Share

Ministry of Arts Podcast
Ep.185 Tabish Khan - Ministry of Arts Podcast
In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Tabish Khan (@londonartcritic)
Tabish Khan is an art critic specialising in London's art scene and he believes passionately in making art accessible to everyone. He visits and writes about hundreds of exhibitions a year covering everything from the major blockbusters to the emerging art scene.
Tabish has been visual arts editor for Londonist since 2013. Contributions include reviews, previews, news, experiences and opinion pieces.
He is also a regular contributor for FAD with a weekly top exhibitions to see in London and a column called 'What's wrong with art'.
Tabish is a trustee of ArtCan, a non-profit arts organisation that supports artists through profile raising activities and exhibitions
He is available for interviews, radio and television appearances, to comment on exhibitions and the latest art news.
While art is Tabish's primary focus, he has written about film, theatre, food and many other experiences in London.
For more information on Tabish Khan go to
http://www.tabish-khan.com/
To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts
For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.org
Email: ministryofartsorg@gmail.com
Social Media: @ministryofartsorg
More episodes
View all episodes
REWIND Ep.08 Alice Maher - Ministry of Arts Podcast
58:23|In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Alice Maher (@Maher. Alice) Alice Maher is a prominent Irish contemporary artist whose work explores themes of identity, gender, mythology, and the body. Born in 1956 in County Tipperary, Maher studied at the University of Ulster, Belfast, and the San Francisco Art Institute. Her practice spans a wide range of media, including drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, and film. Maher is known for using unconventional materials such as hair, nettles, thorns, and animal organs, challenging traditional boundaries between nature and culture, the beautiful and the grotesque. Her art frequently references Irish folklore, literature, and feminist theory, creating deeply symbolic and often unsettling imagery. Works like The Axe (and the Waving Girl) and Mnemosyne reflect her interest in memory, transformation, and the female experience. In addition to her visual work, Maher has collaborated with writers, musicians, and performers, enriching her practice with interdisciplinary influences. She represented Ireland at the São Paulo Bienal in 1994 and has exhibited widely in major galleries, including the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Maher remains a vital figure in contemporary art, both in Ireland and internationally. To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorgREWIND Ep.07 Simon Callery - Ministry of Arts Podcast
53:03|In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Simon Callery (@Simon.Callery) Simon Callery is known for his innovative approach to painting, which bridges the gap between two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional space. Born in London in 1960, Callery studied at Campion School and later at Cardiff College of Art. His work challenges traditional definitions of painting by incorporating sculptural elements—his canvases are often cut, pierced, folded, and stained with intense, earthy pigments. These works possess a physicality that invites viewers to engage not only visually but also spatially.Callery’s artistic process is deeply connected to the landscape and archaeology, particularly the British countryside. Collaborations with archaeologists have influenced his method of working directly on site, allowing his paintings to absorb the environment both physically and conceptually. His paintings are often large in scale, with surfaces that appear worn, layered, and tactile—echoing the processes of erosion and excavation.By rejecting the illusionistic space of traditional painting, Callery creates works that are both objects and experiences. He has exhibited widely across the UK and Europe, with works held in public collections such as the Tate and Arts Council England. To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg287. Ep.287 SLART a.k.a Steven Light - Ministry of Arts Podcast
46:42||Ep. 287In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to SLART (@SLART.ME) SLART — a figurative expressionist and proud outsider artist based in Swindon, UK. He dropped out of his A-level art class after his teacher told him he couldn’t draw large scale. It wasn’t until his late 30s that he picked up pen and ink again, prompted by a blog post that posed three questions about childhood pastimes. His answers were all “drawing and video games”—he chose drawing.Many life experiences fuel his art, including his adoption, chronic illness, two kidney transplants, the deaths of family members, everyday life, and a fascination with people and their stories — as an observer of others, shaped by chronic shyness and a deep feeling of being an outsider. Now he mainly paints large canvases using oils and acrylics, exploring themes of identity, memory, nostalgia and mortality, but often injects a humorous, self-deprecating element to his work. He writes about his art practice every Saturday on Substack (Substack www.creamofthecropbyslart.com) Upcoming solo show 6-18th September www.memementovivere.art Exhibition Details:MEMENTO VIVERE (Remember to Live) - Art Exhibition by SLARTThe Crypt Gallery, St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA7th September – 18th September 2025Free Entry Opening Night Reception: Saturday, 6th September 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Invite only) In partnership with Beata Maria Rzepecka from Gabriel Fine Arts, invites the public to "MEMENTO VIVERE" (Remember to Live) "MEMENTO VIVERE" serves as a poignant reminder to embrace the beauty and fragility of existence. The works reflect a deeply personal journey of introspection while touching upon the universal human condition."People shy away from death," says SLART, whose work often combines memento mori and spiritual themes with pop culture influences. “This exhibition comes from facing my own health struggles and thinking a lot about life and death. But it’s not all heavy — it’s actually about hope and reflection. It’s a reminder to wake up, notice the little things, and really live — with no regrets. Even when life feels messy, there’s still beauty and meaning to be found."The exhibition aims to challenge viewers to reflect on their own lives, mortality, and choices, creating an appreciation for the fleeting nature of time. Using raw expression, SLART’s art navigates complex emotions, testifying to human resilience and the drive to live fully during our finite lives. For more information on the work of SLART go tohttps://www.slart.me To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorgREWIND Ep.06 Si Sapsford - Ministry of Arts Podcast
