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In this episode, Danielle travels to the sweeping grounds of Wolterton, an 18th-century Palladian Hall in Norfolk, where centuries of history and years of careful restoration have set the stage for a bold new chapter in contemporary art. The Arts & Culture Programme at Wolterton launched this summer with Sea State, an exhibition co-curated by Simon Oldfield and Gemma Rolls-Bentley, featuring two extraordinary artists whose practices are deeply tied to the natural world: Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson. For Hambling, the sea has always been both muse and adversary – unpredictable, overpowering, and endlessly alive. Here, she unveils new works, including Time, an intimate installation honouring her late partner Tory Lawrence, and her ongoing Wall of Water series, paintings that crash with the force and emotion of the waves themselves. As well as her relationship to the sea, she talks about how her painting process relates to her grief and the passing of time.  Alongside Hambling, Robertson’s site-specific sculpture The Swell rises in Wolterton’s Marble Hall – a fluid, steel form rooted in nature’s cycles and the artist’s own connection to the queer body in the landscape. Together, their works transform this historic house into a space of reflection, grief, power, and renewal – inviting us to confront our place within the vastness of the natural world. Both discuss the sea as both subject and metaphor, about love and loss, queerness and sexual desire, identity and memory, and how Wolterton’s history has become a showcase for these ideas.   

“A friend said my superpower is to make serious things seem lighhearted.” Danielle Radojcin meets artist Nicole Wermers at Herald St’s Museum Street space in Bloomsbury, London, where she was showing her new exhibition Tails & Fainters. Best known for her sculptural assemblages that slyly explore class, gender and the unseen labour that shapes urban life, Wermers talks through the thinking behind this latest body of work. Born in 1971 in West Germany, Wermers moved to London in the 1990s and has lived and worked here ever since. She studied at Central Saint Martins and was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2015 for her exhibition Infrastruktur.  Her installation, The Violet Revs, representing a fictional female biker gang, is currently on display at Tate Modern. She’s also a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, and her work continues to offer a sharp, humorous commentary on the shifting landscapes of cities and the invisible forces shaping how we live.   Portrait of Nicole Wermers. Courtesy of the artist and Herald St, London. Photo by Peter Guenzel.

Architectural critic Charles Jencks once said that a building should speak - that it should express meaning and emotion, surprise and humour, and reflect the values of the culture it sits within. Step inside The Cosmic House, and you’ll find a home that does exactly that. In this episode, Danielle visits one of London’s most astonishing hidden gems: The Cosmic House in Holland Park, the former home of the late Charles Jencks and his then wife, the landscape designer Maggie Keswick. Designed between 1978 and 1983, the house is a maximalist, multi-layered essay in built form - every inch of it embedded with symbolism, references to cosmology, art history, and post-modern thought. There’s an upside-down dome, a Solar Stair, and a Cosmic Oval: this is not your typical Victorian townhouse. Danielle is joined by Eszter Steierhoffer, Director of the Jencks Foundation and former Senior Curator at the Design Museum, who walks her through this truly unique building and the mind behind it. Together, they discuss Jencks’ radical approach to architecture, his belief in “radical eclecticism” and his support of Maggie’s Centres for cancer patients following Maggie’s death in 1995, as well as the legacy he left behind - not just in the bricks and geometry of his home, but in his writing, his gardens, and his intergalactic thinking. Part museum, part manifesto, The Cosmic House remains almost exactly as it was when the Jencks' lived there, and is now open to the public as a site of critical experimentation and creative response. Tune in to discover the legacy of one of architecture’s most original thinkers, and hear how the house continues to inspire artists, architects and visitors alike. The Cosmic House  

Artist Pam Glick is the quintessential gritty New York artist. Born in Albany and raised partly on an aristocrat's estate in England, she spent her rebellious teen years smoking pot and hitchhiking in search of Woody Guthrie while her glamorous laissez-faire parents imbued her with the confidence and optimism that has seen her through the many chapters in her extraordinary life, including living and working in New York - where she would hang out in cafes chatting to the likes of Quentin Crisp, and where she had a basement studio next to Richard Prince - to raising kids, divorce and surviving cancer.  Through it all, she has never stopped creating. Known for her instinctive use of colour and emotionally resonant abstraction, Glick studied Painting at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she received the Florence\ Leif Award, and later earned her MFA from the University of Buffalo. Her work was widely shown throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with solo exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles. Her paintings have also featured in group exhibitions at Pat Hearn Gallery, the Drawing Center, and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. More recently, she has held solo exhibitions at White Columns (2016) and The Journal Gallery, New York (2021). For this conversation, Danielle Radojcin met Pam at the Maruani Mercier gallery in Brussels, which is holding an exhibition of her work.     

