Bad At Sports

Strap in, print nerds, because this week we’re coming to you live from the wild and inky trenches of the Staple and Stitch Artist Book Fair at 21C Chicago! First up, we’ve got Angee Lennard and Jessica Cochran from Process Process Print Publishers—the dynamic duo that’s doing god's work by helping artists get their process-based, experimental prints out into the world (or at least onto some beautiful paper). These two are the real deal: no pretentious art-speak, just raw, creative energy making print magic happen. Then, just when you thought the paper party couldn’t get any better, Madeleine Aguilar from Bench Press Publications joins us to lay down some serious knowledge about the Chicago art book scene. Bench Press is the indie press you want to be in the know about—they’re cranking limited-run artist books that’ll make you want to throw all your digital content in the trash. We recorded this maudlin crew, so enjoy the ambient sounds of over-caffeinated art students and print enthusiasts buzzing aro

  Live from the wild, eclectic, art-riddled halls of Stitch and Staple at the illustrious 21C hotel, we’re diving into the deep blue—conceptually, at least—with this episode. We chat with the incredibly thoughtful Dawit L. Petros and Art History powerhouse Onur Öztürk about their work in the exhibition Prospetto a Mare at the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP). What’s it about? Well, think: migration, colonial histories, and the ever-shifting geopolitical sea. No big deal, right? Petros’ breathtaking, multi-layered visual narratives bring the past and present of migration into view, while Öztürk’s sharp, historically-grounded insights connect the dots across time and space. Together, they turn the exhibition into a thought-provoking journey across borders—geographical, historical, and artistic. Also, we recorded this episode at 21C’s luxurious digs, so enjoy the ambiance of clinking glasses and gallery buzz in the background. Join us as we unpack how art and history collide in one of the most important

Live from Stitch and Staple at the illustrious 21C Hotel (because, why record in a normal studio when you can do it in a fancy hotel?), we dive into the deep end with Kris Graves, photographer extraordinaire and head honcho of KGP | Monolith, along with the relentlessly kind crew from Have a Nice Day Press. We grill Kris on everything from the role of documentary photography in social justice to navigating this wild political landscape we call life, all while discussing how photo books aren't just pretty—they're political weapons (but, you know, in a good way). If you’ve ever wondered how to make a photo book that doesn’t just sit on a shelf, but sparks a revolution, this one’s for you. Kris Graves might just be the guy to show you how. And then, we meet Have a Nice Day Press, who are all about making art books with the simple goal of being, well... nice. Like, refreshingly nice. They break down why making art books is their way of spreading good vibes and making the world a slightly less terrible place. Tur

In this episode, we catch up with Meg Duguid, the new Executive Director of Spudnik Press, Chicago’s premier community printmaking studio. Meg shares her vision for the future of the Press, an organization known for fostering an inclusive environment where artists of all levels can access printmaking resources, develop their craft, and engage with a vibrant, supportive artistic community. Spudnik Press, since its founding in 2007, has stood at the intersection of traditional printmaking and innovative artistic practices. The Press offers an array of services, including an open studio, workshops, residencies, and exhibitions that elevate both established and emerging printmakers. Its mission extends beyond the art of printmaking, positioning itself as a vital hub for creative expression, collaboration, and education within Chicago’s art landscape. Meg discusses how she plans to continue and expand on Spudnik’s role in the local and national printmaking communities, emphasizing inclusivity, experimentation, an

A strange and lucky number for an episode packed with the profound! This week, we dive deep into design, architecture, and the unique culture of Chicago. We kick things off with an interview featuring Sharon & Guy, the dynamic design collaborative whose thought-provoking artworks are included in The Spaces We Call Home, currently on view at the DePaul Art Museum. They're joined by Marin R. Sullivan, the curator of this important show, to discuss how their work reflects on identity, place, and home. Next, we talk to Brandon Johnson, publisher of Almighty & Insane Books, about his exploration of Chicago's gangland ephemera, the hidden histories of modern architecture, tagging, visionary art, and why Chicago continues to inspire generations of creators. Brandon's work uncovers the city's gritty and delightfully creative underbelly, presenting it in a way that both honors and challenges conventional narratives. Join us as we unpack all things Chicago: from its built environment to its street art, this con

