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