(UN)LEARN

Is true play an act of discipline? Ahead of their TOTAL RESPONSE performance in New York, artists Carlos Niño and Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu join Deep K Kailey to explore the rigorous yet joyful practice of creative expression. They discuss the concept of Simran and the profound responsibility of sharing it with care and integrity. Exploring their deep artistic connection, they reflect on the freedom found in the 'just doing'—where creation becomes a boundaryless act. The conversation moves into the nature of a "weak mind" and how easily it is influenced.Carlos Niño is an internationally renowned percussionist, producer, and composer known for his collaborative approach to spiritual jazz and ambient music (and the concerts Music Director). nep Sidhu is an interdisciplinary practitioner whose work explores the metaphysics of form and spatial rhythm. In collaboration with without SHAPE without FORM and other artists, they create immersive experiences that challenge the boundaries of sound and spirit.

What do you do when a "creative" industry fails to fulfill your purpose? Artist Sejal Parekh shares her non-linear journey, from earning a BA in fine art to years in marketing, and the essential pull that brought her back to the studio. She discusses her experiential sculptural work, including a piece inspired by a vivid memory of a stone handmill (chaki) that was contested by others. We explore the deep freedom in unlearning the need for context, allowing art to be experienced directly, and the joy of finding your true path home.Sejal Parekh is a British-Indian cross-disciplinary artist whose sculptural practice serves as a cartographic intervention into the geographies of displacement. Her work transforms objects and motifs into complex instruments of critical refusal. https://sejalparekh.art/Guest Curator: Xavier Leopold https://xavierleopoldstudio.com

How do we stay grounded in our purpose when the world offers us the trap of ego? BAFTA-longlisted animator Gagandeep Kaur Chahal joins us to discuss the profound shift in perspective that motherhood has brought to her life and work. We explore the deep research behind her acclaimed animation 'Cha', inspired by the incredible resilience, love and detachment of Bibi Jagdish Kaur, and what it means to practice detachment in a high-stakes creative industry. Gagandeep shares her commitment to making art for its original purpose rather than views or accolades, while offering a critical look at AI and why it can never replace the contextual, lived human experience that gives art its soul.Gagandeep Kaur Chahal is a BAFTA-nominated animator and artist celebrated for her ability to weave complex narratives with emotional depth. Her work often explores themes of history, memory, and resilience, combining technical mastery with a commitment to storytelling that prioritises human connection over digital convenience.

What is the true currency of life? Artist, poet, and visual storyteller Tyreis Holder invites us into the "portals into her mind," sharing how her textile and poetry practice became a vital healing device after debilitating grief. We discuss the challenge of overthinking and the freedom found in simply giving yourself permission to 'just do' when words fail. Tyreis shares how a creative community helped her navigate a mind that can feel over-stimulated, and how she works toward contentment—a feeling of being fully at one with body and mind. We close with a reflective discussion on how valuing breath as a gift can bring a powerful perspective on life's fleeting nature and guide us toward mindfulness.Tyreis Holder is a South London-based artist and poet. Her practice centers on explorations of self and the relationship with the mind, using textiles as a poetic language and healing device to generate conversations around social and intimate spaces.

How do we prevent ourselves from slipping back into old patterns? Manuela Moscoso, Executive and Artistic Director of CARA in New York, joins us for a deep dive into institutional building rooted in transparency and kinship. We explore her unique curatorial approach—putting ideas in relation to one another to uncover hidden genealogies—and the vital importance of un-learning the "why" behind our habits. Reflecting on the aftermath of the pandemic, Manuela shares her candid cynicism about how quickly society has returned to old ways, while we discuss the grounding power of planning 250 years ahead. By shifting our focus from immediate results to laying long-term foundations, we explore how to create a culture of care that truly lasts.Manuela Moscoso is a world-renowned curator and institutional leader dedicated to expanding historical records and public discourse. With a career spanning major international biennials and research centers, she now leads CARA (Center for Art, Research and Alliances), a nonprofit space in New York committed to challenging dominant narratives through artistic research, publishing, and a radical commitment to un-learning.