59:43|REWIND Ep.06 Si Sapsford - Ministry of Arts Podcast In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Si Sapsford (@SiSapsford) Si Sapsford is a multidisciplinary artist known for her innovative work across performance, installation, and digital media. Her practice explores themes of identity, technology, and the body, often challenging societal norms through provocative and immersive experiences.Sapsford’s work has been exhibited in galleries and festivals both nationally and internationally, reflecting a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.In addition to her creative practice, she is a dedicated educator and serves as a tutor at the University of East London, where she mentors emerging artists and contributes to the development of contemporary art education through her expertise and experience in experimental art forms.To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorgREWIND Ep.05 James Gray & Cafe Art - Ministry of Arts Podcast
56:33|REWIND Ep.05 James Gray & Cafe Art - Ministry of Arts Podcast In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to James Gray & Cafe Art (@CafeArtUK) In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to both abstract artist James Gray and to Cafe Art, a group that helps and supports homeless artists.James has been mentored and supported by Cafe Art, making his journey out of homelessness a smoother transition.Each year Cafe Art distribute disposable cameras throughout London's homeless groups. With the images they produce, the 'My London' calendar is created.To purchase a 'My London' calendar or find out more about Cafe Art online, go to: www.cafeart.org.ukTo Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorgEp.286 Zack Mennell - Ministry of Arts Podcast
01:02:20|In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Zack Mennell (@ZackMennell) Zack Mennell is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into themes of queerness, neurodivergence, and the complexities of visibility. Through performance, photography, and writing, Zack aims to unsettle familiar spaces, making visible the tensions embedded within them. Their artistic practice often involves exploring the uncanny, seeking to understand life beyond the constraints of daily survival . Mennell frequently collaborates with performance artist Martin O’Brien, contributing to significant works such as Sanctuary Ring at the SPILL Festival (2016) and The Last Breath Society at the ICA (2021). Additionally, they have worked with artists like Leon Clowes, Baiba Sprance, and Kane Stonestreet . Their photographic work is strictly analogue, employing 35mm film to document performances and live events. Mennell's practice is informed by their experiences as a queer, working-class, neurodivergent, and disabled individual, aiming to imagine alternative ways of inhabiting the world. Thanks to Anna at @AbstraktPublicity for the connection To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorgREWIND Ep.04 Carrie Reichardt - Ministry of Arts Podcast
01:08:35|In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Carrie Reichardt (@CarrieReichardt) Carrie Reichardt is not only one of Gary Mansfield's favourite artists, but one of his favourite people. She is such a multi-layerd person, a mosaic artist, a craftivist, she’s vocally opposed to death penalty and an all-round bloody good person, albeit a bit of an eccentric one.Carrie Reichardt is best known for her mosaic and ceramic work, her amazing home is testament to the quality of her work (look online) although she could start to incorporate textile into her work soon. Carrie, along with partner Bob Osbourne, have just released a compilation of defaced banknotes by various artists in a hardback book entitled CASH IS KING, which is being launched at The Saatchi Gallery with an accompanying exhibition of a number of the banknotes. CASH IS KING is also available for £15 at www.rebelnottaken.com To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg285. Ep.285 Jessica Gale - Ministry of Arts Podcast
01:01:37||Ep. 285In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jessica Gale (@Jess.Gale.Art) Jessica Gale is a British landscape artist born in 1967 in Catterick, Yorkshire. She began painting in 2010 during a period living in Amsterdam, inspired by the subdued beauty of a Dutch winter and influenced by Rembrandt's moody palette . Her work encompasses both representational and abstract landscapes. She investigates the interplay of shapes, light, and negative space, manipulating these elements through form and colour to convey the energy of her subjects. Gale trained at The Heatherley School of Fine Art in Chelsea, London, and currently resides and works in London and Dorset. Her diverse media include oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastels, and printmaking. She has exhibited widely, including at Harvey and Woodd in Edinburgh and the Otter Gallery in Dorset, and participated in the 2024 season of Sky’s Landscape Artist of the Year. For more information on the work of Jessica Gale go tohttps://jessicagalefineart.com To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg2. REWIND: Ep. 02: Patrick Hughes - Ministry of Arts Podcast
01:08:37||Ep. 2REWID to August 2018: Ep.02: Patrick Hughes - Ministry of Arts PodcastIn Episode 2 you get to meet Patrick Hughes, the artist that brought about the mind-boggling Reverse Perspective manner of painting on a 3D surface. The sound quality of this episode is slightly under par, due to a technical difficulty.Feel free to contact Gary with any queries, comments etc: email: ministryofartsorg@gmail.com All Social Media: @ministryofartsorg