Dive into the world of Tom Wesselmann - both a defining figure in American Pop Art and an outlier within it. Known for his bold, humorous, and unabashedly sexual work, Wesselmann explored desire through iconic series like Great American Nudes, his close-up depictions of female mouths, his larger-than-life still lifes, and his lesser known but no less striking penis paintings. First exhibited in New York in the 1970s, these works push his signature flat, abstract style into deeply personal territory. They also invite reflection on the male gaze, eroticism, and how his art is perceived today. Joining host Danielle Radojcin to discuss Wesselmann’s legacy is Jeffrey Sturges, director of The Estate of Tom Wesselmann. Having worked closely with the artist in his studio and home during the 1980s, Sturges offers a rare, firsthand perspective—not just on Wesselmann’s work, but on the man himself. Recorded at Almine Rech gallery in London, where Wesselmann’s penis paintings and other works are on view until 12 April 2025, this conversation unpacks the wit, provocation, and enduring impact of this fascinating artist.   Photo: Portrait of Tom Wesselmann, 1969 (detail) © 2024 The Estate of Tom Wesselmann / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York - Courtesy of the Estate and Almine Rech. Photo: Jack Mitchell

Host Danielle Radojcin chats to Carla Sozzani, a revered figurehead in the worlds of art and fashion. Known as a pioneering fashion editor, visionary gallerist, and the founder of 10 Corso Como and the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, Carla has spent decades shaping the creative landscape.From her early days as a magazine editor in Milan during the late '60s and '70s to launching Italian Elle in 1987, Carla’s career has always been driven by an unwavering commitment to creative integrity, even when it came at the cost of her own career. Along with her late sister, the legendary Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani, she has shaped the lives of some of the most important fashion designers and photographers of the past 50 years, and created some of the most memorable imagery, working with photographers like Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel.  Throughout her career, Carla has been a mentor to independent designers, offering friendship, guidance and resources. She shares heartfelt memories of her great friend, the late Azzedine Alaïa, whom she helped save from bankruptcy, ultimately founding the Alaïa Foundation to preserve his legacy. In this episode, Carla talks about fashion designers today, from the independent designer she most rates, to her thoughts on incoming Chanel creative director Matthieu Blazy,  as well as discussing what makes print magazines relevant, and why you can't rely on AI to replace individual human creativity.  Carla is the founder of 10 Corso Como, the groundbreaking concept store she opened in Milan in 1990. Long before spaces like Dover Street Market or Colette existed, 10 Corso Como redefined the shopping experience, becoming a pilgrimage site for fashion lovers worldwide. She is also the founder of Fondazione Sozzani, which aims to support new generations of creative talent.  Carla’s new book, Carla Sozzani: Art, Life, Fashion by Louise Baring, offers an intimate look at her life and contributions to the worlds of fashion, art, and design. Resources: Carla Sozzani: Art, Life, Fashion by Louise Baring (2024, Thames & Hudson)Fondation Azzedine Alaïa10 Corso ComoFondazione Sozzani 

This episode features guest host, Simon Chilvers. Simon travelled to the seaside town of Margate in the UK, where he visited the TKE studios, part of the remarkable Tracey Emin Foundation to speak with Dutch artist Joline Kwakkenbos. Known for her evocative self-portraits, Joline's work delves into themes of identity, memory, queerness, and the fluidity of the self. The current exhibition, 'Shape Shifters', curated by Dame Tracey Emin, offers a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of self-representation by Kwakkenbos alongside the beautiful photographic work of Elissa Cray. Born in 1997 in the Netherlands, Joline grew up in a small Dutch village where her creativity was nurtured from an early age. Her parents’ hands-on, creative approach to life sparked her fascination with making and inspired her journey into the arts. Initially trained in fashion design, she graduated in 2019 and discovered a love for painting as a medium for expressing her unique visual language. Over the years, her work has evolved to include a collection of garments that reflect the diverse personas and narratives within her self-portraits. In this episode, Simon and Joline discuss her path from fashion to fine art, the transformative power of self-portraiture, and how her work challenges traditional notions of identity, representation, and history.  https://www.traceyeminfoundation.com/joline-kwakkenbos https://jolinekwakkenbos.nl/ https://www.instagram.com/joline_kwakkenbos/

