In this episode of the Seeing series, curator Carrie Scott sits down in studio with Joel Mesler .

In this deeply personal conversation, Joel opens up about the end of his abandonment issues, why he deliberately chooses discomfort, and what it really means to create permission for others to feel. As an introvert who holds office hours at galleries, he embodies fascinating contradictions—and his radical honesty about parenting, art market strategies, and personal healing makes this one of our most destabilizing interviews yet.

What happens when you sit down with an artist whose work demands genuine vulnerability from everyone in the room? Listen to find out.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠⁠⁠https://seen.art⁠⁠⁠).

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In this episode, artist Richard Phillips sits down with Carrie Scott to talk everything from his meteoric rise after being featured on Gossip Girl, to being 'cancelled' and the abrupt closure of his show at Gagosian. From his unconventional creative process and willingness to destroy seemingly finished works to why he believes today's artists are creating from a place of fear - Richard reminds us that we can't always believe what we hear or see on the internet.

Richard Phillips is an American artist known for large-scale photorealistic paintings that often depict women sourced from fashion magazines and gossip publications. After receiving his BFA from Massachusetts College of Art in 1984 and MFA from Yale School of Art in 1986, Phillips worked as an art handler at the Guggenheim Museum before establishing his painting career. His glossy, hyperrealistic style transforms mass media imagery into fine art, with the artist stating that "fashion is not separate from art" when describing his approach to appropriating commercial source material.

From Carrie: "Perhaps my expectations were low. But I left so happy to have met this man, and indeed happy to have seen his work in person. His facility, and agenda are both extraordinary. His art speaks to the complexities of modern life, exploring themes of celebrity, consumerism, and the intersection of art and popular culture. And I think the art world needs Richard right now. Even if we don’t really want to look at how ugly that side of things can be."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠⁠https://seen.art⁠⁠).

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In this episode, Carrie sits down with Berto Herrera, an American artist and former U.S. military member now based in Germany, who brings a unique perspective to exploring themes of identity, power, and technology through multidisciplinary work. Trained at Parsons and involved early in his career with Los Angeles's influential art collective Box Eight, he worked for a decade as an art director at Adidas before returning to fine art. His practice spans installations, photography, painting, and digital works, driven by philosophical reflections on humanity and addressing themes of consumerism, late-capitalism, corporatism, and cultural identity, with all of his work since his first exhibition in 2006 centered on dismantling and examining subtle cultural biases that shape societal dynamics.

From Carrie: "Berto Herrera's work might not be overtly political or totally autobiographical, but we talk about both those things in our interview. He's constantly trying to raise awareness around things that matter to him, but also that should matter to all of us. Issues around surveillance and racism and military force, these are big things, and he puts them in his work so vividly, but he does it under the veil of beauty."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠⁠⁠https://seen.art⁠⁠⁠).

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In this week's episode of Behind the Seen, Carrie Scott sits down with the art world's favourite YouTuber and art educator: James Payne from Great Art Explained.

What happens when a self-proclaimed "worst artist in history" becomes one of the world's most beloved art educators? Meet James Payne, the mastermind behind Great Art Explained - the YouTube channel that's quietly revolutionized how we think about art.

In this conversation, James reveals the beautifully accidental journey that led him from giving tours to North American students to creating 15-minute videos that have captivated nearly 2 million followers. We dive into his "sleepy voice" that sends people to sleep (and he loves it), why he never shows his face on camera, and how a tweet from Stephen Fry changed everything.

But this isn't just about YouTube success - it's about democratizing art. James breaks down his mission to make art accessible to everyone, from art experts to "that 15-year-old boy in Wisconsin" he keeps in mind with every video. No art speak, no gatekeeping, just pure passion translated into the clearest, most compelling language possible.

We explore the myths James debunks in his new book - from Georgia O'Keeffe's flowers (spoiler: Stieglitz was the problem) to Rodin's factory-made sculptures, and why Monet getting France's first speeding ticket actually matters for understanding his work. Plus, the three-year research journey that nearly broke him but resulted in something he's never been more proud of.

