Eye of the Beholder

Have you heard the myth of alligators lurking in the New York City sewers? The legend has endured for well over a century and was recently immortalized when Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor unveiled his monumental sculpture New York City Legend in New York’s Union Square last month. Alexander turned to sculpture during the pandemic and created a masterpiece inspired by the resilience of both the large reptiles and New Yorkers, depicting a life-size bronze alligator curled around a New York manhole cover. Join as we talk to Alexander about the artistic process of bringing his vision to life, what he hopes visitors take away from New York City Legend and what’s next for him in 2024.   Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group

With the new year swiftly approaching, what's next for the auction market? Famed online marketplace 1stDibs has recently launched a new auction platform, so we speak to Matthew Rubinger, CCO at 1stDibs, and Anthony Brazilay Freund, 1st Dibs' Editorial Director and Director of Fine Art, about their pivot into the luxury auction realm. Rubinger and Brazilay Freund reveal why auctions are the new frontier of e-commerce, what categories are currently booming on the 1stDibs platform and how storytelling is so important for buying and selling at auction. If you are a seasoned collector or new to the auction world, prepare for the new year with this insightful episode on the future of online auctions and auction market trends for 2024.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

This week's podcast delves into the captivating world of glass artistry and the enchanting allure of working with this translucent medium. Join us as we embark on a journey through the fiery realms of glass blowing and sculpting, where molten glass is transformed into delicate masterpieces that capture the essence of light and transparency. We engage with Tim Rawlinson, unraveling the secrets of their artistic processes, sources of inspiration, and the perfect balance between technical precision and creative expression. Prepare to be spellbound as we explore the timeless traditions and innovative strides in the ever-evolving world of glass art.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

Japanese prints have played a pivotal role in shaping Japanese culture, serving not only as a form of entertainment but also as a medium for social commentary. These unique artworks, once widely accessible, are now valuable collectibles, with rare and well-preserved examples coveted by collectors around the world. Today we delve into the fascinating world of collecting Japanese prints with a distinguished expert in the field, Sebastian Izzard, to explore the profound impact these prints have had on Japanese culture, understand the main trends in the market and identify key factors to consider when acquiring these timeless works of art.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

Discovering the Timeless Craft: Conversations with a renowned Wood Artists on sustainable works, reclaimed materials and the Art-Nature connection. This week's podcast delves into the captivating world of wood artistry and sustainability. Join us as we embark on a journey through the intricate sculptures and masterpieces crafted from the timeless medium of wood. In this series, we sit down with Laura Mays who breathes life into wood, exploring her creative processes, inspirations, and the deep connection between art and nature. Discover the allure of reclaimed materials, the technical intricacies of woodturning, and the stories behind each piece that tell a tale of skilful craftsmanship and artistic vision.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

In this episode, we speak to Gail Crowther, an accomplished writer, researcher, and academic, renowned for her book Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz. Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of female artists in the past, exploring the remarkable journey of women in the art world. Gail provides valuable insights into the advancements and changes that have shaped the landscape of gender equality within the art world, emphasising the profound impact of women's contributions in society. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that unveils the power and significance of women's voices throughout history and beyond.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

The year was 1938 when the launch of Superman in the Action Comics #1 comic book ushered in the Golden Age of comics. Since then, the colorful and dynamic panels pitting superheroes against villains with legendary characters like Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain America have gone on to spawn a billion-dollar comics industry, with individual books now reaching seven figures at auction. This week, we talk to Ashley Cotter-Cairns, the founder of Sell My Comic Books and Head of Comic Strategy at Goldin Auctions, as well as a lifelong collector of comics. He tells us about his personal comic book collection, how to start collecting comics and what's next for this quickly growing auction market.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

Banknotes are so much more than paper money: their historical significance, their intricate details and the stories they tell make them valuable collectibles coveted by enthusiasts worldwide. In today's episode, we chat with a true authority in the field, British banknote expert, dealer and publisher Pamela West, as we embark on a fascinating journey through the history of banknotes and dive into the intriguing world of banknote collectibles. Let's uncover the secrets and stories of one of the most interesting forms of currency and discuss how the future of banknotes looks like: in this ever- evolving digital economy, will their collectibility endure?

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the transformative world of Art and Therapy with renowned art therapist Cathy Malchiodi. Join us as we explore the profound intersection between art and healing, discussing the therapeutic potential of creativity, mindfulness, and artistic expression. Discover how art can serve as a powerful tool in supporting mental health, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.

To delve deep into the world of art forgery and illusions, who better to ask than a renowned art forger who has rocked the art world? In this captivating episode, we are joined by two remarkable guests: famous L.A. art forger Tony Tetro, and Giampiero Ambrosi, the distinguished journalist and author of the gripping biography, "Con/Artist," chronicling Tony's journey. Let’s embark on an exploration of the art forgery realm as Tony Tetro shares his story, recounting his experiences as a master forger and the techniques that allowed him to emulate the strokes of history's greatest artists. Giampiero Ambrosi, who penned Tony's biography, will provide intriguing insights into the psychology of an art forger and the behind-the-scenes details of writing "Con/Artist”. So, whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply captivated by tales of intrigue, join us as we unravel the triumphs, pitfalls and evolution of art forgery. 

Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group.