For our first episode of season 4, the team is so excited to be speaking with two of the artists featured in KINGS current exhibition program. Ayah Zakout and Ebony Maurice-Wilmott joined us to share insights about their art practices and the works featured within their exhibitions.  @ayahzakout.jpeg @ebony_maurice.wilmott @kingsartistrun Season 4 of Art Smitten begins this Monday from 3-5pm on SYN 90.7fm @synmedia 📻 listen on the radio, online or the Community Radio Plus app. 

We are dishing up a real treat for you all 🍽️ this collaboration with our dear friends at Talk On Your Fork brings an episode focused on the intersection of food & art! To begin, Astra will be sharing their thoughts on the film ‘The Menu’ (2022) 🥣 PLUS for a real treat, we will be speaking to Gemma Leslie from @foodforeveryone.aus about her incredible project that pairs artists with chefs all to raise funds for those in need. We end with a discussion focused on the history Dutch Still Life paintings to wrap up the show. Art Smitten airs on SYN 90.7fm @synmedia on Mondays 3-5pm. Also available on the Community Radio Plus app 📲 Be sure to listen to Talk On Your Fork! Wherever you get your podcasts.  Image: Charlotte Eustache Sophie de Fuligny Damas, ‘Still Life with a Vase of Flowers, Melon, Peaches, and Grapes’, 1780. Courtesy of The Met Museum.

We are joined by photographer, artist and co-founder of the Pacific Centre for Photographic Arts Aishah Kenton in this episode of Art Smitten. Listen to hear all about the workshops and programs that PCPA facilitate along with Aishah’s own photographic art practice! In the second half of the show, the team review films seen in the final weeks of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) for 2025. Movies covered include Sorry, Baby (dir. Eva Victor), Peter Hujar's Day (dir. Ira Sachs) and Urchin (dir. Harris Dickinson).  Art Smitten airs on SYN 90.7fm @synmedia from 3-5pm on Mondays 🛰️ also available on the Community Radio Plus app 📲 Image: Nur Aishah Kenton, untitled (Salam)-- a self-portrait with my mother in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2024  @aishah_k @pacificphotoarts

Listen to our conversation with Kate Barber, cofounder of Spring1883, an art fair hosted inside the iconic Hotel Windsor on Spring Street 🏩 !  Within their own reserved room, gallerists uniquely display works by artists they represent in the unconventional hotel suites instead of the typical 'white cube' model characteristic of typical art fairs.  @spring1883 @synmedia Listen on Art Smitten on Mondays via the Community Radio Plus app, online or tune into 90.7fm 🎧 Image: Daine Singer room, 2014. Photographer: Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of Spring1883.

Tune in to hear an interview with Saluhan Collective collaborators MJ Flamiano and Catherine Ortega-Sandow about their current curatorial project Fugitive Archives!! 🏷️ The exhibition series examines the role of artist-led, community-based, and independent archives as transformative tools for collective organising and knowledge production.  The first show, Fugitive Archives: otherwise or elsewhere, seeks to draw on the tangled relationships between the archive and the artist, with a focus on artists with Filipino heritage. It is currently on display @mada_fine_art MADA Gallery until August 18th ~ Art Smitten airs Mondays 3-5pm on @synmedia SYN 90.7fm 📻 @s_a_l_u_h_a_n @mjflamiano @catherineortegasandow Image credit: ‘Fugitive Archives: otherwise or elsewhere’ opening event featuring works by Nice Buenaventura and Stephanie Misa, 2025, photo by Thomas McCammon @tommccammon

Maya Borjesson @handclap joined us in the studio 🔊 for this episode of Art Smitten. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Maya is a sound artist and architect who explores ambient music’s potential in evoking memories as well as sound’s relationship to architecture. We also briefly discuss the history of sound as an artform to contextualize our discussion around sound as an artistic medium! Art Smitten airs Monday 3-5pm on SYN 90.7fm 📻 @synmedia Work by Maya Borjesson included in this podcast includes 'A Thread Beneath Our Skin' which was exhibited at No Vacancy Gallery as part of the show 'Stillness in Motion". Image credit: Joshua Maxwell de Hoog @jesterempath

For our first episode of season 3, we are kicking things off with a discussion about the rise of AI in art 📟 Afrina asked local art students for their opinion on the use of AI and the team shared their own perception of the ever-changing tool and its place in creativity. Astra shares his review of the film ‘The Man Who Sleeps’ (1974) directed by Bernand Queysanne to wrap up this episode. The film is an adaptation of French novelist Georges Perec’s 1967 novella titled A Man Asleep and is perhaps the perfect film to bet the winter blues.  🎧 Art Smitten airs on SYN 90.7fm @synmedia