This is a masterclass in turning expertise into accessibility, following your gut, and proving that the best educators aren't always academics - sometimes they're passionate tour guides who stumbled into something extraordinary during lockdown.

Perfect for: Art lovers, educators, content creators, anyone who's ever felt intimidated by the art world, and people who believe culture should be for everyone.

Featured: James Payne's new book "Great Art Explained: How to Look at Art and Understand It" - out October 2nd (UK) / October 14th (US & worldwide)

Grab your copy: https://amzn.to/4nLZFzp

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast.

Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art.

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About Behind The Seen

TheBehind The Seen Series brings on art world professionals of all sorts to give you insight into what the art world is really like. Curious what it’s like being a gallerist, an art critic or a curator? Then this series is for you.

In this episode, photographer Alexei Riboud sits down with Carrie Scott. Born into the art world yet carving his own distinctive path, Riboud shares intimate reflections on his journey, influences, and approach to photography as both art form and personal expression.

Our conversation explores Riboud's fascinating relationship with photography - a medium he embraces for its ability to balance his love of solitude with meaningful connection to the world. With candid insight, he discusses growing up surrounded by artistic luminaries, trading prints with photography legends, and developing a style that honors influences while remaining distinctly his own.

Alexei Riboud is an accomplished photographer born into remarkable artistic lineage as the son of sculptor/poet Barbara Chase-Riboud and renowned photographer Marc Riboud. Despite this heritage, Alexei's path to photography was not predetermined but personally discovered, leading to a distinctive visual language that balances documentary tradition with contemporary vision.

His work has focused on documentary storytelling with particular interest in communities at the margins, including recent projects in Panama's Afro-Caribbean community in Colón. Riboud's approach combines the humanistic perspective reminiscent of his father's work with elements of the dynamic energy found in photographers like William Klein, whom he greatly admires.

Beyond his photography, Riboud is known for his thoughtful reflections on the medium itself and its power to connect people across cultural boundaries. His work continues to evolve while maintaining a commitment to authentic visual storytelling.

From Carrie: I don't mind admitting that Alexei Riboud kind of terrifies me. He comes from art world grace, really. Barbara Chase-Riboud is his mother, Marc Riboud is his father, and so his kind of understanding of art, it's pure and instinctive, right? I've studied it for years - he grew up with it. There's a different thing here. And you see that in the work for sure. He's got a fluency that it's extraordinary. But what I love about being able to interview artists is that you learn something new when you speak to them. And today I realized that actually Alexei is a photographer in spite of the fact that he was raised by artists. This wasn't something that was like a foregone conclusion and not something that maybe they even encouraged. He found photography kind of in spite of where he comes from. And again, I think you see that in the work because it's raw and honest and there's no sentimentality to it. It's just extraordinary. Like him.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠https://seen.art⁠).

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In this episode, Kofi Perry, the 2023 Ingram Prize-winning painter, chats with Carrie Scott.

Kofi's large-scale oil paintings challenge everything you think you know about classical art and contemporary identity. In this revealing conversation, Carrie Scott explores how this emerging artist bridges ancient artistic traditions with futuristic visions, creating imagined figures that feel both timeless and urgently contemporary.

Kofi Perry (b. 1998, Sidon) is an American contemporary painter based in New York City and London.

From Carrie: "Kofi’s paintings are a vibrant exploration of cultural identity and social issues. When we spoke, he explained how he blends abstraction and realism in his work. His pieces are colorful, intricate painting that challenges you to think about race, history, and power. His art is a bold and thought-provoking journey through identity and social commentary."

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠⁠https://seen.art⁠⁠).

Join our free newsletter and become an art insider:⁠⁠ https://mailchi.mp/seen/waitlist

If you want to connect with us between episodes, follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart⁠⁠).

In this episode, Carrie Scott joins painter Jeffrey Melo in his New York studio.

From Carrie: "Jeffrey's commitment to representation, particularly of Black people, is unwavering. To appreciate his work fully, it's essential to view it through the lens of Thelma Golden's "post-black" concept from the late 1990s. This vision embraces a nuanced understanding of Blackness—one that celebrates complexity, multiplicity, and individuality. It rejects monolithic identities in favor of a fluid, dynamic Black culture, filled with diverse voices and perspectives.