In this episode of Bad at Sports, we’re coming to you live from the Stitch and Staple Artist Book Fair at 21C Museum Hotels! Join us as we chat with Jennifer Murray, about the evolving landscape of artist book fairs and the growing role of alternative exhibition spaces. We also dive into the mind of Evan Fusco, a rising artist and art producer whose multidisciplinary practice explores themes of identity, memory, and transformation. Our hosts discuss the significance of the 21C Museum Hotels as a cultural space that bridges hospitality and contemporary art, creating opportunities for artists and visitors alike. Highlights: The history of the 21c and public art with Jennifer Murray Evan Fusco’s artistic process and how his work challenges conventional forms The role of 21C Museum Hotels as an alternative platform for art in unexpected spaces Insights from the Stitch and Staple Artist Book Fair at 21C Hotels Tune in for a dynamic conversation on the future of art in unconventional spaces and the work of emergi

  In this milestone episode of Bad at Sports, we welcome back Scott Speh, the founder and director of Western Exhibitions, to celebrate 20 years of the gallery’s existence and its significant role in shaping the Chicago art scene. It’s been 19 years since Scott’s last appearance on the show, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the journey of Western Exhibitions, its impact on the city’s art landscape, and the evolving nature of the gallery's programming. From the early days of launching the gallery to navigating the challenges and rewards of running an independent space in Chicago, Scott offers a unique perspective on the state of contemporary art and its communities. We discuss the dynamic relationships between artists, collectors, curators, and the broader public, and reflect on how Western Exhibitions has not only supported emerging artists but also helped to foster a rich cultural dialogue in the city. As the art world continues to change, Scott shares his thoughts on the future of galleries, the

In this episode of Bad at Sports, we sit down with Chicago-based artist and sculptor Betsy Odom, whose work uniquely blends high craftsmanship with intentional moments when the craft fails. Odom’s sculptures often serve as playful critiques of mass cultural phenomena, gendered objects, and sporting culture, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and conceptually layered. With a deep fascination for sports culture and the ways it intersects with identity and gender, Odom’s work delights in crafting objects that are as charmingly imperfect as they are thoughtful. These "flawed" sculptures often act as queer-ed interpretations of familiar items, inviting us to question the norms surrounding them. We discuss Betsy’s approach to materials, her exploration of identity through sculpture, and how humor and subversion play key roles in her work. https://www.sfmoma.org/exhibition/get-in-the-game/ https://www.betsyodom.com/

In this episode, we explore Ours Is The Hand That Sews Time, a two-person exhibition at M. LeBlanc featuring new work by father and son, Peter and Jake Fagundo. Both artists challenge the notion of painting as a finished product, instead embracing it as a continuous, evolving process. Peter, a longtime professor at SAIC, draws from his deep archive of past drawings and appropriated imagery, creating works that bridge abstraction and figuration. His son Jake, shaped by the digital age and a dynamic array of artistic influences, balances historical references with playful figurative work. Together, their pieces create a dialogue across generations, blending tradition with contemporary exploration. We are joined by Taylor Payton and Marc LeBlanc.   https://peterfagundo.com/home.html https://www.artsy.net/artist/jake-michael-fagundo https://www.sulkchicago.com/ https://mleblancchicago.com/oursisthehandthatsewstime https://gruntsrarebooks.us/  

