The love that loves you back
Valerie Kabov and Jonathan Freemantle, two figures from the art world, engage in conversations about painting that have spanned nearly a decade. Their discussions often drift into reflections on life itself, offering a unique perspective that might resonate with listeners. The podcast captures the evolution of their thoughts on art and its intersection with personal experience.
Episodes
Redefining the now with Abdollah Nafisi| Episode 28
Valerie and Jonathan welcome contemporary sculptor, Abdollah Nafisi for a second round, return to a questioning what it means to be an artist in difficult times. From war and displacement to the pressures of the contemporary art world, they ask whether art can and should respond to political turmoil. Abdollah argues for slowing down and looking at ideas from the past rather than obsessing over the
Art & Science – Twin Flames| In Conversation with Simeon Nelson
Simeon Nelson is an artist who’s always been preoccupied with systems and systems thinking, which has at regular intervals have landed him in the realm of science. In his most recent incarnation he is visiting art professor at the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University. Supported by an inaugural Faraday Discovery Award from the Royal Society in London, he is collaborating on a research
Outsourcing Humanity: The AI Conversation| Episode 26
As society rushes to automate creativity, we ask a difficult question, what happens when humanity begins outsourcing the very things that make us human before we’ve even understood our own humanity? Join hosts Valerie and Jonathan in conversation as they unpack AI participation in the creation and critique of art.
Fuck Process| Episode 25
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
Abdollah Nafisi in Conversation: Public Sculpture, Iran, and Nature | Episode 24
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 mate
Alternative Models for Art Fairs | Episode 23
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!
You Asked, We Answered: Q&A with Valerie Kabov and Jonathan Freemantle| Episode 22
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!!
Life of an Artist, Well Lived. In Memory of Charles Hardaker (1934-2025)| Episode 21
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.
You Can Only Critique What You Love| Episode 20
Jonathan and Valerie unpack the essences of art criticism and why it's return is vital to contemporary art.
Craig Yee's Perspectives on Art and Culture Reframing Political Realities | Episode 19 part 2
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.
Craig Yee in conversation at the scary edges of intercultural dialogue | Episode 19 part 1
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 in conversation: Art, Access, and Opportunity| Episode 18 part 2
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 a
Lawrence Lemaoana in conversation: from Rugby Tackles to Conceptual Textiles| Episode 18 part 1
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.
Portraiture Explored: History and Personal Insights from Jonathan Freemantle | Episode 17 part 2
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.
Exploring Portraiture with Jonathan and Valerie | Episode 17 part 1
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 Conversation with Helen Teede | Episode 16
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.
In Conversation with Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude | Episode 15
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.
A Conversation on Francisco Goya| Episode 14
Join hosts Valerie and Jonathan in their discussion of their shared love for Spanish painter and graphic artist, Francisco Goya!
Behind Every Artist: Mentors, Coaches & Guides | Episode 13
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.
When Celebrities Become Artists: Depp, Carrey & Dylan | Episode 12
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.
From Picasso to Freud: The Role of Nepotism in Art | Episode 11
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!
2024 Highlights & Reflections with Jonathan and Valerie | Episode 10
Valerie and Jonathan wrap up 2024 by discussing the highlights of the year, including notable exhibitions, artistic achievements, and memorable events.
AI in Art, Technology & the Ethics of Aesthetics | Episode 9
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.
Peter Doig’s Gagosian Debut & the Ethics of Art Criticism | Episode 8
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.
Commemorating Frank Auerbach and the London Quartet | Episode 7
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.
Chaim Soutine, Paul Cezanne & The Courage of Painting | Episode 6
Valerie and Jonathan discuss their two heroes Chaim Soutine and Paul Cezanne and the courage of painting as painting among other things!
When Artists Are Deified: Effects on Art and Creativity | Episode 5
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.
Life-Changing Exhibitions: What Makes Them Perfect? | Episode 4
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.
Time, Society & The Transformative Power of Art | Episode 3
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.
Renaissance, Epiphanies & Aesthetics Through The Young Pope | Episode 2
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.
First Impressions, Catalysts of Change & Feeling Irrelevant to Gen Alpha | Episode 1
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.
