Artworks are living objects which emerge from a particular perspective at a particular moment, yet continue to exist in a changing world. Some historic artworks, and even images from popular culture, reflect racist attitudes.  What do we do with imagery like this? Can we seal away the past or should we interrogate it? In short, what can we do with racist art?  In this episode, artist, academic and founder of the groundbreaking BLK Art Group, Keith Piper discusses these questions with artist...

In our final episode of this mini-series, curator Linsey Young hears from women artists, photographers, film-makers and activists who were responding to the political upheavals in the 1980s.  From photographs of protests such as the Greenham women’s peace camps to films about AIDS and racist attacks, their work documented and commented on the intense struggles and conflicts of the time. Linsey also finds out how the changing political landscape impacted on women’s ability to make and show...

Curator Linsey Young finds out about group exhibitions by women of colour in the 1980s. Joined by artists and curators, she explores how their shows made women of colour visible and expressed the politics and realities of their experiences. From ‘CopyArt’ based on photographic self-portraits, to a giant avenging hindu goddess Kali, their work challenged stereotypes and was variously celebratory, sorrowful, satirical and urgent. Featuring Marlene Smith, Rita Keegan, Sutapa Biswas and Nina...

In these next two episodes, curator Linsey Young hears from women activists and artists of colour about their experiences and work in the 1970s and 80s. In this episode, she learns about how women mobilised against racism and discrimination, and how artists challenged how art history was being taught.  From involving lecturers in performances that challenged the Euro-centricity of art history to creating installations celebrating women artists of colour, they demanded greater visibility and...

In episode three, curator Linsey Young investigates how the independent music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s liberated women from the expectations of the time. Joined by artists, musicians, writers and activists, she discovers how punk and industrial music created a space for women to express themselves on their own terms. From self-publishing fanzines and forming all-women bands, to creating art in response to sex-work, they challenged ideas about what a woman should be, and...

Curator Linsey Young hears from women who were making work in the 1970s that commented on their roles in the family and in the home. From performing as a pregnant bunny girl in a cage at an agricultural show, to baking a life-sized family in a mobile home, their wildly original work received no attention in the art press. She also uncovers the origins of the Women’s Art Library in the late 1970s, when art history was almost exclusively male, and contemporary women artists faced an extremely...

A 6-part mini-series exploring art, activism and the women's movement in the UK in the 1970s and 80s. In this episode, Curator Linsey Young journeys to the start of the Women's Liberation Movement and hears from women who were making work in the early 1970s. Joined by artists, makers and activists, she explores how this generation came together to demand change and create new spaces to share their art. From flour bombs to fly-posted propaganda, gallery installations to crocheted postal art,...

Curator Linsey Young introduces this 6-part mini-series about art, activism and the women’s movement in the UK in the 1970s and 80s. She remembers back to when she started researching the Women in Revolt! exhibition. Her quest to find work made in response to the Women’s Liberation Movement, punk, Margaret Thatcher, Section 28 etc. led her to meet the remarkable artists, activists and archivists whose stories inspired this podcast.  New episodes drop every Monday from 6 November...

In this episode we revisit Paula Rego’s work to talk about the body, reproductive justice and abortion rights. Listen to Polyester Zine’s editor in chief, Ione Gamble and curator, writer and researcher, Maggie Matić talk to artists Polly Nor and Rene Matić about Paula Rego, their own work, and Polyester’s recent zine Saving Ourselves. See the Paula Rego exhibition at Tate Britain 7 July – 24 October 2021. **Please note that this episode contains sensitive content, including descriptions...

Black women always emerge as pioneers throughout history. From art, to science, to activism and sport, Black women are a force. We live in a world where Black women are expected to be strong. They are expected to be support systems for others, to spearhead political movements, to jump three times as high. It can feel like the world is resting on their shoulders. So how do Black women find space and time to reflect and heal?   This episode of The Art Of ... explores how Black women and...

Comedy as an art form can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece. From toilet humour and sarcasm, to irony and wordplay, artists continue to use comedy within their work today. In this episode, comedian Charlie George explores how artists have used comedy throughout art history and asks 'is it okay to laugh at art?' Hear from artist Abondance Matanda, art historian Alice Procter and assistant curators James Finch, Helen O'Malley and Katy Wan as they chat about their thoughts on...

What role does a persona play in the lives we lead and the art we make? We speak to artists, performers and DJs who use a form of persona in their work. Experimenting with our persona can be a way to learn about ourselves and the world. But do we always know where the performance starts and when it stops? The podcast is presented by Sandra Jean Pierre. Featuring artist Rosa Johan Uddoh, performer and activist Lewis G Burton, Scary Things hosts DJ Bempah & JK, choreographer and performer...