In this episode, we had a chat with FortyFiveDownstairs all about their annual Emerging Artist Award! 🏆We were fortunate to be joined by Felix Oliver, 2024 Winner, and learnt more about the process and story behind their winning piece 🙌 Listen in to hear details about the selection process and the aims of the award opportunity. @fortyfivedownstairs @felix0liver 🎧 Art Smitten airs on SYN 90.7fm @synmedia Image credit: Emerging Artist Award 2024 1st Prize Winner: Felix Oliver, Dripping palms, Inkjet print on Platine paper, American oak, 63 x 44.5 cm.

This special episode features a panel discussion with @un_projects (AU) and @pilotmagazined (UK) @ngvmelbourne for Melbourne Art Book Fair! 📚 We spoke about all things publications - finding out what it takes to create a lasting magazine in our increasingly digital age. This conversation took place live at 1–2pm on Sunday the 18th of May 🗓️ Moderated by Audrey Merton, Executive Producer for Art Smitten on SYN 90.7FM @synmedia @auvbm @eggeplant @dktepp

Jen and Zeta are joined by Alta Forma's Director Meredith Turnbull on this episode of Art Smitten. ⛓️ Located on St Kilda Rd, Alta Forma supports artists who work in expanded object and jewellery practices to create experimental and socially engaged projects. ⛓️‍💥 Listen in to hear about the specialties of curating object-based artworks and the vision for this space! @_altaforma_ @merecatu Art Smitten airs on Wednesdays at 3pm on SYN Media @synmedia 90.7fm 🖇️ Image details: Exhibition view 'Still Life and Peaches', Katie Collins and Anna Varendorff, 5 February - 1 March, 2025

To kick off season 2, we spoke to curator Emmy Robinson-Shaw and artist Celline Mercado, featured in DEBUT XXI. At BLINDSIDE gallery, DEBUT is an annual project committed to fostering new talent by exhibiting works of recent graduates from Melbourne’s major art institutions. 🎨 We will also be airing a new interview segment by our presenter and editor Nic called Street Art! 🎙️ Nic spoke to Aimee Nair @aimeenxir about their art and life as an arts student. Art Smitten airs Wednesdays at 3pm on SYN 90.7fm @synmedia 📻 @blindside_ari @gacelline @emmyr_s

For our final episode of season 1, we’re keen to chat with two writers who participated in the Mass Memo program in 2024! Mass Memo is an annual opportunity for young arts writers to review fine art, architecture and fashion graduate shows across Melbourne. Hosted by Memo 📝 it’s a wonderful chance for young graduates to be published - Jen and Audrey both participated in previous itterations! Listen in to hear from Pepa and Ned all about their experience and head to mass.memoreview.net to read their wonderful articles 📖📚 Image credit: Emmica Lore, bunny, 2024, Styrofoam, pins, sequins, plywood, imitation copper leaf, chain. Photo: Andrew Curtis.

This episode we had a great chat with WET Collective about their exhibition at BLINDSIDE💦 ‘Cruising’ is a gallery activation playing with hospitality, the queer body and the illicit. WET will be providing a food service during the opening as well as two performances over the weekend. We are very thankful to have heard a bit more about this program and the artists involved— hope you enjoy! SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land. Image details: Courtesy of WET Collective.

In this episode, we spoke to Kirsty Grant and Trent Walter all about the founding and future of the new Melbourne Art Print Fair. Running from the 7th to the 9th of February, @melbartprintfair Edition.1 was chock-full of amazing prints by local artists, highlighting print in its fine art form. Participating print studios and publishers included Baldessin Press, Kaleidoscope Editions, Megalo Print Studio, Negative Press, Print Council of Australia, Spacecraft and Sunshine Editions 📜💥 Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

For our first episode of 2025, we are very excited to share with you our interview with artist, collector and curator Patrick Pound Patrick’s exhibition ‘The Museum of Falling’ was shown at City Gallery in the Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston St. Listen to hear them speak about the beginnings of this project, their artistic process and how they gained access to the City of Melbourne's archive. Art Smitten airs on SYN 90.7FM. SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land. Image: Details from 'The Museum of Falling' by Patrick Pound. Credit: Tobias Titz

This episode we are joined by Melanie Oliver (Senior Curator) to discuss the current exhibition at MUMA - Image Economies📽️ 🤳🏼 Image Economies traces how artists have used digital technologies over recent history, from exploring reproducibility and authenticity to the contemporary applications of AI and machine learning. Through a variety of mediums, the exhibiting artists explore themes of materiality, identity, cultural knowledge and the social impact of images. https://www.monash.edu/muma/exhibitions  Art Smitten airs on SYN 90.7fm 📡 SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land. Image credit: Juliet Carpenter and Róisín Berg, The Sun Is Not To Be Believed, 2022–23. Installation view, Image Economies, Monash University Museum of Art, Naarm/Melbourne, 2025. Courtesy of the artists. Photo: Christian Capurro.

