Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Dave Buonaguidi (@RealHackneyDave)

Dave Buonaguidi (aka Real Hackney Dave) is best known for his bold, witty, and thought-provoking screen prints that blend vintage imagery with striking typography.

Drawing from his background in advertising, Buonaguidi combines humour, social commentary, and nostalgia to challenge conventional ideas of art and communication.

He often uses found materials, such as old maps or postcards, overlaid with vivid, hand-pulled slogans that create a playful contrast between past and present. His works explore themes of...

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Dave Buonaguidi (@RealHackneyDave) - November 2018.

Dave Buonaguidi had literally decided to become a screen-printer overnight. He left his job, in advertising on a Friday, went on a one-day screen-printing course at Print Club London on the Saturday and fell in love with the rapid creative process that day.

Dave is best known for laying bold text over found maps, manuscripts and documents. When one of the UK’s largest Estate Agents started using adverts very similar the Dave’s recent work, Dave responded with a high...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Stefdies (@StefDies)

Stefdies is a performance and conceptual artist known for her striking photographic series in which she stages her own “death” in public and private spaces. Her work explores themes of vulnerability, mortality, and absurdity within everyday life.

By placing her lifeless body in unexpected environments, she provokes reflection on social norms, detachment, and the human condition. Stefdies’ minimalist yet provocative approach merges performance, photography, and satire to question modern existence and visibility

To Support this podcast f...

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Mark Wallinger (recorded: November 2018).

Mark Wallinger is known for exploring identity, faith, and politics through diverse media. His Labyrinth (2013) project placed unique labyrinth designs across London’s Underground stations, symbolising journeys and introspection. Earlier, his celebrated sculpture Ecce Homo (1999) depicted a life-sized, vulnerable Christ figure on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, challenging perceptions of power, humanity, and compassion. Wallinger’s thought-provoking works continue to engage public spaces and question contemporary British identity

To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Rod Kitson (@RodKitsonArt)

Rod Kitson is an artist known for his expressive portraiture and socially engaged art projects. Kitson’s work often explores themes of identity, community, and mental health.

His distinctive style combines bold brushwork with a keen sensitivity to his subjects, capturing emotion and character in equal measure.

Kitson gained national attention for his live portrait projects, in which he paints members of the public in pop-up studios and public spaces. These sessions not only produce intimate works of art but...

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Mat Collishaw (recorded: Nov 2018).

Mat Collishaw was a key figure in Damien Hirst's legendary Freeze exhibition, as well as Charles Saatchi's controversial [at the time] Sensations exhibition at the Royal Academy.

Mat has used the latest VR technology to recreate William Henry Fox Talbot's 1839 photography exhibition, even including the Chartist's prodest.

 In his 2018 work, Mask of Youth, Mat collaborated with cutting-edge special effect designers to create a 'truer' interpretation of what Queen Elizabeth I may have looked like around the...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Kevin Devonport (@KevinDevonportFineArt)

Kevin Devonport is a self-taught British artist whose journey from prison to international recognition highlights the life-changing power of art. Raised in Leeds, he left school without qualifications and served several prison terms for drug-related offences.  During a 13-year sentence, he discovered painting through a class run by Care After Combat, a charity supporting ex-service personnel, sparking a profound shift in his life.

While imprisoned, Devonport earned a First-Class Honours BSc in Sociology from the Open University, shaping his artistic themes of...

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Rugman (@@rugmanart)

Rugman is known for blending street art with fine art influences. His bold work often combines graphic iconography, stencil techniques, and layered textures.

Drawing inspiration from pop culture, politics, and global symbolism, he reimagines familiar imagery with a subversive twist. Rugman frequently explores themes of identity, consumerism, and cultural power.

Exhibiting internationally, he has collaborated with brands and musicians, while maintaining a distinct style rooted in urban creativity and visual storytelling.

To...

PART 2

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Helen Starr (@themechatroniclibrary)

Helen Starr, a Trinidadian artist and activist, is known for blending digital technology with cultural storytelling. She explores identity, indigeneity, and spirituality through immersive art, often using virtual and augmented reality.

Helen advocates for inclusivity in the arts, challenging colonial narratives and amplifying marginalised voices. Her work connects Caribbean heritage with future-facing media, fostering dialogue on community, environment, and social justice while reimagining how technology shapes human experience.

To Support this podcast from...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Helen Starr (@themechatroniclibrary)

Helen Starr, a Trinidadian artist and activist, is known for blending digital technology with cultural storytelling. She explores identity, indigeneity, and spirituality through immersive art, often using virtual and augmented reality.

Helen advocates for inclusivity in the arts, challenging colonial narratives and amplifying marginalised voices. Her work connects Caribbean heritage with future-facing media, fostering dialogue on community, environment, and social justice while reimagining how technology shapes human experience.

To Support this podcast from as little as £...

REWIND Ep. 14: Bill Daggs - Ministry of Arts Podcast

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Bill Daggs (@billdaggs)

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Bill Daggs, a multidisciplinary artist who weaves painting, sculpture, installation, text, moving image, performance and sound into poetic explorations of urban rituals, memory and community.

