Tarik Talk

Episode 1

Mario Cortés (Cuemanche) – Monterrey Host City Poster

Mexican illustrator and visual artist Mario Cortés, professionally known as Cuemanche, is recognized for his vibrant illustrations that celebrate the richness of Mexican culture through color, symbolism, and storytelling. His work blends contemporary illustration with references to architecture, traditions, music, food, and everyday life, creating visually layered compositions that capture the spirit of each location.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Cuemanche was selected as the artist for the official Monterrey Host City Poster. His artwork highlights Monterrey's unique identity by combining iconic landmarks, local culture, and the excitement of football into a dynamic composition that welcomes the world to one of Mexico's host cities.

About Tarik Talk

Brazilian artist and host Tarik Mendes is the creator of Tarik Talk, a podcast and visual series dedicated to exploring the global art world through conversations with artists, curators, dealers, and creative voices across disciplines. With more than 200 episodes spanning 53 seasons, Tarik Talk has been filmed across more than 10 countries, offering an inside look into museums, galleries, studios, and cultural institutions around the world.

Through thoughtful interviews and on-location coverage, Tarik explores the ways art connects people, ideas, and communities. While rooted in contemporary art, the series also expands into conversations with guests from music, acting, journalism, and other creative industries, creating a broader dialogue around culture and creative life.

Follow @tariktalk for episode highlights, guest features, and behind-the-scenes moments, and @tarikmendes for Tarik's latest adventures, travels, and artistic projects.

Listen on YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • iHeartRadio

In this episode, I sit down with Rich Tu, artist, designer, educator, Partner and Executive Creative Director at Sunday Afternoon, and the artist behind the official FIFA World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey Host City Poster.

We discuss his journey growing up in New Jersey as the son of Filipino immigrants, how his father first introduced him to drawing, and the creative influences that shaped his career, from comic books and storytelling to branding, design, and creative leadership.

Rich shares the story behind creating the FIFA World Cup 2026 NY/NJ Host City Poster, revealing the symbolism woven into the design, the inspiration behind its iconic imagery, and what it means to contribute to one of the world's biggest sporting events. @fifaworldcup @fifa @fwc26nynj

We also talk about his upcoming collaboration with the @whitneymuseum, his role as an educator at the School of Visual Arts, entrepreneurship, balancing art and business, working with global brands, his leadership at Sunday Afternoon, and the lessons he's learned throughout his creative career. @svanyc @svabfadesign

Our conversation explores creativity, identity, travel, storytelling, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the creative world, discussing how artists can embrace new technology while staying true to their craft.

Whether you're an artist, designer, creative professional, soccer fan, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode offers an inspiring look into the experiences, ideas, and mindset that have shaped Rich Tu's remarkable career.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

Connect with Rich:

Website: richtu.com

Instagram: @rich_tu

#WeAreNYNJ #Somos26 #WeAre26 #FIFAWorldCup #FIFA

In this episode of Tarik Talk, I take you inside The Other Art Fair Brooklyn, one of New York City's most vibrant and accessible contemporary art events. Held in Brooklyn, the fair brings together hundreds of independent artists, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and purchase artwork directly from the creators themselves.

Presented by Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair has built a reputation for breaking down the barriers of the traditional art world by creating a welcoming environment where artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts can connect face-to-face. The Brooklyn edition showcases a diverse range of artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, ceramics, textiles, and more.

In this recap, I explore the atmosphere of the fair, highlight the incredible artists exhibiting their work, and discuss what makes The Other Art Fair a unique destination for discovering emerging and established talent. From interactive installations and live experiences to meaningful conversations with artists, the fair offers an engaging look at the contemporary art scene in Brooklyn and beyond.

Whether you're an artist, collector, or simply curious about contemporary art, this episode provides an inside look at one of Brooklyn's most exciting cultural events.

Learn more about The Other Art Fair: https://www.theotherartfair.com

In this episode of Tarik Talk, I sit down with Hannah Grout, Senior Fair Manager of The Other Art Fair, to discuss one of the most exciting contemporary art fairs showcasing independent artists today.

We explore the mission behind The Other Art Fair, how artists are selected, what makes the fair different from traditional art fairs, and the importance of creating opportunities for emerging and established artists to connect directly with collectors and the public. Hannah also shares insights into the fair's growth, its global reach, and what visitors can expect when attending the Brooklyn edition.

Whether you're an artist, collector, or art enthusiast, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how The Other Art Fair supports creativity, community, and the next generation of artists.

Learn more about The Other Art Fair: https://www.theotherartfair.com

In this episode of Tarik Talk, I sit down with Brooklyn-based artist Soomin Oeffinger, founder of This This That Studio. Known for her vibrant stained glass works, Soomin creates geometric and abstract compositions that blend color, light, and form in unique and captivating ways. Drawing inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, Swiss poster design, and contemporary illustration, Soomin combines opaque and transparent glass to create handcrafted pieces that transform with changing light and perspective. Her work explores pattern, balance, and visual rhythm while bringing a modern approach to the traditional craft of stained glass. Join us as we discuss her artistic journey, creative influences, studio practice, and the process behind building This This That Studio in Brooklyn. We also talk about the intersection of design and fine art, the challenges and rewards of working with glass, and how she has developed her distinctive visual language. Learn more about Soomin Oeffinger and This This That Studio: https://www.thisthisthat.studio

New York Art Week

At the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the work of Carol Bove engages viewers through monumental sculptural forms that explore movement, material, and the history of modernism. Known for transforming industrial materials such as stainless steel into dynamic and seemingly weightless structures, Bove creates works that balance precision with spontaneity. Her practice often reinterprets the visual language of abstraction, creating a dialogue between contemporary sculpture and art historical traditions. Within the Guggenheim’s iconic architecture, her work creates a striking interaction between space, scale, and perception, inviting visitors to experience sculpture as both physical object and evolving encounter.

Esther Art Fair is a contemporary art fair in New York City that brings together emerging and established artists, galleries, and independent projects in a dynamic and collaborative setting. Known for its focus on discovery and experimentation, the fair creates opportunities for visitors to engage with a wide range of artistic practices and fresh perspectives from across the contemporary art landscape. Taking place during New York’s vibrant art fair season, Esther Art Fair contributes to the city’s cultural energy by fostering connections between artists, collectors, curators, and audiences while highlighting innovative voices shaping today’s art world.

For more information please visit https://esther.ee

Clio Art Fair is an independent contemporary art fair in New York City dedicated to showcasing self represented artists and independent curators who are not represented by major galleries. Created as an alternative to traditional art fair models, Clio focuses on providing a platform for emerging and mid career artists whose practices emphasize innovation, experimentation, and individual vision. Taking place during New York’s busy art fair season, the fair offers visitors an opportunity to discover diverse voices and fresh perspectives while creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and the public in a more personal and accessible environment.

Fridge Art Fair is one of New York City’s most unconventional and artist driven art fairs, known for its playful spirit and independent approach to contemporary art. Founded as an alternative platform that embraces experimentation and accessibility, the fair highlights emerging and mid career artists alongside galleries and curatorial projects that challenge traditional art world structures. Often taking place during the city’s major art fair week, Fridge creates an energetic environment where creativity, humor, and community come together, offering visitors a more intimate and unexpected perspective on the contemporary art scene in New York.