In this episode we were fortunate to be joined by artist Rochelle Morris to talk about their exhibition at Trocadero Projects! ‘Turning Soil’ is an exploration of the potential of ecological art at a painterly scale. The use of organic materials within the exhibition open up a conversation on our relationship and responsibilities to nature and our environment. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

This week we spoke in-depth with Kaiqi from Betweenia Project 夾洲計劃 ! Kai joined us for the end of our live show at Melbourne Art Book Fair earlier in the year, and we’re very interested to hear what Betweenia has been up to since then! Betweenia Project is an art book and zine distributor bringing a collection of zines, publications and DIY content here to Naarm. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

For our last interview of the 2024 season, we were joined by the new National Communication Museum (NCM). We spoke with Dr Emily Siddons, Co-CEO and Artistic Director of NCM, who told us all about their exciting new program and exhibitions. NCM showcases nostalgic communication artefacts, exploring how new and old technologies have changed our lives over the years. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Join local arts and culture radio Art Smitten of SYN Media for an exclusive deep-dive into Blindside's history! Blindside is a long-standing artist-run initiative in the heart of our city, and we're keen to celebrate their 20th anniversary by giving you insight into Blindside’s foundations, and the creative community networks behind the gallery. Presented in two parts, these special segments will discuss the history and cross-disciplinary programs that Blindside contributes to the vibrant arts ecology of Naarm/Melbourne, and will highlight pivotal moments of growth and fresh artistic direction from the collective enthusiasm and expertise of Blindside’s alumni and community.

Joining us in the studio for this episode of Art Smitten was Camilla Hannan, co-creator ‘The Waiting Room’ that premiered at The Capitol Theatre on November 9th, 2024. Along with Martine Corompt, these two artists united for a special one-off immersive theatrical event in ‘The Waiting Room’, where the audience will share the joy of anticipation, the pleasure of expectation, and the thrill of impatience. Created exclusively for the 100-year old Capitol theatre in Melbourne featuring live experimental music from The Overtone Ensemble quartet, ‘The Waiting Room’ elaborates on the notion of waiting as a disorientating event in itself. We spoke about the origins of this project, Camilla's background in the theatric world and getting started in sound production. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

This week, we were lucky to chat with Sophia Cai, Director of Bus Projects! Bus Projects is a long-term ARI based in our city, and has recently been showing some amazing artists – including some that we interviewed previously this year. Sophia talks about how Bus operates, her role and the journey that led her to becoming the director. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

**Content Warning: This episodes contains discussion of sexual assault and mental illness. If you ever need help, you are not alone. You can speak to someone at Lifeline (13 11 14) or at 1800RESPECT.** In this episode, Lucy and Jennifer spoke with Naarm/Melbourne based creative practitioner Bridget H. Gurrie. Bridget uses textile processes as a means for self-reflection and to conceptual explore the processing of trauma and grief. We talked about their background in fashion and the future direction of their practice! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.  

Jen and Lucy had a great chat with lead artists and co-facilitators Zeth Cameron and Matisse Laida all about the programs run at SIGNAL. Tucked away beside the Birrarung river that flows near Flinders Street Station, a centuries old Train Signal Box is the meeting place for many of Melbourne’s young creatives. SIGNAL is a wonderful City of Melbourne initiative that provides young people a place to learn art skills and meet community. We hope you enjoy our chat! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.  

Joining Jen and Audrey in this episode of Art Smitten is artist Skye Malu Baker to discuss their current show at TCB in Brunswick. ‘A R TH ~ air and light, dust and earth’ draws from half-remembered internet posts and out of date art history books in a series of imagined painted landscapes. Skye touches on the act of 'redigesting' in her practice, material limits and interest in optics.  Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.  

For this episode of Art Smitten, our guest host Teagan Ramsay interviews artist and creative producer Phoebe Thompson. Phoebe discusses their practice and process in relation to their most recent exhibition, touching on collecting debris, and site-specificity. They will also speak about their upcoming exhibition and the direction of their work, while providing insight into their work as a Creative Producer for RMIT Creative. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.  

