Jo's Art History Podcast
Join art historian Jo McLaughlin as she delves into the wonderful world of art history in a fun and accessible way
Jo’s aim is to begin breaking down the elitism which surrounds the subject of art history and believes in order to do so, it’s important to create a space where everyone from all walks of life have the opportunity to talk about art that is meaningful to them; as let’s face it, if you are passionate about something, you are going to be good at talking about it!
Painting, sculpture, architecture, jewellery, ceramics, design – no subject is off-limits on Jo’s Art History Podcast.
Our Editor's Take
Jo's Art History Podcast inspires people who aren't art experts to feel confident discussing art. Host and art historian Jo McLaughlin is the senior curator for Acrylicize. She says artists create pieces for everyone to interpret. But expressing opinions about art can be intimidating. McLaughlin hopes to correct that. The host invites artists, curators, researchers, and technicians to provide diverse perspectives. She shares fun facts and her feelings about art to encourage everyone to talk about it.
Célia Morand visits Jo's Art History Podcast to discuss the Mona Lisa. The gallery manager at Charles Ede shares little-known details about the famous painting. Morand reveals Mona Lisa's actual name and the fact that she never received her portrait. She also discloses how Jackie Kennedy convinced the French Minister of Culture to lend the billion-dollar painting to the US. Viewers have thrown rocks and paint at it. But the most fascinating fact might be that it has its own mailbox. Listeners learn the shocking question people often ask about the Mona Lisa.
Jo's Art History Podcast doesn't limit discussions to paintings in museums. In one episode, McLaughlin talks to a tour guide about the Barbican estate. In another, she analyzes a controversial sunflower seed installation. Artist, activist, and documentarian Ai Weiwei commissioned 100 million seeds for it. Listeners learn what the seeds represent. They also learn why they weren't actual seeds. The reaction to Weiwei's art was intense and both positive and negative. It confirmed why art deserves everyone's opinions.
McLaughlin interviews blogger Lauren Mallin about archiving Walt Disney's art. Disney came from poverty. His austere office signified humility despite his success. Disney didn't display his awards or accolades. His shelves held family photos, childhood trinkets, and models he built. He also had a lunch bell because his creativity often captivated him such that he forgot to eat.
Mallin's episode proves the importance of archiving artwork. Artists don't only create work for art collectors. Nor do they only create art for their generation. Jo's Art History Podcast makes art accessible and relevant for these generations.
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