Rooted in a background as an MC, his visually narrative works blend social observation and nostalgic storytelling across media

To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts

F...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Graeme Messer (@GraemeMesser)

Graeme Messer is a London-based multidisciplinary artist whose work spans assemblage, photography, text, and performance. Originally from South Africa, he moved to the UK in the 1980s and built a successful early career in theatre, directing works by Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams, and founding the award-winning company Out of Bounds.

Since 2010, Messer has focused solely on visual art, bringing his theatrical flair into the gallery space.

Messer’s work is often autobiographical, exploring themes such...

In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Franko B (@franko_b_artist)

Franko B is a performance and multidisciplinary artist known for using his body to explore themes of pain, love, and politics. Active since the 1990s, his provocative work spans performance, installation, video, and painting. Often confronting taboo subjects, Franko B challenges perceptions of vulnerability and the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art.

To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts

For full...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Haus of Lucy (@HouseOfLucy)

Haus of Lucy is a contemporary multimedia artist based in Sussex, celebrated for her unique fusion of traditional art with modern culture, often delivered with a satirical twist. With a background in magazine design, she made the leap to full-time artistry in 2019 following a high-profile commission for the Adidas flagship store in London. This key opportunity proved transformative, sparking collaborations with brands including Footlocker, Lazy Oaf, Primark, and Greggs. Her work cleverly disrupts classical conventions by inserting unexpected, often hu...

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 gr...

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.

Call...

In 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, chroni...

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 educ...

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.

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 T...

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 texti...

In 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...

REWID to August 2018: Ep.02: Patrick Hughes - Ministry of Arts Podcast

In 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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Erin-Atlanta Argun (@erinatlanta)

Erin-Atlanta Argun is an art and fashion historian who works as the Commissioning Editor for Edition Magazine at MyArtBroker. She is widely recognised for her vibrant street interview series, “Excuse Me Girl,” where she asks passersby what artwork they would most love to own and why—making art conversations more inclusive and engaging.

Erin earned her MA in Fashion History from the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2022, following a BA in History of Art from the University of Cambridge. Her professional journey...

REWIND to July 2018: Ep. 01: Duggie Fields - Ministry of Arts Podcast

The very first episode of The Mizog Art Podcast features conceptual Maximalist painter Duggie Fields.

Duggie was the very first artist that corresponded with Gary Mansfield whilst he was in prison, Gary states that Duggie is the foundation stone of his new life as an artist, or a 'born again' artist, as Gary Jokingly refers to himself.

See: http://www.mizogart.com for full listing.

Feel free to contact Gary with any queries, comments etc: email: podcast@m...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Sara Reeve (@SaraReeveDraws)

Sara Reeve is a Brighton-based painter and tutor with a primary focus on portraiture and painting people. Her work is characterised by strong use of colour, bold shapes, and impactful compositions. Drawing inspiration from both observation and photography, she has a particular interest in portraying women in her paintings. Sara works with oil paints, a medium she finds ideal for capturing the visceral essence of flesh and faces.

As a tutor at Draw Brighton, Sara leads regular evening courses on Painting Po...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Carrie Jean Goldsmith (@CarrieJeanGoldsmith)

Carrie Jean Goldsmith is a Canadian-born artist residing in the UK, celebrated for her abstract paintings that emphasize colour, light, and tonal gradation. Her creative process involves layering various media, embracing diverse brush marks and the luminosity of paint to produce unforeseen outcomes. This method allows her to craft imagery that is both compelling and ambiguous, often evoking a sense of light and occasionally drawing subtle connections to landscapes without being site-specific.

Over more than two decades, Carrie's artistic journey ha...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Meg Malloy/Working Arts Club (@WorkingArtsClub)

Founded by Meg Molloy in 2024, the Working Arts Club is a London-based independent network dedicated to professionals in the arts from working-class backgrounds.

Originally from Margate, Molloy founded the club to confront the isolation and structural barriers often experienced by those from lower-income communities within the arts industry.

The club fosters a strong sense of community through networking events, workshops, and panel discussions featuring influential working-class voices in the creative sector.

Since its inception, it...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Daisy Collingridge (@Daisy_Collingridge)

Daisy Collingridge is a artist renowned for her unique and thought-provoking textile sculptures. A graduate of Central Saint Martins with a background in fashion design, her work bridges the gap between fine art, sculpture, and costume.