In this episode, Lucy and Jennifer will be chatting to the people behind SCRAP MAG - the unofficial zine of VCA. We will be discussing how SCRAP MAG came to be, the importance of student-led publishing, and the work that is to be done. Excited to share with you all, and a big thanks to Lia, Ella and Ingrid for joining us! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

In this episode of Art Smitten, Audrey is joined by Nour and Phoebe from Unassigned Gallery in Brunswick discussing the origins of the gallery, the ethos of their programming and upcoming exhibitions including 'Exhibition for ants 2.0' Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

I really enjoyed chatting with the people behind HAIR, a new artist-run initiative on Elizabeth Street! We talked all about the space, their plans for the gallery and the kind of events and exhibitions they are hosting. Check them out on Instagram - @hair__ari Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Chris Orr recently, a local established artist. Chris has worked and studied in graphic design, and uses these principles in his work. Chris creates digital manipulations that focus on objects and are often series centred around a particular theme.  Chris’ most recent exhibition was this year, at fortyfivedownstairs here in Naarm / Melbourne in April. This series takes classical busts and statues, and transforms them through the lens of technological advancement, layering with pastels and intricate patterns. You can see Chris’s work on instagram @chrisorraus or on his website chrisorr.com.au Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lucia, Head Editor of Demure Magazine. Demure is a local online publication focused on highlighting experimental and engaging explorations of literature, arts, culture and fashion. With their first issue released in August of 2021, Demure has continued to expand, with a print-publication release for their most recent edition! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Finally! A long-awaited recording of Art Smitten's live show at Melbourne Art Book Fair, in the NGV Grand Hall. Listen in as Audrey and Sen turn their attention to arts and publishing, diving into the history of art manifestos and the impact of DIY publishing as acts of resistance. The pair also host an interview with Kaiqi from Betweenia Project 夾洲計劃, who bring not just art books but also experiences of mutual aid and situated practices from China to Australia. https://artbookfair.melbourne/events/art-smitten-live/ Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Pip Wallis, Senior Curator at MUMA Monash University Museum of Art! Pip has curated a solo exhibition of work by acclaimed Chinese-American artist Candice Lin titled ‘The Sex Life of Stone’ opening this weekend, Saturday 29th of June. Candice Lin is an interdisciplinary artist who works across ceramics and sculpture, installation, drawing, video and living materials and processes - materials such as mould, mushrooms and bacteria. Her work considers the politics of representation - focusing on issues of race, gender and sexuality. MUMA’s exhibition will feature a new installation Untitled 2024, co-commissioned by MUMA with the 24th Biennale of Sydney, that delves into the speculative and historical entanglements surrounding manganese pigment, industrial mining, ancient trade routes linking Asia and Australia, and the intriguing sexual properties of sea slugs. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Sylva and Victoria from 138 Gallery! 138 is based in Brunswick East on Lygon Street. We were lucky enough to chat all about their gallery space, their accessible application processes and their exhibitions! At the time, they were showing Aperitif, a group exhibition with Shannon Toth, Georgia Noughton, Hannah Barry and Olivia Wood. Right now, they're exhibiting another group show - Joke Taxonomy curated by Jincheng Deng with work from Lou Hubbard, Simon Zoric, Stuart Ringholt, Yusi Zang, James Brett and Chunxiao Qu, showing until the 29th of June. 138gallery.com Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

I had the pleasure of chatting with two of Next Wave’s Artistic Directors, Anthony ‘Banda’ Bandalan and Matisse Laida. Next Wave is celebrating 40 years with an exciting program called All School Lab - full of artist talks, performances and activities running over the 24th and 25th of May. The event will conclude with a party curated by Next Wave’s Young Artistic Directorate, called during:next! https://nextwave.org.au/ https://allschool.nextwave.org.au/programs/lab/lab_2024 Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

For our new vol Lucy's first show we chatted with Monikha from Other Goods and Services - all about Goods, Services, and manifesting the best work-balance lifestyle possible in the industry. Monikha was a delight to chat with, and we're really keen to see what's going to happen next in the Other Goods space! Other Goods is a local shop front, event and exhibition space in Brunswick East – providing goods and services for the community. https://www.othergoods.com.au/ Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

