The Art Of...
This show is on a mission: to answer life's big questions through art. Join the ever-curious Namila Benson on the journey as she meets artists from all over the creative landscape to find out who we are and where we're headed.
Seasons
1. Heartbreak
Air Date: 2024-06-04
We've all experienced heartbreak, whether romantic, platonic or the death of a loved one. Namila wonders when it comes to getting over heartbreak is the answer in art? Features Josh Thomas, Emma Donovan and Celeste Mountjoy.
2. Being Imperfect
Air Date: 2024-06-11
Nobody's perfect, but can art help us accept our failures and shortcomings? Namila Benson asks powerhouse singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer, artists Yhonnie Scarce and Richard Lewer, and jazz musician Audrey Powne.
3. Masculinity
Air Date: 2024-06-18
Guest host, drag sensation Courtney Act travels the country to investigate the world of masculinity. Courtney wants to know: What does masculinity mean today. Will art provide answers?
4. Sex
Air Date: 2024-06-25
Namila confronts an ever-taboo subject - Sex. Why does sex make us uncomfortable? Travelling from strip clubs to burlesque bars, she explores whether the answer is in art. Features Michala Banas, Paul Yore and Kitty Obsidian.
5. Making A Difference
Air Date: 2024-07-02
Ever wondered how some artists change the world? In this inspiring episode, Namila chats with some of her heroes, both international megastars and Australian icons including Angelique Kidjo, Bimini and Uncle Kutcha Edwards.
6. Rage
Air Date: 2024-07-09
Namila discovers rage can be a powerful motivator. Author Christos Tsiolkas, Archibald winner Del Kathryn Barton, comedian Nazeem Hussain and rapper Barkaa show how passion and fury paint a vivid picture of modern life.
7. Being Funny
Air Date: 2024-07-16
Namila Benson faces her greatest fear... stand-up comedy! Namila chats with comedian Shaun Micallef, comic Zainab Johnson, classicist Mary Beard, father/son duo Dane and Bow Simpson and political satirist Badiucao.
8. Climate
Air Date: 2024-07-23
Zoe Norton Lodge and Namila Benson want to know if art can help our climate. With OITNB star Yael Stone, artist Ghenoa Gela, sculptor Megan Cope's living eco solution and artist Jessie French's extraordinary "plastic".
9. Hair
Air Date: 2024-08-13
From mullets to afros, Namila Benson wants to know why we're so obsessed with hair. She seeks answers with artist Patricia Piccinini, top model Duckie Thot, hair sculptor Zena Thiboult and at Mullet Fest.
10. Starting Over
Air Date: 2024-08-20
How do we start over when life takes us back to square one? Guest host Osher Gunsberg seeks answers from ex-Wiggle Emma Watkins, AFL legend turned painter Gavin Wanganeen and comedian Sam Kissajukian.
11. Motherhood
Air Date: 2024-08-27
Namila explores how art can help us understand motherhood. Featuring artist Atong Atem, writer and podcaster Elizabeth Day, Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich of Camp Cope, Mother of the House Of Alexander Ella Ganza and Prof. Mary Beard.
12. Food
Air Date: 2024-09-03
Guest host Matt Preston wonders 'Can food be art'? For answers, he meets chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs, chef Ben Shewry, glass artist Jenni Kemarre Martiniello and ventures to Indonesia to see an ancient cave painting.
13. Ageing
Air Date: 2024-09-10
Guest host Yumi Stynes ponders 'Is there an art to ageing?' Seeking inspiration, Yumi visits artist Lindy Lee, dancer Meryl Tankard and author Kathy Lette. Meanwhile Namila Benson visits artist Maree Clarke at her workshop.
14. Sport
Air Date: 2024-09-17
Former Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight wonders if she can channel her sport obsession into an art obsession. To find out she visits surfer and painter Otis Hope Carey, AFL photographer Michael Willson and more.
15. Money
Air Date: 2024-09-24
Daniel Browning (RN's The Art Show) asks why we're uncomfortable discussing money, particularly when it comes to art. With artists Michael Zavros, Kay Abude, Richard Bell and Andrei Molodkin - who held hostage art worth $45m.
1. Magic
Air Date: 2025-10-28
Namila Benson and Zoe Norton Lodge ask when it comes to magic should we solve or savour it? With Grammy winner Jacob Collier, mentalist Lawrence Leung, designer Marg Horwell, artist Hayley Millar-Baker and a tiny lab-grown brain.
2. Winning
Air Date: 2025-11-04
Do we care too much about winning? To find out, Namila Benson enters a unique competition and talks to artists Abdul Abdullah, Jamie Cooper, Woopsyang and musician Nooky.
3. Looking Good
Air Date: 2025-11-11
"Why are we so fixated on looking good?" Artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran seeks answers from photographer William Yang, model and mentor Elaine George, artist Joan Ross and choreographer Kelly Abbey.
4. The Inner Child
Air Date: 2025-11-18
On a journey to discover what happened to her inner child, Namila Benson seeks advice from beloved painter Ken Done, award winning ceramicist Glenn Barkley and mischievous puppeteers The Snuff Puppets.
5. Space
Air Date: 2025-11-25
Star Trek actor and artist Jess Bush asks "Can we go into space without messing it up?" For answers, Jess talks to musician Stev Kilbey, as well as artists Serwah Attafuah, Amos Gebhardt and Shirween Taweel.
6. Taboo
Air Date: 2025-12-02
In The Art of Taboo, we meet "Piss Christ" artist Andres Serrano, our rep at the 2026 Venice Biennale Khaled Sabsabi, as well as artists Sam Peterson, Latai Taumopeou and curator Sione Francis. Guest hosted by Brook Andrew.
7. Memory
Air Date: 2025-12-09
Namila Benson meets artists Laurie Anderson, Aretha Brown and comedian Alok. Feel the power of music with Aaron Choulai and Tatana Village Choir and Rewire Musical Memories Choir for people living with dementia.
8. Home
Air Date: 2025-12-16
Namila travels back to PNG for 50 years of Independence and explores the diaspora experience with artists Grace Dlabik, Wendy Mocke, Lesley Wengembo and musicians including Airileke, Sprigga Mek and Yirrumul.
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Rating
0.0/10
Release Date
2024-06-04
Episodes
23 (2 seasons)
Status
Returning Series
