dance Film Festival. She can be seen in film roles that include The Watermelon Woman, Chasing Amy, American Psycho and The L Word. Guinevere has taught screenwriting at Sarah Lawrence College, Columbia University, University of Georgia, UCLA, NYU and Syracuse University. She published an essay in The New Yorker in April of 2019, and has expanded on that essay in a memoir which was published by Random House in Summer of 2023.

On today's episode of the Artalogue, we look at the art of writing and film as art forms with one of Madison's favourite contemporary writers, Guinevere Turner. In this episode, we discuss Turner's groundbreaking first feature length film Go Fish as it turns 30 years old, other notable screenplays like American Psycho, and get candid about working as an out gay woman in Hollywood.

Madison and Guinevere Turner also discuss the enduring appeal of American Psycho, its satirical take on toxic masculinity, and Christian Bale's unforgettable performance. We dive into the film's past and present reception , the misconceptions about its message and the fans it has garnered over the years. Plus, discover the little-known secrets behind the iconic business card scene that still captivates fans today.

Guinevere sheds valuable advice on writing everything from screenplays to memoirs and discusses her process, both collaborative and solitary. We discuss Turner's phenomenal new memoir, When the World Didn't End, which details her childhood growing up in a cult and how she wrote it.  Guinevere reflects on her early days of diary writing within the Lyman family cult and how those formative experiences shaped her into the artist she is today. Guinevere sheds light on the less glamourous side of the film industry, from the complexities of collaborative writing to the near constant battle for funding. She shares personal insights into the cathartic power of storytelling. Guinevere also offers a heartfelt reflection on her various career milestones, from acting in Preaching to the Perverted to her work on The L Word and Charlie Says. This episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the joy of reading and writing. 

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Robin Venter is a queer, non-binary, oil painter residing in Long Beach, California. Venter earned a BFA in drawing and painting from the Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), which provided atelier-based training the artist utilizes in their current work. The artist’s current body of work explores the relationship between queerness and the representational figurative tradition. Examples of past queer lives and experiences are brought into Venter’s work through nods to art history and mythologies, connecting the past and present to affirm that there have always been examples of those who defy the societal structures of gender and sexuality.

In this episode, we explore Robin’s thesis work at Laguna, which challenges heteronormative art traditions typified by the reclining nude. We delve into how art school sharpened their technical background and boosted their confidence, providing inspiration for exploring gender and art history.  Learn how masterpieces like the Venus of Urbino and the Birth of Venus influenced Venter’s work while defying gender expectations with body hair and gender ambiguity. We also touch on the influence of ancient Greek erotic pottery and the incorporation of queer aesthetics inspired by artists such as John Singer Sargent. Venter’s journey from elementary school art classes to current successes and future aspirations offers invaluable insights and advice for aspiring painters, underscoring the importance of honesty and self-kindness in the creative process.

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

Laura Lewis is a queer visual artist originally from Kjipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia) currently based in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). Her conceptual figurative painting practice explores philosophical questions concerning psychosexuality, the multiplicities of self, and nuances of the human condition.

Lewis graduated in 2018 with a combined degree from NSCAD and the School of Art, University of Manitoba BFA Honours program. She is the founder and facilitator of Critical Painting Perspectives, presented by Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art. She has participated in artist residencies at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, and in Civita Castellana, Italy. We uncover how her disciplined athletic background continues to fuel the intensity and dedication in her art, while she challenges historical narratives by spotlighting contemporary perspectives from marginalized communities. Scaling artistic heights, Laura reveals the trials and triumphs of creating immersive, large-format paintings, including a poignant nude self-portrait exploring themes of vulnerability, queerness, and identity. We dive into her Critical Painting Perspectives workshops, designed to foster rich discussions among women and gender minorities about contemporary painting. Celebrating the milestones of her career, we highlight her features in Border Crossings and her upcoming exhibitions at Modern Fuel and Gallery 1CO3. Finally, Laura offers invaluable advice for aspiring artists on the importance of passion, community engagement, and the dynamic efforts required to sustain an art career. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with a truly inspiring artist.

Laura's Instagram

Connect with the Artalogue: 

Madison Beale, Host

Be a guest on The Artalogue Podcast