This week, we had the opportunity to speak with emerging artist Vivian Qiu all about her practice, projects and philosophy! Vivian develops material forms in order to consider cultural identity and connection to place. Through experimentation with organic materials, she has built a 'sentimental' practice of jewellery-making. Check out Vivian's work here! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Before our season break, I spoke to Zeta Hamilton-Durkin, local young filmmaker, dancer and visual artist. Listen now to a great chat with Zeta about her practice, her upcoming exhibitions and the connections she makes with other emerging artists! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

This week I spoke with emerging artists Ponie Curtis and Phuong Nguyen Le, who have both recently graduated from their respective arts courses at VCA and RMIT. Joining us was Audrey Thomas-Hayes, one of the curators of DEBUT XX and artistic director at Blindside. DEBUT is Blindside Gallery’s annual exhibition of works by recent graduates from Naarm / Melbourne’s major art institutions. Celebrating its twentieth year, DEBUT is a Blindside project committed to fostering new talent. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

This week I had the pleasure of speaking to local artists Jermaine Ibarra and Juliet Phraser about their exhibitions at Bus Projects. Jermaine Ibarra and Sara Jajou have a duet exhibition opening today, the 27th of March, titled Love Song open till the 20th of April. https://busprojects.org.au/program/love-song Juliet Phraser has a solo show opening today, the 27th of March, titled Warm Water where she shares her honours research - open till the 20th of April. https://busprojects.org.au/program/warm-water I was honoured to speak to both artists about their practices, their experiences and their thoughts.  Art Smitten is Syn FM's flagship show for arts and culture, live on air on Wednesdays from 3pm onwards on 90.7 FM.

I interviewed contemporary textile and embroidery artist and good friend, Louise Meuwissen. Louise and I chat about her practice in art and fashion, the art world and it’s structures and our shared love of collecting second-hand objects. A big thank you to Louise for inviting me into her space and facilitating such an interesting chat ❤️ Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand.  SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches.  Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Did you know that 2024 marks 100 years of Surrealism?  I dive into the birth of Surrealism and introduce you to the terms, techniques and artists that work within the movement. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM

Ever wondered why art galleries have plain white walls, bright white light, and simple minimalist decor? This interior practice has been labelled the ‘white cube’ by art writer Brian O’Doherty in his fundamental 1976 text, ‘Inside the White Cube: The Ideology of the Gallery Space.’ This week for our art history segment, Audrey dives into the concept of the 'White Cube' gallery interior, and why we now use it globally.

This week our new Executive Producer, Audrey, delved into Romanticism and the Sublime, starting with history of the movement and then discussing Neo-Romanticism in art. Ending with an idea of a 'New Romanticim' in contemporary Australian art, one that you can take with you on your upcoming gallery visits. Artworks discussed in this segment were: Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, 1818 Théodore Géricault, Raft of Medusa, 1819 Henry Moore’s graphic drawings of war-time air raid shelters Paul Nash, Pillar and Moon from 1932-42 Exhibitions A New Romance at the National Gallery of Australia in 1987 and The Sublime Imperative at ACCA in 1991 Imants Tillers, Mount Analogue, 1985 Eugene von Guérard's North-East View From the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko from 1863 Irene Hanenbergh’s work, sepcifically at ‘dirty borrowed stardust’ exhibition at Neon Parc Gallery Samantha Hobson, Burning Grass Season, 2019

Hour of the Wolf creator and director Matthew Lutton joined Zack and Josh to discuss the immersive theatre production. A follow-up to 2021's Because the Night, Hour of the Wolf invites audiences to walk around the town and experience mystery first-hand. You can listen to Art Smitten live every Saturday from 12pm on SYN 90.7. Get in touch with the show on our Instagram @artsmittensyn

Jye Walker, actor behind the devilish Captain Hook in The Mount Players Theatre Company's musical rendition of Peter Pan, joined the show to talk about playing the classic villain. You can listen to Art Smitten live every Saturday from 12pm on SYN 90.7. Get in touch with the show on our Instagram @artsmittensyn

Comedian Jude Perl joined the show to talk about her new record and web-series SugarHope Records. You can listen to Art Smitten live every Saturday from 12pm on SYN 90.7. Get in touch with the show on our Instagram @artsmittensyn

Zack and Josh were joined by Naarm-based artist, performer, and dancer MaggZ to talk about their instillation at the Immigration Museum, New Reality. You can listen to Art Smitten live every Saturday from 12pm on SYN 90.7. Get in touch with the show on our Instagram @artsmittensyn

Nick recently watched Filterphonic and Sexagenarian, two films by Melbourne-based filmmaker Lee Galea. Find Nick's thoughts here, and make sure to check out our interview with Lee on the production of the films.