What is love? is one of the most searched questions online. In this episode, author, journalist and ‘the funniest guy on Instagram’, Raven Smith explores how the various experiences of love have been expressed through art. Art that shows romance is loved by many and comes in all forms. From sculpture and photography, to paintings and films – the art of love is a language that speaks to us all. To discover more artworks which have been inspired by romantic love, take a look at our recent...

Why are some stories easier to forget than others? We speak to artists who are using their work to uncover the people who have been hidden from view. Led by artists, poets and activists, we explore how art can be used to address the erasure of important events that has led to a history of ‘misremembering.’ The podcast is presented by poet Bridget Minamore. Featuring artists Kara Walker, Hannah Catherine Jones and Rene Matić, Bristol's city poet, Vanessa Kisuule and Tate Collective Producers...

This episode will be looking at how the culture of hip hop has collided with art forms such as painting, installation art, photography and film. We follow its beginnings as an artistic and socio-political movement in the Bronx in the early 70s to its many manifestations throughout culture today. Listen as we talk with curators, musicians and fine artists about the influence of this art form and how hip-hop’s ability to bring together multiple mediums in one space has revolutionized the...

Discover what it takes to make it in the arts. Inspired by generations of artists who have taken on commercial work to fund their passion projects, we take a practical look at the realities of earning a living as a young creative today. We explore the rise of slasher culture and ask how artists balance priorities; from personal branding, to self-care. The podcast is presented by DJ and producer Martha Pazienti Caidan. Featuring Jide Adetunji and Ibrahim Kamara founders of GUAP video...

In this episode we explore the role of chance and accident in the creative process. Hear artists, musicians and choreographers discuss what it means to 'go with the flow'. The podcast features Frank Bowling, an artist who has spent 60 years improvising with paint. With contributions from dancer Alethia Antonia, artist Albert E. Dean, musicians Greta Eacott, Deji Ijishakin and Axel Lidstrom, and Bowling’s assistant Spencer A. Richards.  The podcast is presented by DJ and broadcaster Zakia...

How long do you usually spend looking at art? In this episode we explore what happens when we allow ourselves time to really get to know an artwork. Hear a psychologist and former monk discuss how the act of looking slowly at objects affects the way we understand them. Tate volunteers and visitors also share their own slow looking experiences and offer some tips and techniques that you can try out on your next gallery visit. This podcast features Bumi Thomas, Nicole Mollett, Rebecca...

In this episode, we challenge the myth of the 'tortured artist'. Hear artists, curators and health professionals discuss the role creativity can play in promoting well-being.

How can our past inspire us to create? We explore the role of memory in art. Pierre Bonnard relied on memory to create his paintings. This podcast asks how can our senses provoke memories and how can our past inspire us? We hear from contemporary artists, a stroke survivor, a neurologist and an author and poet.   Featuring Kayo Chingonyi, Constanza Dessain, Stuart Donaldson, Matthew Gale, Rosanna McLaughlin, Sylvia Rimat, Nick Turner and Rachel Williams. A Boom Shakalaka Production for...

What does it mean to belong? Artists, writers and poets explore the human stories behind art and belonging. In this episode, we explore what it means to belong. How can art make us feel part of something, how can it help us to connect with ourselves and others? Hear artists, an author and a poet reflect on their experiences of art and belonging. Featuring Tracey Chevalier, Lubaina Himid, Andrew Mashigo, Anahita Razvani-Rad, John Hegley, and Corey Samuel. For more information about the...

What does it mean to fail, and how can it lead to success? We hear the human stories behind art and failure.   In this episode we ask what it means to fail and explore how the risk of failure can inspire us. Artist Lubaina Himid says ‘you can’t succeed at a work of art unless you dance with failure’. Hear artists, a poet, a novelist and a dancer reflect on their experience of art and failure. Featuring Lubaina Himid, Akram Khan, Scottee, Tracey Chevalier, and Michael Symmons-Robert. For...

How do art and protest meet? We explore acts of defiance with artists, poets and activists. In this episode we look at how art can be an act of protest. How can art be used to question ideas relating to recognition, representation and equality? Hear artists, activists and a poet discuss their experiences of using their work to bring about change. Featuring Scottee, Jeremy Deller, Anahita Razvani-Rad, Sarah Carne, Hilary Powell, Daniel Edelstyn and Alistair Gentry (Bank Job) and Raju...

What can happen when we allow ourselves to dream? We explore the link between art and dreaming. In this episode we look at how art can encourage us to dream, and ask what is possible when we do. Hear artists, thinkers and a dancer and choreographer consider how art and dreaming meet. We float from balloons, have moments of contemplation in the gallery and wonder what it might be like to bounce on a giant Turkish delight. Featuring Noëmi Lakmaier, Michelle Williams Gamaker, Akram Khan...