Danielle meets Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, a multidisciplinary artist whose work transcends borders, time, and genres. Originally from Botswana and now based in the Netherlands, Pamela's practice encompasses drawing, painting, and installation. She intricately weaves together mythology, science, and narrative storytelling. This episode delves into her latest exhibition, "It Will End In Tears," her debut solo show at a prominent UK institution, the Barbican’s Curve Gallery, running until early 2025. This site-specific installation plunges viewers into a world inspired by film noir, crime fiction, and her distinctive alter-ego characters. During the conversation, Pamela explores her influences and inspirations, including the writings of Bessie Head; Alfred Hitchcock's meticulous approach to film-making; and the aesthetics and drama of film noir. She shares insights into her concept of "world building," discussing how her extensive collection of vintage clothing informs the characters that inhabit her creations. Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum is represented by Goodman Gallery. Goodman Gallery Barbican Photo: Lotte van Uitterst

In this episode, Danielle Radojcin visits the Sid Motion Gallery in South East London to talk to the British artist Phoebe Cummings, known for her extraordinary sculptures made from unfired clay. Phoebe’s work challenges traditional views of ceramics, focusing on the beauty of impermanence as her pieces dissolve over time. They evoke themes of nature, transience, and the fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world.  Phoebe was born in Staffordshire, the heart of the British ceramics industry. She studied Three-Dimensional Design at the University of Brighton before completing an MA in Ceramics & Glass at the Royal College of Art in London. A lack of funds to pay for a kiln forced her to begin working with unfired  clay, and over the years, Phoebe has carved a unique path in the art world, becoming known for her ephemeral sculptures crafted entirely from the material. Her work is a reflection of nature’s transient beauty and the passing of time, often exploring themes of growth, decay, and the fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world. Phoebe’s pieces, which dissolve or disintegrate over time, challenge the traditional expectations of ceramics as a durable, permanent medium, and are more of a performance than static art piece, to be cherished as a memory rather displayed forever in a museum.  In 2011, she won the prestigious British Ceramics Biennial Award, and her installations have been exhibited in notable institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and York Art Gallery. Join Danielle and Phoebe as they explore Phoebe's creative journey, the influence of nature in her art, and her upcoming exhibition at the Sid Motion Gallery curated by Tom Cole, where her work will be shown alongside that of Robert Mapplethorpe and Magdalena Abakanowicz. https://www.phoebecummings.com/ https://sidmotiongallery.co.uk/      

Danielle Radojcin travels to Brussels, Belgium to meet artist Jaclyn Conley, originally from Canada and currently based in Connecticut, USA. Jaclyn creates expansive works that create new worlds from seemingly disparate sources. Yet when these elements converge on her canvas, they establish entirely new relationships. Drawing inspiration from 16th-century art, religious iconography, and utopian photographs of 1970s commune life, Jaclyn redefines perceptions of time, place, and personal freedom. She deftly manipulates nonlinear time and intertwines themes of protest and politics. Her physical artworks are characterised by their large scale, and thick, energetic strokes of oil paint. Soft, feminine colours evoke a quiet, introspective mood, inviting viewers to reflect. At the onset of an exhibition of her new paintings at the Maruani Mercier gallery in Brussels, this episode delves into Jaclyn's thematic inspirations, their contemporary relevance, her artistic journey, and how her work interwines with other aspects of her life.     

“It’s about finding talented people and bringing them together to create beautiful things.” Join Danielle as she goes behind the scenes at Graanmarkt 13 with its co-founder, Ilse Cornelissens. This Belgian gem, a key part of Antwerp's famous creative community, features a carefully curated selection of fashion, perfumes, and homeware. The elegant five-storey, 18th-century townhouse, where Ilse and her family live, overlooks a historic market square surrounded by grand houses and the imposing Bourla Theatre. Opened with her husband in 2010 with the help of world-renowned architect Vincent Van Duysen, it boasts a basement restaurant and a terrace perfect for fine-weather lounging. Danielle speaks with Ilse to explore her refreshing approach to retail, the journey of establishing Graanmarkt 13, and the deep-rooted magic of Antwerp's creative scene. Graanmark 13 Kassl Editions    

