podcast

During Covid lockdown 1 we engaged in a variety of conversations with bold curators, artists, activists and more to get to the heart of their stories.

Episode 7: Mental Health with Sarah Hollebon

“Fashion is a form of art, and art itself is always there to provoke emotion, create change and to highlight something.”

Sarah Hollebon is a rising British fashion designer who is on a mission to normalise conversations on social issues. Each of her collections highlight people’s real stories and experiences, where some are extremely deep rooted.

During our conversation with Sarah we explore the driving force behind her making mental health a focal point of her creative practice, we discuss how people can improve their wellbeing through periods of isolation and consider what we can do as a society to help end the stigma around mental health.

“Responses to pandemics are never governed primarily by science or by what would appear to be scientifically and medically rational at a given time.”

In this episode we share some audio highlights from our first-ever live online event, The Great Disorder. The event was a private view with a difference. Firstly, artists Nicolas Ruston and Siris Hill shared an exclusive insight into the new works they have created during the pandemic before we then engaged in live discussions with an author, a professor of History, a senior researcher of infectious diseases and a frontline ambulance worker to obtain some broader perspectives of Covid-19.  

“When a painting hits you emotionally you’re then happy to live with that painting and see it every day.”

Despite starting out with no contacts or ‘ins’ into the art world, Nick utilised his talent and entrepreneurial spirit to build a career that has seen him have a sell out show at the Halcyon Gallery in Harrods, be shortlisted for the European Art Prize, attract extensive press and media coverage and have his work feature in major Hollywood Movies.

During our conversation with Nick we explore a couple of significant breakthrough moments of his career, uncover the importance of commercial and artistic collaboration and discover how the pandemic is influencing his current artistic practice. Nick is also a collector and describes the personal significance of a few key pieces in his collection.

“Art is unquantifiable. it can do something to you that you can’t quite put your finger on.”

We first met Adam in 2015 and were immediately struck by the hard-hitting, dark and often disturbing energy of his figurative oil works. Fast forward five years and Adam is now internationally represented by Nadia Arnold and has attracted an enormous following on social media whilst expanding his practice into pen and digital works. 

During our conversation with Adam we explore his outlook on different media, including digital, we delve into his experience of fine art education, discover how social media has been a fantastic platform for his work and we question the psychology of numbers in the context of social media.

“MY OBJECTIVE WAS TO SPOTLIGHT AN ART MOVEMENT THAT WASN’T RESPECTED BY MAINSTREAM MEDIA AND THE TRADITIONAL ART PRESS”

Tina is one of the world’s leading authorities on graffiti, street art and urban art and culture, turning a passion for the subject as teenager into a pioneering career in curation that has seen her produce over three hundred exhibitions to date and direct the world-renowned Moniker Art Fair.

During the conversation we explore her passion for the environment and sustainability, gain an insight into the origins and culture of graffiti and street art and discover what she looks for in an outstanding artist.

“What fascinates me is identity and aesthetics. it’s really about CELEBRATING the beauty of our differences”

Misia-O’s photography practice challenges stereotypes in a number of different areas, and as an artist she is absolutely fascinated with light, so much so that she studies Quantum Physics, even taking exams in the subject, in order to deepen her understanding.  

During the conversation we explore human relationships, the importance of curiosity as well as her own curiosities around nature, spirituality, art and literature.

“Art is about more than making something that ends up in a gallery. It teaches you and helps you...”

Rosalind is an internationally exhibiting artist and a curator who has produced over thirty exhibitions to date including nine exhibitions as the permanent curator at Collyer Bristow gallery in London.

During our conversation we discussed what makes an outstanding piece of work, explored how social media is changing the landscape and the importance of being nice!