10 episodes

You’ve heard of Jackson Pollock. But you may have never heard of Lee Krasner, an artist, Pollock’s wife, and the woman who made him famous – and in doing so, changed everything about the landscape of modern art. This is a story of love, of power, of alcoholism, of brutality, and an ill-timed death. This 6-episode series, hosted by curator, author, and broadcaster Katy Hessel, offers an inside look into two of the greatest artists of the 20th century, and how their vision impacts ours. 

And listen back to season one, where host Helen Molesworth revisits the artist Ana Mendieta’s death and the trial that followed, and interrogates both the silence and the protest that have accompanied her story ever since.

Death of an Artist Season 1 is a co-production between Pushkin Industries, Somethin’ Else, and Sony Music Entertainment.

Death of an Artist Season 2 is a co-production between Pushkin Industries and Samizdat Audio.

Death of an Artist Pushkin

    • True Crime
    • 4.6 • 643 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

You’ve heard of Jackson Pollock. But you may have never heard of Lee Krasner, an artist, Pollock’s wife, and the woman who made him famous – and in doing so, changed everything about the landscape of modern art. This is a story of love, of power, of alcoholism, of brutality, and an ill-timed death. This 6-episode series, hosted by curator, author, and broadcaster Katy Hessel, offers an inside look into two of the greatest artists of the 20th century, and how their vision impacts ours. 

And listen back to season one, where host Helen Molesworth revisits the artist Ana Mendieta’s death and the trial that followed, and interrogates both the silence and the protest that have accompanied her story ever since.

Death of an Artist Season 1 is a co-production between Pushkin Industries, Somethin’ Else, and Sony Music Entertainment.

Death of an Artist Season 2 is a co-production between Pushkin Industries and Samizdat Audio.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Death of an Artist Season 2: Krasner and Pollock

    Death of an Artist Season 2: Krasner and Pollock

    On May 17th, Death of an Artist returns with an all new season hosted by Katy Hessel about the woman who made the modern art world: Lee Krasner. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 3 min
    Episode 1: The Haunting

    Episode 1: The Haunting

    In 1980s Manhattan, a young Cuban artist named Ana Mendieta made a name for herself as a rising star in the art world. Her turbulent marriage to the older and well-established sculptor Carl Andre raised eyebrows. One September night, Carl called 911 in a panic. His wife, he said, “went out the window.” 

    To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 44 min
    Episode 2: What the Wall Label Doesn’t Tell You

    Episode 2: What the Wall Label Doesn’t Tell You

    Following Ana’s death, police take Carl in for questioning. He has scratches on his face. His story is inconsistent, yet he maintains his innocence. In this episode, we rewind and take a look back at Carl’s history and his relationship with Ana and try to understand what led to that night.

    To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 43 min
    Episode 3: The Feminist Cabal

    Episode 3: The Feminist Cabal

    Ana’s art engaged with her identity as a Cuban female artist. She worked hard to be recognized in a world dominated by white men. After her death, Ana’s friends and family demand an investigation. Many of the most powerful members of the art world dismiss them as a “feminist cabal.”

    To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to subscribe to our email list.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 38 min
    Episode 4: The Genius Problem

    Episode 4: The Genius Problem

    Carl stands trial for the murder of Ana Mendieta. His defense ruthlessly attacks Ana, using her artwork against her, and rests heavily on his prestige in the art world. Helen reveals her personal connection to Carl Andre and his work, and how it changed her career.

    To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to subscribe to our email list.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 43 min
    Episode 5: The Silencing

    Episode 5: The Silencing

    Carl Andre is acquitted. Decades later, the art world remains divided about his innocence. In order to protect Carl, the art world maintained a strict separation between the art and the artist and used silence to preserve the status quo. But a few remain vocal.

    To hear the rest of Season 1 ad-free, sign up for Pushkin+ on the Death of an Artist show page in Apple Podcasts, or at pushkin.fm/plus. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to subscribe to our email list.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
643 Ratings

643 Ratings

BACNE SPEARS ,

Helen can do no wrong IMO

This podcast is so great ESPECIALLY the ep where Helen goes deep into her feelings about cancel culture. So thoughtful. Long live Ana Mendieta and her work!❤️

yellowjac ,

Excellent podcast ruined by frequent and intrusive ads

A murder mystery set within a substantive analysis of art world dynamics. Be prepared to go for a paid subscription because the frequent, loud, and intrusive ads will annoy the heck out if you and detract from an otherwise high quality experience.

MJAmami ,

Great listen for the art historian & the just person on the street art lover.

Helen Molesworth is the perfect narrator for this true story. She is also considerate and defines all the art “lingo”. Thank you for making this podcast to tell Ana Mandieta’s story and what it means in the larger picture.

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