Jeffery Melo embodies this "post-black" paradigm. His art transcends traditional boundaries, exploring intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class. With each brushstroke, he challenges stereotypes and celebrates the richness of Black culture, illuminating stories often left in the shadows."

Jeffrey is an artist whose paintings, sculptures, and murals reflect history, music, art/culture, and looks to celebrate, mourn, and bring light to the untold stories of characters in history. He uses portraits to illustrate a realness and an ability to emotionally connect with the stories one would otherwise not be as familiar with. His practice of oil paintings provides you a window into a world that could very well be your own, allowing you, the audience, to empathize with the work and the story it tells. Melo’s aim is to provide the audience with the tools to get curious, inquisitive, and accountable when considering very familiar stories being presented through unfamiliar characters. 

Jeffrey Melo was born in the Bronx, NY and currently resides in NYC. Melo received a BFA in Illustration from the University Of The Arts in Philadelphia.  After graduating in 2012 and moving back to New York, Melo found himself out of love and out of practice with art, which lasted through 2018. As a First Generation American of immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, Melo was always  reminded of his identity. It wasn’t until he went to college that he discovered that who he was perceived very differently amongst his peers. His passion was reignited after a sudden shift in the climate of race and equality in America. This need to have his voice heard inspired Melo and brought purpose back into his Art. 

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠⁠https://seen.art⁠⁠).

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In this episode, photographer Maryam Eisler, joins Carrie Scott to discuss the profound connection between beauty, nature, and artistic expression. Maryam shares her philosophical approach to photography, revealing how she elevates both women and nature to pedestals of admiration, creating visual narratives that transcend mere aesthetics.

Throughout our conversation, Maryam discusses how specific locations become sacred spaces for creative expression, drawing parallels with artistic legends like Georgia O'Keeffe. She offers intimate insights into her process, describing photography as her form of meditation—her "Xanax"—and explains why beauty serves as both an anchor and inspiration in our rapidly changing world.

From her project "West-West" that bridges stunning visuals with explorations of societal division, to her deep connection with Magritte's "Empire of Light," this interview demonstrates why Maryam believes beauty isn't just decoration—it's a gateway to deeper understanding and spiritual connection in uncertain times.

Maryam Eisler is an internationally acclaimed photographer, art patron, and author whose work has been exhibited in major galleries and institutions worldwide. Known for her striking images that celebrate the feminine form in harmony with natural landscapes, Eisler's photographic vision blends fine art aesthetics with profound philosophical underpinnings.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Eisler has served on the boards of numerous cultural institutions including the Tate Modern and the Whitechapel Gallery. Her published works include books on contemporary art and photography, with collaborations featuring some of the world's most influential artists and creatives.

Eisler holds degrees from Wellesley College and Columbia University. Her distinctive artistic approach—photographing both women and nature "from below" with equal reverence—has established her as a unique voice in contemporary photography, one that celebrates beauty as essential rather than superficial in our modern world.

From Carrie: Maryam Eisler is a woman who I've known for for ten years and admired and enjoyed her patronage of the arts, her ability to create beautiful photographs, her generosity, everything, right? But I didn't know until this moment that what she's really seeking is to kind of help us all look at beauty and feel awe. And that's it, whether it's in her own work or through her own work, or through looking at and celebrating other artists. And this makes her extraordinary. This makes her just epic and awesome. And hopefully, you'll know exactly what I mean when you watch our conversation, but also when you look at her work.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (⁠https://seen.art⁠).

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In this episode of the Have You Seen? series, Carrie Scott chats with Spring Break Jake (aka Jake Kenobi), a self-taught painter & mixed media artist born & raised in Minneapolis, MN, currently based in Bend, OR. Jake uses the inevitability of death as motivation to explore the inner oceans of mental health. By creating darkly tropical work that focuses on vulnerability, he illuminates the unseen parts of ourselves while encouraging an acceptance of both the good & the bad, the light & the dark.

