The love that loves you back

Avsnitt

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  Redefining the now with Abdollah Nafisi| Episode 28 13.08.2026 46min

  Valerie and Jonathan welcome contemporary sculptor, Abdollah Nafisi for a second round, return to a questioning what it means to be an artist in difficult times. From war and displacement to the pressures of the contemporary art world, they ask whether art can and should respond to political turmoil. Abdollah argues for slowing down and looking at ideas from the past rather than obsessing over the demand for constant originality. This episode considers what it means to live in the present, and whether artists can help imagine futures that are less obsessed with speed, consumption and certainty.
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  Art & Science – Twin Flames| In Conversation with Simeon Nelson 23.06.2026 33min

  Simeon Nelson is an artist who’s always been preoccupied with systems and systems thinking, which has at regular intervals have landed him in the realm of science. In his most recent incarnation he is visiting art professor at the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University. Supported by an inaugural Faraday Discovery Award from the Royal Society in London, he is collaborating on a research project called “Responsive Disorder in Functional Materials”. We speak to Simeon about negotiating the broad spectrum of knowledge and experience between art and science, the possibilities for meaningful synthesis and how to work through the constraints.
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  Outsourcing Humanity: The AI Conversation| Episode 26 27.05.2026 27min

  As society rushes to automate creativity, we ask a difficult question, what happens when humanity begins outsourcing the very things that make us human before we’ve even understood our own humanity? Join hosts Valerie and Jonathan in conversation as they unpack AI participation in the creation and critique of art.
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  Fuck Process| Episode 25 22.04.2026 22min

  What happens when the preciousness of process in practice itself to be challenged? Join hosts Valerie Kabov and Jonathan Freemantle as they explore when to adopt a process and when to release it
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  Abdollah Nafisi in Conversation: Public Sculpture, Iran, and Nature | Episode 24 12.03.2026 38min

  Our special guest this episode is Abdollah Nafisi, a public sculpture artist born in Tehran, Iran, during the Iran–Iraq War. In his twenties, Nafisi travelled with nomadic tribes to learn traditional crafts and local material practices. Originally trained as a furniture maker in Iran and later relocating to the UK, he has developed a sculptural practice that considers the relationship between material, space, and identity. Working primarily with wood, his work often reflects a deep sensitivity to trees.
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  Alternative Models for Art Fairs | Episode 23 26.02.2026 20min

  In Episode 23, Valerie and Jonathan propose some iconoclastic new paradigms for art fair business model, which would both promote economic equity and access as well as artistic innovation. Change must happen if art fairs are to survive and thrive! What changes would you like to see? Comment below, we would love to hear from you!
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  You Asked, We Answered: Q&A with Valerie Kabov and Jonathan Freemantle| Episode 22 27.01.2026 24min

  As promised Episode 22, our final for 2025 answers your major questions for us. We tackle - surviving your own opening, managing success, art prizes - yes or no and finally...will we survive 2026! Join us to find out!!
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  Life of an Artist, Well Lived. In Memory of Charles Hardaker (1934-2025)| Episode 21 18.12.2025 22min

  This episode explores the concept of a career, definitions of success, and the pursuit of stardom and measurable outcomes. It considers generosity of spirit in painting as a measure of a meaningful life and career. This episode is dedicated to the inspirational life and practice of Charles Hardaker, artist and lifelong mentor to host Jonathan Freemantle.
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  You Can Only Critique What You Love| Episode 20 27.11.2025 27min

  Jonathan and Valerie unpack the essences of art criticism and why it's return is vital to contemporary art.
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  Craig Yee's Perspectives on Art and Culture Reframing Political Realities | Episode 19 part 2 18.11.2025 23min

  In part 2, Craig Yee explores how subjective truth, embodied experience, and East Asian artistic traditions offer alternative frameworks for understanding contemporary art. Craig reflects on how cultural workers can help curate a more connected future.
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  Craig Yee in conversation at the scary edges of intercultural dialogue | Episode 19 part 1 01.11.2025 28min

  In this episode, curator and director of Ink Institute, Craig Yee, shares insights on how engaging with different cultural and historical perspectives can deepen and expand the foundations of contemporary art. We dive into his work at Ink Institute, a gallery project dedicated to traditional Chinese calligraphy–based practice, and explore how art can become a space for dialogue.
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  Lawrence Lemaoana in conversation: Art, Access, and Opportunity| Episode 18 part 2 06.10.2025 28min

  Lawrence Lemaoana, South Africa’s leading conceptual artist and activist in conversation on art world realities and what it means to create access in a cultural sector still emerging from history of apartheid; how we can redefine success and what that means for artists as well as his relationship with the legendary Henri Vergon, founder of Afronova Gallery and how that connection shaped his path as an artist.
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  Lawrence Lemaoana in conversation: from Rugby Tackles to Conceptual Textiles| Episode 18 part 1 19.09.2025 32min

  In this episode, we sit down with artist Lawrence Lamaoana to explore his remarkable career and artistic journey, from his early influences in sports and politics to finding his niche. We also trace the path that led to Occupying the Gallery, offering insights into creativity, community-building, mentorship and the power of art to sparking dialogue.
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  Portraiture Explored: History and Personal Insights from Jonathan Freemantle | Episode 17 part 2 03.07.2025 33min

  Jonathan and Valerie continue their discussion of portraiture in part 2, exploring the details of Jonathan’s personal approach and experiences as a practicing portraitist.
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  Exploring Portraiture with Jonathan and Valerie | Episode 17 part 1 17.06.2025 33min

  In this episode Jonathan and Valerie address the idea and history of portraiture with mild dissection of Jonathan's personal insights as a portraitist.
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  In Conversation with Helen Teede | Episode 16 22.05.2025 43min

  In this episode, we welcome Zimbabwean painter Helen Teede as she shares her approach to painting is a form of dialogue and how motherhood has shifted her approach to creativity and time.
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  In Conversation with Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude | Episode 15 29.04.2025 44min

  Valerie and Jonathan welcome the pod’s very first guest, Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic painting voices. The episode journeys through Gresham’s life, inspirations and insights as an emerging painter reaching maturity.
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  A Conversation on Francisco Goya| Episode 14 12.04.2025 36min

  Join hosts Valerie and Jonathan in their discussion of their shared love for Spanish painter and graphic artist, Francisco Goya!
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  Behind Every Artist: Mentors, Coaches & Guides | Episode 13 01.04.2025 30min

  Valerie and Jonathan discuss the importance of mentorship in art, exploring how even the most successful artists rely on mentors, coaches, and guides to shape their creative journeys.
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  When Celebrities Become Artists: Depp, Carrey & Dylan | Episode 12 11.03.2025 31min

  Valerie and Jonathan explore the trend of celebrities entering the art world, from actors-turned-painters like Johnny Depp and Jim Carrey to musicians exploring sculpture, such as Bob Dylan.