When does freedom become overwhelming? Artist Jordan Zayas Kelly discusses the pressure of time in an academic year and the paradox of the blank canvas, exploring how we often crave external constraints when true freedom feels like too much. She shares her journey from a rigid, prescriptive artistic approach to creating intuitively, and how this shift allows her work to be more accessible. We discuss the work of unlearning complexity to make space for connection, allowing the viewer to re-ascribe histories and ultimately see themselves in the art.Jordan Zayas Kelly is an interdisciplinary artist working between New York and London. Her experimental practice harnesses histories that resist traditional documentation, transforming historically exploited materials into aesthetic interventions. https://jordanzayaskelly.com/Guest Curator: Xavier Leopold https://xavierleopoldstudio.com

Art as a universal language. Deep and Angie open the conversation reflecting on the profound, similar impact of the Journey of the Mind exhibition on audiences in both London and New York, underscoring how a mind "out of control" connects us all through shared pain and the search for purpose. The conversation then pivots to Sally Tallant, President and Executive Director of the Queens Museum, who discusses her "Year of Uncertainty" and the assurance that personal resilience can bring. We explore the powerful challenge of leading a deeply diverse institution where communities are often disparate, and how art can be a truly welcoming, genuinely inclusive place for connection. We conclude by redefining "community"—moving away from external identity markers to focus on the boundaryless mind.Sally Tallant is a leading cultural figure committed to transforming institutional barriers. Her leadership has successfully positioned the Queens Museum as a vital public space—a model for how museums can be genuinely inclusive and dedicated to social justice

Can we find peace in chaos? Artist Anais Öst shares the profound inspiration behind her work: witnessing an Icelandic volcanic eruption. She reflects on how nature’s displacement, despite its power, is never rooted in greed, and how fire creates fertile ground for rebirth. The conversation explores interconnectedness, using the powerful analogy of the mind as a water droplet seeking to merge with the Ocean—the true source. We discuss the essential work of self-reflection, asking: are we living authentically, and how can a spirit of genuine curiosity guide us back to our deepest values?Anais Öst is a Peruvian-Swedish interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersection of light, sound, and time. Her immersive installations blur the lines between human and environment, inviting reflection on transformation and the passage of elemental force. https://www.anaisost.com/Guest Curator: Xavier Leopold https://xavierleopoldstudio.com

What happens when the career you were told to pursue leaves you empty? Artist Ed Vince, who held senior roles at companies like Apple and Facebook, shares his candid journey from the peak of the tech bubble to a profound personal 'breakthrough'. We explore the unsustainable chase for external validation and the desperate attempts to find internal consistency through intense wellness practices. Ed discusses how art became his path to true purpose and flow, allowing him to create with the joy of a child by taking discarded materials and transforming them with care, reflecting on how we must also care for ourselves and others.Ed Vince is a London-based sculptor and artist. Responding to his extensive background as an advertising Creative Director, his work critically examines consumer culture and proposes that discarded elements can be reimagined with renewed significance and purpose. https://www.edwardvince.comGuest Curator: Xavier Leopold https://xavierleopoldstudio.com

How does the search for Truth lead you back to your true Self? Artist Ramone 'K' Anderson opens up about the internal wrestling match he experienced when following rigid paths led him to neglect his inherent artistic purpose. He shares how restrictive views blocked his creative flow, only for his art to ultimately bring him back to his deepest sense of Self. We explore the essential work of unlearning dogma to find creative freedom, discussing how internal stillness and deep listening are needed to access genuine purpose. Ramone 'K' Anderson, a recent RCA Contemporary Art Practice graduate, is a Hackney, North London-based artist and visual storyteller who resists the pressure for his work to be easily consumable. His multi-layered practice explores the issue of ownership of one's story and illuminates issues around equity of cultural capital.https://www.ramonekanderson.comGuest Curator: Xavier Leopold ⁠https://xavierleopoldstudio.com

Michelle, Rajdeep & Ameet discuss the energy drain of people-pleasing and how to reclaim agency over your own happiness. Exploring practical strategies for understanding your own patterns of behaviour, including what triggers intense emotional responses like anger. 

We hear from the digital branding expert who revolutionised Tate's social media presence, Jesse Ringham, who shares his views on the future of creativity and the impact of artificial intelligence on the artworld and beyond. Jesse James Ringham is a Founder and Creative Director with two decades of experience in future trends, cultural engagement and revenue generation. Jesse is an expert in leveraging brand power, digital innovation, and forging major partnerships.