From the adherence of found materials to the sculptural effect of thickened acrylic paint, his painting’s themes are reflected in his unique illustrative technique on top of textured layers of gestural abstraction; a physical representation of our often tumultuous minds.

Through the repeated symbolism of death on holiday, Jake’s art ultimately recognizes that while no one gets out of this life alive, we can all find paradise along the way.

From Carrie:

"Otherwise known as Jake Kenobi, his work is raw, emotional, entirely his own. With a background in graphic design and roots in the snowboard industry, he's carved out a practice that feels different. He's blending branding, chaos, emotion, and big topics like insomnia and mental health all into a kind of palatable aesthetic. I got to meet him because he booked a one-to-one consult with me and I was so interested in his work and his practice and excited by the aesthetic that I asked him to do an interview together because I wanted you all to see his work. He's open and honest and the furthest thing from spring break. Each piece feels like a diary entry, layered, textured, emotional, vulnerable. I loved this conversation with him. I love where he's going with the work. I'm excited to follow this guy's career and see what's next. Jake's work ultimately captures the space, the liminal space between paradise and darkness. And I loved talking to him. And I think that you'll enjoy hearing from him, too.

Explore Jake's work: https://springbreakjake.com/

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content, by becoming a member of Seen at https://seen.art.

Connect with us between episodes on Instagram, @watchseenart - https://www.instagram.com/watchseenart

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About the Have You Seen? series:

The ⁠Have You Seen? Series⁠ is all about talking to emerging and mid-career artists about their journey to now.

Curious about how an artist got to where they are or indeed why they chose art in the first place? Then this series is for you. Join us as we speak to emerging and mid-career artists across the globe. Don’t worry, there’s no hiding behind art speak here, or pretending that being an artist is a bowl of cherries. We’re here to hear it all, straight from the source.

In this episode, Misan Harriman, photographer, social activist and Oscar Nominated filmmaker joins Carrie Scott to reflect upon his extraordinary journey, from picking up a camera just seven years ago to becoming one of the most important visual chroniclers of our time. Misan shares how his work documenting the George Floyd protests and global civil rights movements has evolved into a form of resistance, activism, and art. He speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, grief, hope, and the power of photography to bridge divides, challenge systems, and create lasting change. With stories spanning from London to Nigeria, from Grenfell to Palestine, Misan prepares for his first major solo show, "The Purpose of Light" at Hope 93 Gallery in London and opens up about the responsibility he feels to his subjects, to art, and to the world his daughters will inherit.

Misan is one of the most widely-shared visual storytellers of this age. He is also the first black person in the 104 year history of British Vogue to shoot the cover of its September issue. In July 2021 he commenced his appointment as Chair of the Southbank Centre, London.

His strong reportage style and unique eye for narrative has captured the attention of editors and celebrities around the world. From documenting historic moments in history to photographing high profile celebrities, Misan is a photographer of extraordinary range. His striking images have featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue UK, Harpers Bazaar, People Magazine and The Telegraph among others.

Nigeria born, Misan was educated in England where he developed a life-long love for the arts. This led him to picking up a camera and honing his craft. He is completely self-taught, his work is inspired by Gordon Parks, Sally Mann, Eve Arnold, Bruce Davidson, Norman Parkinson and Peter Lindbergh.

From Carrie: I first met Misan Harriman at a party and he took my picture and I thought it was great. Within a year, he was shooting the most important images that came out of the George Floyd protests and Black Lives Matter protests and has spent the last five years documenting every civil rights movement, every single protest that's happened, not only here in the UK, but abroad. So it should have come as no surprise to me that sitting with him was going to be a thing, and it was. Misan himself has as much presence as his work does. He knows what he's trying to do, he knows the message that he's trying to capture, and he's doing it perfectly. I mean that, and I know it sounds gushy, but he is. And he's about to have a show at Hope 93, where he will show for the very first time the bulk of this work, the last five years. And I think it's going to be epic.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Seen podcast. Liked what you heard? Get early access to these episodes and a ton of other great art content by becoming a member of Seen at seen.art (https://seen.art).

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