Eye of the Beholder

In recent years, what with pandemics and restrictions, many of us have acquired new habits and interests. Some are modern, adapted to our more digital life, while others can’t be replaced with technology. One such example is attending fairs.  Fortunately, borders are starting to open, restrictions are easing and today we can, once again, face the magical world that so many of us love and are inspired by. In today’s episode, we meet Sophie Wood, Fair Director of The Chelsea Antiques & Fine Art Fair.   Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

Some people are willing to pay absolutely anything to own an item that once belonged to someone famous, or perhaps a great childhood idol. Pontus Silfverstolpe meets Alexander Bitar, a collector who has dedicated his life to finding ‘celebrity' artefacts and historical documents that are both filled with important value and act as puzzle pieces in our history. Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

Alongside sustainability, trends such as cultural heritage, earth, nature, reinterpretation and playfulness stand out for 2022. That is if you believe the data and research behind the Catawiki 2022 Trends Report. In the episode Back to the Future we meet Sophie Clauwaert, Manuel Quiring, Eléonore Floret and Tom Tombeur.  Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

With a world in rapid change, and a completely new generation entering the secondary market and looking to trade sustainably, new trends must follow. Looking ahead to 2022, some of the biggest trends will undoubtedly be Craftsmanship, Iconic Classics and '90s Nostalgia. Craftsmanship, a conscious response to industrial-scale production, reflects the growing appeal for special objects which are uniquely crafted with passion and a personal touch. Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

Diamonds are Forever  The auction industry is stuck in its same old rut, claims one of the market’s most experienced auctioneers. Now, this auctioneer wants to revolutionise the diamond trade according to the new rules and codes of online behavior. Meet Tim Goodman, the fisherman and auctioneer who believes in transparency, who wants to challenge the diamond industry, and who once told Mark Zuckerberg that his nude policies are "bullshit”.   Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

Before COVID-19, one of the most talked about topics in the art and auction industry was the African art scene. Despite rather a lot of silence in the media during the pandemic, since then, both interest in and the demand for African art has skyrocketed, as the African auction and art scene has become more vital than ever, thanks largely to recent digitalization. Meet Susie Goodman, executive director of Strauss & Co. Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

Never before have the wealthy collected so much art. And never before have so many new museums opened to display these dazzling collections, giving the public an honest insight into the true value of art. In the episode 'The Billionaire's Playground', we talk to Georgina Adam, a journalist who has covered the global art and auction market for more than 30 years, about the true value of art, about Billionaires' Blood Sport and about what happens when a museum's money runs out.  Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group.

In episode two of Barnebys’ podcast “Eye of the Beholder”, we traveled back in time, to when Banksy shocked the art world in the middle of an ongoing auction with what is probably the world’s most talked about art coup of all time. Now, we are back behind the scenes at New Bond Street, where the same painting is going under the hammer for a multimillion sum. We also talk to Danny Herbert, collector of street art and Head of Department Urban and Contemporary Art at Tate Ward, about the rising interest in street art. Produced by Eric Palmcrantz, Figaro Music & Media Group.

When NFT made its entrance on the art scene, most people were highly hesitant, but the tech world was stubborn. A few years later, Christie's held its first auction for NFT, at their premises of the 255-year-old auction house at Rockefeller Plaza in New York and it changed the history of art forever. What is the next step for the new currency of the speculative art market? Meet Fanny Lakoubay, digital art advisor specialized in NFTs and part of the founding team of The Crypto And Digital Art Fair, CADAF. Produced by Eric Palmcrantz, Figaro Music & Media Group.

Three years ago Banksy's Girl With Balloon shredded itself just after being sold at Sotheby's for £1,1 million. This October the same painting is back in the sale room. This time with a new name and a four time higher value. Listen to Banksy’s former agent Steve Lazarides and the story how Banksy went from being a reviled street artist to becoming the art world's most well kept secret. Produced by Eric Palmcrantz, Figaro Music & Media Group.