In this episode, the Bad at Sports crew heads to the Center for MAD Culture to dive into the powerful intersection of art and mental health. They sit down with the Center’s current featured artist, Meghann Sottile, and Director Matt Bodett to explore what it means to embrace "MAD culture" and the crucial role that madness plays in shaping our broader cultural landscape. Sottile shares insights into her exquisitely crafted sculptures, discussing the influence of her personal experiences and the broader implications of creating work that navigates the boundaries of beauty and mental health. Bodett adds to the conversation, offering a glimpse into the mission of the Center for MAD Culture and the ways in which madness informs creative expression, societal perceptions, and cultural contributions. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about art, madness, and the way we think about the relationship between creativity and mental health.   https://www.madculture.org/ https://www.meghannsottile.com/ https://

Eric Von Haynes is a Chicago-based artist, printmaker, and community organizer. He founded Flatlands Press, a print studio that creates art objects and printed ephemera for artists worldwide, with a focus on community engagement. His work blends traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques, creating unique monoprints that invite viewers to reflect on time and memory. Haynes’ work is characterized by his use of slow media, non-repeating patterns, and an emphasis on process-driven art. In addition to his artistic practice, Haynes is deeply involved in community-based initiatives. He co-founded The Love Fridge Chicago, a mutual aid group focused on food sovereignty, and serves as the President of the Chicago Printers Guild. His dedication to collaborative art practices extends to his residency at the Chicago Art Department, where he engages in projects that promote public participation and social connections through art. He has exhibited works like Drawn Through Restraint, a series of lithographs explorin

This week on Bad at Sports Duncan MacKenzie and Amy Kligman check in with Sean Nash! Thanks to the glory of the Charlotte Street Foundation.  Sean Nash is a visual artist whose work often intersects with fermentation, social practice, and ecological themes. His projects integrate fermented foods into sculptures and exhibitions, exploring the cultural and biological aspects of fermentation. Nash has exhibited at various venues including the Kniznick Gallery at Brandeis, Plug Projects in Kansas City, and Black Ball Projects in Brooklyn. Notably, his "Lactobacillus Amongus" exhibition used sourdough starters and bacteria as a form of portraiture, blending biology with visual art. He also engages with social practice art, such as his long-term project "Trans Fermentation," where he collaborates with other transgender individuals to ferment food, creating a platform for dialogue and community building. Nash’s work challenges traditional boundaries between disciplines, bringing together art, food, and social issues

In this episode our intrepid art adventure enthusist, Duncan MacKenzie, is joined but KC rockstar ED, Amy Kligman. Together they catch up with two of the next generation of Kansas City's art world grinders charting the next phase of KC contemporary art. Sam Hann and Cesar E. Lopez Mejia. https://www.plug.gallery/team-1 https://www.artskcgo.com/organization/curiouser-curiouser/ https://lopezcesar.com/ https://www.samanthahaan.com/ https://www.amykligman.com/ https://charlottestreet.org/  

In this episode of the Bad at Sports Podcast, we sit down with Ruben Castillo, and explore his two person exhibition with Amy Cousins. Few broadcast from the heart of Kansas City thanks to the glory of the Charlotte Street Foundation. https://charlottestreet.org/ https://rubenbcastillo.com/ https://www.amycousins.com/

In this episode of the Bad at Sports Podcast, we sit down with Caleb Taylor, a dynamic artist and influential figure in Kansas City's vibrant art scene. Join us as we delve into Caleb's creative journey, his work, Plug, curating, and his deep roots and connections with the local Kansas City art scene. https://charlottestreet.org/ https://charlottestreet.org/exhibition/site-seeing/ Corey Antis (Kansas City)-  https://cargocollective.com/coreyantis Avantika Bawa (Portland)- https://www.avantikabawa.net/ Dan Devening (Chicago)- http://dandevening.com/ Marcie Miller Gross (Kansas City)- https://www.marciemillergross.com/ Mie Kongo (Chicago)- https://www.miekongo.com/ Cybele Lyle (Los Angeles)- https://cybelelyle.com/ Armin Mühsam (Kansas City)- https://arminmuhsam.com/ Erin O’Keefe (New York)- https://www.erinokeefe.com/ Christopher Spaw (Alma, KS)- https://www.instagram.com/christopherspaw/ Caleb Taylor (Kansas City)- https://calebtaylorstudio.com/Information http://deveningprojects.com/ https://www.plug.gallery

