Can you smell a work of art? This episode looks at the long and complex history of scent and smell in art. We consider the use of air and olfactory materials in Marcel Duchamp’s work, as well as a range of contemporary practices. The episode concludes with an interview with Victor Rivera-Díaz, a graduate of RISD’s Nature–Culture–Sustainability Studies program and current Research Assistant at Anicka Yi Studio, New York City. This episode is presented by Yuting Wang.
Aug 8, 2023
15 min
Teeth can be signals of wealth, receptors of pain, or a medium for bodily adornment, and this episode foregrounds the intersection between class, race, and nationality when it comes to our mouths. It features an interview Regina Gutierrez, a Sculpture student at RISD, as well as a consideration of the work of RISD alum Janine Antoni, who treats the mouth as a sculpting tool in ways that complicate the expectations of gender-based labor. This episode is presented by Katherine Fu.
Aug 1, 2023
15 min
With vinyl, and artwork becomes something you don’t just see, but one that you can hear as well. In this episode, we take a look at the history of vinyl record production and its incorporation into avant-garde art, particularly in the sound-based work of artist and musician Christian Marclay, who pushes vinyl to its limits. This episode is presented by Jesse Calderon.
Jul 25, 2023
7 min
Can an everyday object become a work of art? This episode looks at the alchemy of the “found object,” from Marcel Duchamp’s iconoclastic use of the readymade to Amalia Pica’s contemporary use of found materials to critique and question Argentine politics. It features an interview with RISD student and fashion designer Izaak Hernandez, who studies Textiles and advocates for the communicative powers of garbage. This episode is presented by Leslie Gonzalez.
Jul 18, 2023
15 min
The intersection of metal and printmaking forms the basis for this episode, which focuses on the technique of electroforming. In an extended conversation with RISD Printmaking MFA student Isabelle Ghanayem, the ecological and ethical dimensions of electroforming take center stage, from its potential toxicity to its geopolitical implications. This episode is presented by Beth Nguyen.
Jul 11, 2023
41 min
Copper wire yarns, a specialized form of yarn used to develop charged textiles, are very common in clothing, furniture, wound dressings, and more, and this episode examines the interconnected histories of copper mining and textile design. We look at the work of Peruvian artist Ximena Garrido-Lecca, whose work foregrounds the tension between tradition and industry, and speak with RISD Dean of Fine Arts and textile designer Brooks Hagan. This episode is presented by Yukti Agarwal.
Jul 5, 2023
31 min
Light: we cannot see anything without it, but when does light become a threat to art? This episode considers the complicated history of light in art, from prehistoric cave paintings to the modern abstract canvas of Mark Rothko, with a particular focus on conservation and restoration. It features an interview with Ingrid Neuman, Senior Conservator at Museum of Art Rhode Island School of Design. This episode is presented by Fiona Dolan.
Jun 27, 2023
24 min
Glass has been used and produced by humans for over six thousand years. This episode examines glass both as natural and manufactured material, from ancient beads to medieval stained glass to the contemporary work of Philadelphia-based glass artist Judith Schaechter. A conversation with contemporary glass artist Koda Tousignant, who is pursuing a double major in Glass and Printmaking at RISD, rounds out this deep dive into the world of glass. This episode is presented by Hili Slav.
Jun 20, 2023
17 min
Earth was the first, and perhaps most universal, building material. In this episode we consider various histories, uses of the earth, with particular attention to Indigenous practices and understandings. This episode looks at the Marfa-based bohemian hotel brand El Cosmico, and it includes an extended interview with Peter Dean, Senior Critic in Furniture Design and faculty affiliated with RISD Nature–Culture–Sustainability Studies. This episode is presented by Ben Roland.
Jun 13, 2023
25 min
Ink is used to create words, characters, and images on a variety of supports, but what about ink itself? We look at the multifaceted history of ink, including the work of contemporary Chinese painter Nan Qi, who pushes the boundaries of ink and xuan rice paper into the digital era. The episode closes with an interview with Celine Lam, a current student at RISD who is studying Painting. This episode is presented by Michelle Tan.
Jun 6, 2023
17 min
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