a podcast
Matter
of Art
Welcome to Matter of Art, where art comes alive through captivating stories and insightful interviews with artists, conservators, and art historians. From the enigmatic strokes of a painting to the intricate details of sculpture to the efforts to protect our cultural heritage, each episode brings you closer to the heart of artistic expression.
Liz Provost is the host and creator of this podcast.
Episode one
Sargy Mann: Art Beyond Sight
In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and art of Sargy Mann, a British painter of landscapes and portraits who continued to create after losing his sight. We will discover how Sargy’s unique vision transcended traditional perceptions, offering profound insights into how we experience art. We will also discuss how we can better appreciate art and the world around us, challenging ourselves to look beyond appearances.
April 15, 2024
Sargy mann, the point morning, 2005, oil on canvas
Episode TWO
How Do we Experience Art? A Conversation with Dr. Dawn Cunningham
In conversation with Queen’s University Professor Dawn Cunningham, we learn how to look at and interpret art critically, and we discuss the prevalence of art forgeries and their impact on our experience and understanding of art history. Together we answer questions including: What are some key elements we should consider when looking at a piece of art? What impact do forgeries have on the art market, the cultural value of art, and the public’s understanding of art? How can art serve as a reflection of society or convey particular themes and narratives?
May 15, 2024
Dr. Dawn Cunningham
Episode Three
Carrie Mae Weems and the kitchen table series
In this episode we learn about the life and work of American artist Carrie Mae Weems. In the first part of the episode, we explore the themes and methods most pertinent to Weems’s oeuvre while in the second part, we discuss The Kitchen Table Series—a seminal work by Weems—and its negotiation of space, power and intimacy.
June 15, 2024
carrie mae weems, Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), 1990, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Episode four
The Crucifixion: From the Roman Empire to the fourth dimension
Let’s explore the deep roots of crucifixion imagery, from ancient Roman execution methods to its transformative representation in art. We’ll journey through Renaissance polychrome sculptures, understanding how artists depicted Christ's suffering to convey powerful narratives. We culminate with Salvador Dalí’s "Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus)," blending Catholicism, science, and surrealism in a groundbreaking 20th-century piece. Join me for an enlightening exploration of how a symbol of death evolved into a profound artistic expression across time and dimensions.
July 15, 2024
Salvador Dalí, Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), 1954, oil on canvas, 76 1/2 × 48 3/4 in., Metropolitan Museum of Art
Episode Five
Master or Maestro? Unpacking Rembrandt’s Studio Secrets
Episode five explores the myth of the "artist genius" through the life and work of Rembrandt van Rijn. Inspired by a university class on the Art of Deception, we delve into Rembrandt's market-savvy practices, his studio's collaborative nature, and how his entrepreneurial spirit redefined authorship. Discover how Rembrandt's approach challenges the notion of solitary genius, shedding light on the contributions of his students and the complexities of art attribution.
August 15, 2024
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), Self Portrait, 1660, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Episode Six
Mastering Art: Conservation, Research, and Global Discoveries
In this episode, we sit down with three master’s students in Art History and Art Conservation to explore their unique summer internships and research experiences. Sophie Morris and Sonia Gaiess offer a glimpse into the fascinating worlds of private and museum conservation, while Sarah Tomkins takes us on her journey of hands-on, primary research at the renowned Venice Biennale.
September 15, 2024
Left to Right: Sonia Gaiess at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto; Sophie Morris at ArtCare Conservation, New York; Sarah Tomkins at the Venice Biennale, Italy
Episode Seven
Art Through the Lens of Science: A Conversation on Technical Art History with Dr. Ron Spronk
In this episode we sit down with Dr. Ron Spronk, a leading expert in technical art history and professor of art history. Known for his groundbreaking work on projects like The Ghent Altarpiece Restoration and Closer to Van Eyck, the Bosch Research and Conservation Project, and Bruegel, the Hand of the Master (Inside Bruegel), Dr. Spronk has transformed how we understand and preserve cultural heritage. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of technical studies, the intersection of art and science, and Dr. Spronk’s insights into the hidden layers of famous works. Discover how cutting-edge research methods are revealing new secrets about art’s most iconic masterpieces.
October 15, 2024
DR. Ron Spronk
Episode EIGHT
Unseen Memories: Art, Heritage, and Healing with Nerine Cavadias
In this episode we speak to Nerine Cavadias, an interdisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada whose art is shaped by unique intersections of memory, heritage, and aphantasia—a rare inability to visualize images and a condition that affects only 1-3% of people. Nerine shares how she draws on family history and explores mental health through her work, transforming complex themes into compelling visual stories. Join us as we explore her journey from photorealism to the therapeutic role of art, and how her practice reshapes the idea of memory and imagination.
November 15, 2024
Nerine Cavadias, Camera-Happy in Belgium, Aug '81, Oil on Wood, 8" round, detail