Suleyman ‘Suley’ Wellings-Longmore, human rights lawyer, Harvard Law graduate and acclaimed artist, shares his journey from London to Paris to Ghana. In this exchange, he explores identity, heritage and how masking tape became a powerful tool in his art to make the vulnerable seen and heard.  Suleyman ‘Suley’ Wellings-Longmore is a British artist of Jamaican, Nigerian and Polish heritage, and a graduate of the University of Leeds and Harvard Law School. A Sir Frank Bowling Scholar on the Painting programme at the Royal College of Art, Suley’s practice explores the psychological impact of visual art. Through the sensory, almost physical experience of optical illusions, his work confronts the viewer while challenging their autonomy, engaging with themes of impermanence and change. 

Deep, Angie and Rajdeep dive headfirst into some of life’s greatest taboos: death and grieving. We explore why it’s so easy to avoid these conversations, and offer a fresh perspective on how to open up about loss, process grief. Our conversation explores everything from the initial shock of loss to navigating the long-term journey of grief and honouring the lives of those we love, while offering practical insights.

Xavi is a city trader who turned his back on finance to pursue his dreams of being a multidisciplinary artist. In this conversation, we explore how he discovered his true calling and what it means to lead a life of purpose. Xavier Laurent Leopold is a Sierra Leone-born, South London-based artist, author and lecturer whose bold abstract portraiture explores themes of time, introspection, faith and legacy. A Sir Frank Bowling Scholar, he is currently pursuing an MA in Sculpture at the Royal College of Art. Xavier has exhibited widely, been featured on the BBC, and showcased alongside artists such as Basquiat. His globally stocked book, Art for the Heart, champions creativity for well-being, reflecting his commitment to mental health and youth advocacy.

We sit down with Navjot ‘Nav’ Sawhney, founder of The Washing Machine Project, to hear how a chance encounter during a sabbatical in South India changed the course of his life. What began as a conversation with a neighbour has become a global mission to empower women and ease the burden of handwashing clothes. Navjot ‘Nav’ Sawhney is a humanitarian engineer and the founder of The Washing Machine Project, a social enterprise that designs and distributes manual washing machines to people in need.

Claire Davies, a former British military officer with 22 years in counterintelligence, shares her journey from global conflict zones to the boardroom. Now a Chief Information Security Officer, she opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and leading the fight against cyber threats in the business world. Claire Davies is a highly respected British military veteran with 22 years of experience specialising in counterintelligence across global conflict zones. She now leads teams in the fight against cybercrime, bringing her strategic expertise to the digital frontline.

There’s more to success in business than the bottom line. Sabine Zetteler, founder of a purpose-driven communications agency, joins us to discuss how integrity shapes every part of her business. From choosing the right collaborators to standing by your values, Sabine shares what it takes to build a people-first agency rooted in respect, equity and social justice.

Discover the inspiring story of Harnarayan Singh, the trailblazing first Canadian-Sikh ice hockey commentator. From his early passion for the sport to breaking barriers in broadcasting, Harnarayan weaves together his love of hockey and kirtan, offering a unique perspective on culture, identity and belonging. Harnarayan Singh, born and raised in small-town Alberta, became one of Canada’s top media personalities. He has over 800 games of experience as an NHL broadcaster. As a play-by-play announcer for Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet, he continues to inspire audiences nationwide.

Rejane Dal Bello, an award-winning graphic designer, and David Barnett, Senior Lecturer at Chelsea College of Arts, share their personal journeys into the arts and explore their understanding of seva, or selfless service. They reflect on their work with Without Shape Without Form and what the arts have taught them about purpose and creativity.

Gossip feels like harmless fun – but is it really? Deep, Angie and Ameet come together to challenge the ‘innocence’ of gossip, exploring its impact on everyday life and sharing practical tools to create more positive spaces of growth and truth.

We learn the most from our biggest challenges. In this episode, our guest Radek shares how a near-death experience radically changed his perspective. We explore what life meant to him before the accident, and what lessons he’s learnt since. Radek Lisiak is a Polish-born martial artist and jiu-jitsu black belt based in Slough, UK. After surviving a near-death experience, he now shares insights on resilience, growth, and purpose.

Tayla Welch, a South African secondary school teacher with a Master’s in psychology, joins for an honest conversation about education, mental health and the impact of secondary trauma. She sheds light on the urgent need for better support systems for both students and teachers.

What’s the relationship between deep listening and creativity? In this conversation, the British-born, Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist Nep discusses how deep listening influences his work. We reflect on our work together for the Unstruck Melody installation at V&A South Kensington. Nirbhai (Nep) Singh Sidhu is an interdisciplinary practitioner who works through the metaphysics of form and spatial rhythm within the context of community and self-expression.