Art podcasts to soothe the mind

Are you staying at home and missing your cultural fix? Podcasts are the perfect way to relax and learn without having to leave your sofa. Artsper is here to recommend the best art podcasts to soothe the mind, spark some creativity and bring the art world to wherever you are!

1. The Art History Babes

This upbeat podcast is hosted by four Art History graduates, discussing all things art over a glass of wine. Ranging from Caravaggio and Van Gogh, to astrology and Instagram, this podcast covers it all! Expect plenty of special guests including artists and industry insiders, providing both light-hearted chat and fascinating art knowledge. Plus, if you’ve got lots of time on your hands there’s a large back catalogue to work your way through…

2. Bow Down: Women in Art History 

Brought to you by Frieze, Bow Down is a podcast that takes an in depth look at the women in art that history has overlooked. Presented by artists, historians, writers and curators, this intelligent podcast is here to help you discover the female artists that we all should know about – yet so few of us do! At just 20 minutes an episode it is the ideal way to get your daily dose of feminism and culture.

3. Art Curious

If you’re looking for something a little more scandalous, look no further than Art Curious. With a focus on the stories behind the great works and figures of art history, host Jennifer Dasal leaves no stone left unturned. Was Jack the Ripper actually a British painter? Did Man Ray inspire the Black Dahlia murder? Is the Mona Lisa a fake? Get stuck into the art world’s answer to true crime podcasts and prepare to see what lies beneath its glossy exterior.

4. A Piece of Work

Have you ever walked through a contemporary art museum and been left with endless questions, but been too afraid to ask them? MoMA presents A Piece of Work, hosted by comedian and illustrator Abbi Jacobson, offering a safe space to get to the bottom of the extraordinary world of modern art. Don’t know where to start? Try Episode 6 featuring RuPaul, in which they experience the controversial art form of performance art.

5. Talk Art

Friends Russell Tovey and Robert Diament, an actor and gallerist respectively, take time to discuss their favourite shared interest… art! In each episode they talk to a different figure from a creative industry, boasting a star-studded line up of artists, actors and curators. This is your chance to delve into Sir Ian McKellen’s private art collection, take a private tour of Tracey Emin’s exhibition with the artist herself and discover Grayson Perry’s greatest influences and advice. Don’t forget to look out for special episodes at art festivals.

6. The Art Of…

Created by the British art institution Tate, The Art Of… explores a different theme every episode, from love and belonging, to memory and protest. Along the way there are interviews with artists, offering a wide range of perspectives on these bounteous topics. Why not start with ‘The Art of Dreaming’, one of their 30 minute podcasts to soothe the mind, that is sure to provide a much-needed escape from reality?

French Language

French language podcasts for if you wish to brush up on your French as well as your art!

7. Le Bruit de l’art

Hosted by two young art historians, Victoria and Florian interview a different guest every fortnight. This podcast is perfect to widen your artistic horizon and get to know more about some undiscovered gems of the art world. Hear about their work, inspiration and artistic scenes. What’s more they have special episodes from the ‘Young Artists in Europe’ exhibition at the Cartier Foundation, so you don’t have to miss out on exhibitions during this period.

8. Femmes d’art

This podcast celebrates the talent of women in the art world, but it’s by no means just for the ladies! Each week a different female artist, curator or collector speaks about their personal and professional experience of art, including their inspiration and creative vision. Whilst you’re listening, be sure to check out their beautifully curated Instagram account for the full sensory experience.

9. L’art est la matière

A more traditional form of podcast, as before going online, L’art est la matière is broadcasted every Sunday on France Culture. What’s more, the presenter Jean de Loisy is no stranger to the subject as he is both an art critic and the president of Palais de Tokyo. In each episode he discusses the works of notable artists and movements, whilst showcasing the latest exhibitions of the moment. In this way, he brings a refreshing new perspective to art of the past!

10. Vénus s’épilait-elle la chatte ?

As the tongue-in-cheek title suggests, this podcast takes a look back at the history of art through a feminist lens. As art is always a reflection of the society from which it originates, it leads to some questions which have been all too often ignored regarding the role of women throughout history. For example, when we are walking through galleries why do we always see naked women but clothed men? Why are all the grand masters male? Presenter Julie Beauzac poses some food for thought on the topic…

Bonus: MOOCs by Centre Pompidou

If you want to take your art knowledge one step further, now is the perfect time to take up the e-learning courses on contemporary art, offered by Centre Pompidou. They are completely free and accessible online 24/7, so you have no excuse not to be an expert by the end of the isolation period! Offering pre-recorded videos and quizzes to test your progress, why not try it with your friends and family after you’ve finished your day of working from home?

There you have it, Artsper’s hand-picked selection of art podcasts that are sure to soothe the mind whilst you’re spending time at home…happy listening!