The love that loves you back

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

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.

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!

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!!

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.

Jonathan and Valerie unpack the essences of art criticism and why it's return is vital to contemporary art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode Jonathan and Valerie address the idea and history of portraiture with mild dissection of Jonathan's personal insights as a portraitist.

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.

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.

Join hosts Valerie and Jonathan in their discussion of their shared love for Spanish painter and graphic artist, Francisco Goya!

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.

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.

Join Valerie and Jonathan for their first episode of the year as they dive into the topic of nepotism in the art world. From renowned painters such as Pablo Picasso and Lucian Freud with famous familial connections, they explore how having well-known parents can shape an artist’s career!

Valerie and Jonathan wrap up 2024 by discussing the highlights of the year, including notable exhibitions, artistic achievements, and memorable events.

Jonathan and Valerie explore the AI in art debate, examining how technology intersects with art history and discussing the ethical considerations of aesthetics in the digital age.

In this episode, our hosts explore Peter Doig’s ‘debut’ at Gagosian New York and then reflect on the evolution of artistic style, the formation of artistic identity, and the ethical responsibilities of art critics.

Valerie and Jonathan commemorate the life of Frank Auerbach with a discussion about his work and the extraordinary London Quartet he was a part of (Leon Kossoff, Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon), who catalysed British painting in the second half of the 20th century.

Valerie and Jonathan discuss their two heroes Chaim Soutine and Paul Cezanne and the courage of painting as painting among other things!

Jonathan and Valerie explore the modern phenomenon of artist deification. They discuss how idolizing artists can affect their creative process, the reception of their work, and the extrinsic pressures that come with public attention.

Valerie and Jonathan discuss what makes an exhibition truly memorable. Drawing on their experiences with life-changing shows, they explore the elements that turn a selection of artworks into a “perfect” exhibition.

Jonathan Freemantle and Valerie Kabov explore the relationship between art and society, reflecting on how time shapes artistic experience and why engaging with art can feel like stepping outside yourself.

Jonathan and Valerie dive into Paolo Sorrentino’s The Young Pope as a way to unpack themes of the Renaissance, artistic discovery, aesthetics, ethics, and the challenges of art criticism in a modern context.

Valerie Kabov and Jonathan Freemantle have been talking about painting for almost a decade, sometimes it spills into life, it might be interesting to others.Dive in head first in the deep end with our hosts talking about culture catalysts, their first impressions of each other and being irrelevant to gen alpha.