Danielle travels to Kettle’s Yard, the contemporary art gallery in Cambridge, UK, to meet Megan Rooney, a Canadian artist renowned for her diverse and interdisciplinary practice encompassing painting, sculpture, installation, and performance. Kettle's Yard is a charming art gallery and house that was originally the home of Jim Ede, a former curator at the Tate Gallery, and his wife Helen. From the mid-1950s until the early 70s, the Edes resided at Kettle’s Yard and created a space to display their impressive personal art collection, which includes works by Miro, Henry Moore, and Ben Nicholson. The house is arranged to maintain its domestic atmosphere, blending art with everyday objects to create an inspiring environment. Kettle's Yard also hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs, the most recent of which is a showcase of Megan Rooney’s work, including a site-specific temporary mural, a series of paintings, a dance performance, and a book. Born in South Africa and raised between Brazil and Canada, Rooney's work explores themes of identity, memory, and the human experience, blending abstract forms with narrative elements. Now based in London, her vibrant, large-scale paintings and immersive installations are characterised by a dynamic use of colour and texture. She has exhibited internationally, including at prominent institutions like the Serpentine Galleries in London and the Louis Vuitton Foundation, and is recognised for her innovative approach to blending different media and creating evocative, experiential art. Danielle visited Kettle's Yard to discuss with Megan her latest offering on the eve of the exhibition opening, which is her first major solo show in the UK. https://www.kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk/ https://ropac.net/artists/210-megan-rooney/   Photo (detail): Eva Herzog      

Guest host Simon Chilvers speaks to Trino Verkade, Chief Executive of The Sarabande Foundation, a beacon of support and inspiration for emerging talent in the creative world. Founded by the legendary Alexander McQueen in 2006, Sarabande has blossomed into a nurturing space offering not only studios but also a wealth of knowledge through talks and workshops spanning various disciplines.  Trino Verkade's journey intertwines deeply with the legacy of Alexander McQueen himself. Hailing from Liverpool, she began her career as McQueen's first employee, standing witness to the genius and innovation that defined his work until his untimely passing in 2010. Since then, she has continued to shape the landscape of fashion, lending her expertise to renowned brands such as Mary Katrantzou and Thom Browne. However, her heart ultimately found its home at Sarabande in 2017, where she now orchestrates every facet of the foundation's operations.  In this special episode, Trino Verkade sits down with Simon to share her insights, experiences, and aspirations. From her intimate beginnings with McQueen to her tireless dedication to nurturing the next generation of creatives, she talks about what makes Sarabande unique and its plans for the future.  https://sarabandefoundation.org/ Photo: Sølve Sundsbø  

Who was Pauline Boty? With her blonde, backcombed hairstyle and It Girl charm, this pioneer of Pop Art embodied  the 1960s scene in London, hanging with Bob Dylan, posing for David Bailey, and acting with Michael Caine in the film Alfie. As a new generation discovers her work, Danielle Radojcin and guests explore the tragically short life and burgeoning legacy of this extraordinary woman.   Born in 1938 in Croydon, Boty studied at The Royal Academy and became a part of the nascent British pop art movement, along with the likes of Peter Blake and Derek Boshier. In the words of the writer Michael Bracewell, “She seemed to embody the early days of the Pop Age.”  During her tragically short life, she produced an exciting and complex body of work, commenting on pop culture, feminism and so much of the era in which she lived, and much of which has been assembled for an exhibition at the Gazelli Art House in Mayfair, where this recording took place.  Danielle Radojcin discusses Pauline Boty with  Mila Askarova, owner of Gazelli Art House and curator of the exhibition; Vinny Rawding , film director of a new, soon to be released documentary about Boty; and the curator and art historian Sue Tate, author of a biography on Boty’s life. Episode artwork: Michael Ward, Untitled (Men Only Cover Shot), 1963/2023. Courtesy of Elizabeth Seal-Ward for the Michael Ward Archive, Iconic Images & Gazelli Art House (detail)  

Of her work, British artist Lubaina Himid says she is "filling in the gaps of history." Danielle Radojcin travels to The Holburne Museum in Bath to meet her at her new exhibition, Lost Threads, which, like much of her work, addresses the histories and legacies of colonialism and slavery. Himid turns 70 this year. She was born in Zanzibar, but after her father tragically died of malaria when she was just a few months old, her British mother took her to live in the UK, where they settled in London. She eventually studied Theatre Design at Wimbledon College of Art, and the Royal College of Art.  Over the course of her career, Himid has aimed to make art that creates a dialogue with her audience - she has said how the patterns in her work are a form of narrative; she has also made a point of championing under-represented artists, especially Black and Asian women. She became a key figure in the 1980s London, “Black art” movement, in which so called black art moved from the margins to the centre of British culture thanks in part to a series of influential exhibitions Himid curated. She was the first Black woman to win the Turner Prize, which she was awarded in 2017, and was elected to the Royal Academy in 2018, the same year she was made a CBE for services to art. Today, she  lives and works in Preston, where she is a professor at the University of Central Lancashire. Himid sat down with me at the Holburne in the midst of the press preview of her new exhibition, in one of the main, very large rooms there, to tell me a bit about her work…   Episode artwork: Lubaina Himid, Man in a Pyjama Drawer, 2021 via Hollybush Gardens