How Does the Art World Work?

In this episode, artist Jessica Stoller invites us inside her powerful solo exhibition Split, on view at New York’s PPOW Gallery. Through meticulously crafted porcelain sculptures, she explores themes of bodily autonomy, feminism, aging, and the tension between beauty and the grotesque.

Stoller discusses the personal and political forces that shaped the work—from the overturning of Roe v. Wade to the overlooked realities of perimenopause. She also unpacks her deep connection to ceramics, the challenges of navigating the art world, and how form and material can carry radical meaning. A conversation about art, rage, and the strange poetry of the body.

In this episode of How Does the Art World Work?, we chat with artist Sydney J. Cohn about their experiences navigating the art world post-graduation. Sydney shares insights into the challenges of pricing art, the importance of mentorship and community, and their journey to their first art fair. We also explore the evolving art world, from the allure of installation-style booths to the enduring debate over minimalism.

Follow Sydney at @sydneyjcohn and visit their website at sydneyjcohn.com.

The VIPs swoop in, the best art disappears, and by the weekend, the fair turns into a selfie playground—welcome to the wild world of the Miami Art Fair.

Join hosts Bartholomew Bland , Matt Nasser and Claudia Baez as they take you inside the chaos: from Botox booths and collectors on the hunt to the strange social rituals of the art elite.

Is collecting about passion or profit? How does the art world balance hype with true artistic value? And most importantly—does the art world even work?Grab a glass of champagne and dive into this lively, no-holds-barred discussion on art, status, and the spectacle of Miami.

🔹 Behind-the-scenes stories from the fair🔹 How to spot (and buy) hidden gems🔹 The weirdest things we saw this year🔹 What the art world really valuesSubscribe & follow for more insider takes on art, money, and culture. And let us know—what’s the wildest thing YOU’VE seen at an art fair? 👀🎤

In this episode of How Does the Art World Work?, hosts Matt Nasser, Claudia Baez, and Bartholomew Bland sit down with Lisa Panzera during Miami Art Week to discuss the evolving landscape of contemporary art. From the resurgence of figurative painting to the challenges of running a gallery, Lisa shares insights from her career spanning both the commercial and nonprofit sectors.

They dive into how the recent downturn in the art market has shaped major fairs like Art Basel, the hidden world of art pricing, and what it really takes to build a successful gallery. Lisa reflects on the differences between commercial and nonprofit institutions, explaining how the fast-paced world of sales contrasts with the slower, more academic approach of university galleries. The conversation also explores how young artists are often picked up too soon, why mid-tier galleries are struggling, and whether a QVC-style art sales channel could bring more transparency to the industry.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the art world—beyond the glamour of art fairs—this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now on Spotify & Youtube

Renowned artist Kevin Berlin joins us to discuss the hidden workings of the art world and his incredible journey as a global artist. From painting endangered crocodiles in Cambodia to reflecting on the timeless allure of Michelangelo and Picasso, Kevin shares insights into art, storytelling, and creativity. Learn how his signature top hat became part of his identity and hear about his upcoming exhibition in Palm Beach.

Follow Kevin on Instagram: @kevinberlin.

In this episode of How Does the Art World Work?, we sit down with Becca Hoffman, founder of 74th Arts, to uncover the evolving dynamics of the art world. From boutique art fairs in Aspen to gritty cultural events in Marseilles, Becca shares her journey of redefining how we experience art. We discuss the charm of alternative spaces, the rise of self-taught artists, and why art fairs are more like the Super Bowl than you might think. Whether you’re an artist, collector, or simply curious, this episode offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on creativity and cultural impact.

Follow Becca Hoffman on Instagram: @beccahgny

Join us for a deep dive into the art world with photographer and visual artist Daniel Kukla. In this episode, Daniel opens up about his unconventional journey—from studying biology to navigating New York’s vibrant yet demanding art scene. We explore his diverse creative practice, which spans everything from photojournalism and installation photography to capturing ephemeral natural elements like firefly light.

Daniel reflects on the environmental challenges of art-making and the tension between sustainability and creativity. He shares candid insights on working with galleries, documenting exhibitions, and the importance of maintaining community in an industry fueled by competition. We also touch on timely themes, including the impact of AI on art criticism, the rise of digital art, and the realities of privilege and financial support in the art world.

Follow Daniel on Instagram @danielkukla and discover more of his work at danielkukla.com.

🎧 Tune in now for an engaging conversation on art, nature, and what it takes to thrive creatively in today’s fast-evolving world.

In this episode of How Does the Art World Work?, hosts Matt Nasser, Claudia Bass, and Bartholomew Bland are joined by artist and therapist Irena Kenny, who has been blending the worlds of art and therapy for nearly 20 years.

Irena takes us on a journey through her early artistic training in Czechoslovakia and contrasts it with the U.S., shedding light on the differences in art education. She shares her personal experiences on how art became an emotional escape during difficult times and discusses how art therapy can help externalize emotions and create a sense of relief.

The conversation dives deep into the importance of craftsmanship in art, the challenges faced by artists today, and the role of art in modern education. Irena also opens up about her own internal struggles with accepting herself as an artist and how her work as a therapist adds a unique dimension to her artistic process.

Whether you're an artist, a therapist, or simply curious about how art can heal, this episode offers a compelling discussion about the intersections of art, therapy, and the creative process.

In this episode of "How Does the Art World Work?", hosts Matt Nasser, Bartholomew Bland, and Claudia Bias sit down with the acclaimed artist Oliver Herring. They dive into Oliver's unique approach to art, from his roots in Germany to his long-standing career in New York. Oliver shares insights into his artistic journey, including his involvement with the Armory Show, his innovative "TASK" projects, and his views on the intersection of art and performance. The discussion touches on the challenges of monetizing art, the importance of living in the moment, and the idea of legacy in the art world. With anecdotes and reflections, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be an artist today.

In this episode of How Does the Art World Work?, we sit down with Kevin Ritter, Managing Editor of Urban Omnibus, to explore the crucial topic of accessibility in New York's cultural institutions. Kevin shares insights from his recent article and panel discussions, highlighting where accessibility in art museums is thriving and where there's still room for improvement. We delve into the design challenges these institutions face, the impact of renovations on accessibility, and the ongoing struggle to balance aesthetic grandeur with practical inclusivity. Whether you're a museum-goer, an art enthusiast, or someone interested in urban planning, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on making art spaces welcoming to all.