Her creations are imaginative, surreal, and often playful, characterised by their fleshy, anthropomorphic forms made from intricately stitched layers of fabric. These pieces, which she refers to as "Squishies," explore themes of human anatomy, identity, and the boundaries of the body.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Eden Maseyk (@helmgallery_)

Let’s take a moment to spotlight our incredible guest judges, who have the tough job of choosing the winner at Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2025…

Meet Eden Maseyk, co-founder and curator of Brighton’s @helmgallery_

⁣

Passionate about making the art world more accessible, Eden curates a dynamic exhibition programme throughout the year while ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors.⁣

With her fresh perspective and curatorial expertise, Eden is a fantastic ad...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Amy Dury (@amy_dury)

We are beyond excited to have Amy Dury to the Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 judging panel!⁣

⁣

As a former participant on Sky’s Portrait @artistoftheyear Amy knows exactly what it’s like to be in a live portrait competition.⁣

⁣

Her masterful paintings explore societal roles, power dynamics, and human connections, earning her exhibitions at @royal_institute_watercolours and @royalsocietyportraitpainters⁣

⁣

Now, she’s bringing her artistic expertise to @thevenueworth...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Wendy Barratt (@wendybarrattart)

Wendy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring...⁣

⁣

Originally a finalist in Worthing Portrait Artist of the Year (Now Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year) Wendy then went on to win Sky’s Portait Artist of the Year in 2023! ⁣

⁣

Her stunning portrait of Jane Goodall now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery where her self portrait was featured in the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award exhibition in 2024.⁣

⁣

With her first-hand exp...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Louise Duggan (@louisedugganartist)

Louise Duggan is a Chichester-based multidisciplinary artist whose work is a journey of discovery. After graduating from Leicester University in 1996 with a BA (Hons) in Art and Design, Louise embarked on a successful career in high-end interior design. She worked throughout London before relocating to Dubai, where she spent 23 years designing and producing bespoke artworks for prestigious clients. Her work is featured in many of Dubai’s five-star hotels, including a commission of nine paintings for the world’s first 7-star hotel, the B...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to David Shillinglaw (@DavidShillinglaw)

David Shillinglaw is known for his vibrant, dynamic, and eclectic works that explore themes of human connection, identity, and the complexities of modern life. Born in 1982, Shillinglaw’s artistic practice spans a wide range of mediums, including painting, drawing, murals, and installation art. His style is characterised by bold colours, playful symbols, and a fusion of text and imagery, creating visually arresting compositions that invite viewers to engage with his layered narratives.

Shillinglaw's work often incorporates a mix of abstract forms and...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to JPR Stitch (@JPR_Stitch)

Dr. Jack Roberts, professionally known as JPR Stitch, specialises in freehand machine embroidery. His work features organic, abstract shapes intricately formed through dense webs of stitching, reflecting the calmness and tranquillity he experiences during creation.

Roberts' artistic journey began under the tutelage of his mother and grandmother, who introduced him to various textile techniques. Over time, he gravitated towards freehand machine embroidery, finding it akin to continuous line drawing.

Academically, Roberts hold...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Maya Land (@artisticsideoflife_)

Maya Land is a London-based artist known for her surreal collages, meticulously crafted from vintage imagery. Her work explores contemporary social and political issues, reimagined through the lens of nostalgic aesthetics. By blending elements from different eras, she creates compelling pieces that resonate with modern audiences.

Land’s artistic process begins with sourcing materials from vintage magazines, books, and photographs. She carefully assembles these fragments into cohesive narratives, highlighting the contrasts and connections between past and present societal them...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jacob Clayton (@j.s.clayton)

Jacob Clayton explores the intersection of abstraction, minimalism, and the human experience. His distinctive artistic voice has emerged through a combination of varied mediums, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and installation. His work often delves into themes of memory, identity, and perception, capturing complex emotions and concepts through pared-down, abstract forms.

Clayton's practice is marked by a keen interest in the interplay of colour, shape, and texture. He employs geometric and organic forms, creating a sense of fluidity and...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Andrew Logan (@AndrewLoganSculptor)

Andrew Logan is celebrated for his vibrant and eclectic work that blurs the boundaries between art, design, and performance. Born in 1945, Logan is best known for his unique sculptures, mosaics, and installations that incorporate mirrored glass, colourful resins, and a variety of unconventional materials. His creations exude a sense of joy, whimsy, and theatricality, reflecting his fascination with beauty and individuality.

Logan's most iconic contribution to the art world is the Alternative Miss World, an exuberant and inclusive event he founded in...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Patrick Maguire

Patrick Maguire was the youngest member of the "Maguire Seven," a group wrongfully convicted in the 1970s for involvement in IRA bombings in Guildford and Woolwich. At just 13 years old, he was arrested alongside his family in December 1974. The Maguire Seven were accused of operating a bomb-making factory from their London home, based on dubious forensic evidence. Patrick was sentenced to four years in prison, during which he endured solitary confinement and significant psychological trauma.

The convictions of the M...

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Patrick Maguire

Patrick Maguire was the youngest member of the "Maguire Seven," a group wrongfully convicted in the 1970s for involvement in IRA bombings in Guildford and Woolwich. At just 13 years old, he was arrested alongside his family in December 1974. The Maguire Seven were accused of operating a bomb-making factory from their London home, based on dubious forensic evidence. Patrick was sentenced to four years in prison, during which he endured solitary confinement and significant psychological trauma.

The convictions of the Maguire Seven were ev...