On this episode of Bad at Sports, Wisconsin artist Colin Matthes gets descriptive about his ongoing series of discursive drawings and sculptures. His unconscientious images come from a daily drawing routine made around the home with his wife and two children, portraying confabulated narratives from books and TV intertwined with imagined and lived moments.   ColinMatthes.com Instagram https://www.thealicewilds.com/

Description: Join hosts Jesse Malmed and Duncan MacKenzie as they chat with Jen de los Reyes about the future of arts education. Jen shares her innovative teaching methods and syllabus, sparking a lively discussion on how to nurture creativity and adapt to a changing art world. Jesse gets thoughtful. Duncan mic drops. About Our Guests: Jesse Malmed is a Chicago-based artist, curator, and educator known for his interdisciplinary practice that includes performance, video, text, and curatorial projects. Jesse's work explores the intersection of art and media, challenging traditional forms and pushing creative boundaries. He teaches at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Jen de los Reyes is a visionary artist, educator, and community organizer. She is recognized for her pioneering work in socially engaged art and her commitment to rethinking and reshaping art education. Jen's teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, creativity, and real-world impact, making her a leading figure in contemporary arts

In this episode of Bad at Sports, Daniel Tucker travels to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the Arts in Society conference 2024, where he sits down with two influential figures in the global arts community. Solana Chehtman, a New York-based cultural producer and curator originally from Buenos Aires, joins Daniel as a plenary speaker at the conference. Solana is currently the Director of Artist Programs at Joan Mitchell Foundation, where she focuses on supporting visual artists through unrestricted funding and career development opportunities. Her commitment to equity in the arts has shaped her roles as the inaugural Director of Creative Practice and Social Impact at The Shed and Vice President of Public Engagement at Friends of the High Line. Solana’s extensive experience includes teaching at the MA in Arts Administration at Baruch College and collaborating with organizations such as Artadia and Creative Capital. Jaeyong Park, a curator, writer, and translator based in Seoul, shares insights from his work at the

Welcome to another episode of Bad at Sports. In this episode, Jesse and Duncan sit down with Jen de los Reyes, an artist, organizer, and activist known for her transformative projects that bridge art and community engagement.   Jen de los Reyes is perhaps best known for her role in founding and organizing the groundbreaking Open Engagement conference, a platform that explores various facets of art and social practice. Through Open Engagement, Jen has created a space where artists, thinkers, and activists converge to discuss critical issues and forge connections that transcend traditional boundaries.   During our conversation, Jen de los Reyes shares insights into the origins of Open Engagement, its evolution over the years, and its impact on the contemporary art scene. We delve into the conference's role in fostering dialogue around social justice, environmental sustainability, and collective action within artistic practices.   In addition to her work with Open Engagement, we discuss: Garbage Hill Farm. This

In this captivating episode of Bad at Sports Podcast, we bring you a special recording of a panel discussion held at the Goldfinch Gallery. The event, which saw an enthusiastic turnout with every painter in Chicago turning out for this standing room only discussion, delves into the intricate world of painting. "Team Contemporary Painting" panelists, Leslie Baum and Andreas Fischer, share their insights on a range of topics, including painting techniques, materials, subjects, and the generation of content. They also explore the dynamics of collaboration among painters, shedding light on how artists work together and maintain their individuality in the art world. Leslie Baum, a distinguished painter known for her vibrant and dynamic works, joins Andreas Fischer, whose thought-provoking pieces have garnered critical acclaim, in a conversation moderated by Justin Witte. Justin, the Curator and Director at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, guides the discussion with his profound understanding of contemporary art