Clean Break with Matt Gondek

In this episode, Mat is joined by Andrew Salzbrun, Managing Partner of AGAR, an experiential company that harnesses the power of human connection to drive culture and impact for brands, companies, and communities. Andrew brings decades of experience in experiential design and strategic vision, having worked with some of the largest names in the industry. As co-founder and executive creative direct...

In this episode, Matt sits down with renowned art dealers and collectors David Teplitzky and Glenn Dranoff. They discuss Matt's ambitious project, Total Recall, tracing its journey from an idea on a napkin to an inspirational masterpiece. The conversation delves into the differences between art dealers and galleries, the role of social media in gaining exposure, and what distinguishes great work t...

Inside the vibrant world of Cj Hendry, a visionary artist from Brisbane to New York, known for her hyper-photorealistic drawings and immersive exhibits. Cj reveals the motivation behind her unique creations like Monochrome and Rorschach, and the impact of her work on audiences worldwide. Delve into the essence of her art, which merges viewer interaction with stunning visual narratives, and discove...

Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of street art with David Roos, the esteemed Head Curator of STRAAT. Since 2016, David has transformed his passion for street art into a professional pursuit, curating a dynamic collection that showcases both renowned and emerging talents. In this episode, he shares insights into how he navigates the complexities of the art form, ensures the museum's colle...

Gain exclusive access to the forefront of art management and authentication with AlwaysArt. Matt and Patrick provide an insider's perspective on groundbreaking AlwaysArt tools and strategies set to revolutionize the art world. From custom COAs to premium printing services, discover how AlwaysArt grants artists, galleries, and collectors privileged insight to amplify their success. Don't miss this...

This week, we welcome Sage Szkabarnicki-Stuart, a remarkably innovative photographer who transformed her passion into a unique art form. Starting her journey in Canada, Sage developed a distinctive style of self-portraiture, combining her skills with the unpredictability of natural settings. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her complex, time-intensive photoshoots, often conducted in publi...

This week, Matt sits down with Jeremy Biggers, an award-winning Dallas artist renowned for his painting, murals, and filmmaking. Educated at Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Jeremy honed his diverse artistic talents from a young age. His acclaimed work, featured in galleries across the country, skillfully combines his unique artistic vision with high-profile coll...

This week, Matt Gondek welcomes Ken Harman Hashimoto, a distinguished curator and gallery owner, for an insightful podcast episode. Ken, the creative mind behind Harman Projects, Hashimoto Contemporary, and Spoke Art galleries, discusses his evolution from an online editor for Hi-Fructose Magazine to a curator for esteemed art institutions. He shares his experiences running galleries across San Fr...

This week, Matt is joined by Danny Casale, also known as Coolman Coffeedan, renowned for his quirky, humorous animations that gained fame with his viral hit "Snakes Have Legs." From his early YouTube days at age 12 to global exhibitions like Art Basel, Danny's distinct style combines low-fi aesthetics with meaningful messages. Join Matt as he delves into the creative process, inspirations, and asp...

This week we welcome Alan Bamberger, a renowned art consultant and author with decades of experience. Bamberger has advised artists, galleries, and collectors, penned the influential "Art Talk" column, and authored seminal books like "The Art of Buying Art". His expertise has been sought after by top media outlets such as the New York Times and CNN. Join us as we delve deep into the art world with...

Discover how an iPhone 4 led her to artistry and Instagram, setting her on a unique path to becoming a global influencer. Hear how Swopes returned to college in 2013 to study graphic design but ultimately made the bold decision to drop out. Post-graduation, she partnered with industry giants like Apple and Adidas, even delivering a TEDx talk titled "Child of the Internet." Swopes also delves into...

As a beacon in the Web3 landscape and a creator of the GHOST CLUB community, MUMBOT redefines success by lifting others rather than climbing alone. Learn how collaborative spirit and community support in the digital era pave the way for individual growth and collective empowerment. From pioneering toy design to fostering inclusivity in Web3, MUMBOT's tale is a testament to the adage that we rise b...

Dive into the world of Justin Mensinger, the LA-based designer championing sustainability through exceptional craftsmanship. Influenced by his Midwest roots and inspired by the blend of luxury streetwear and vintage at Goodwill and RSVP Gallery, Mensinger transforms discarded materials into fashion masterpieces. Celebrated as the winner of HBO Max's 'The Hype', his mission "From the Past, For the...

Dive into the world of artist exclusivity with hosts Matt Gondek and Patrick Coulson. As artists venture into partnerships, the idea of exclusive contracts with galleries or agents often presents itself. This episode unravels the complexities of such decisions, exploring the advantages like guaranteed income and exposure, against potential limitations. We'll guide you through essential considerati...

Join Matt as he explores the agent/artist relationship with Aaron Barr, co-founder of Atrbute. Matt and Aaron break it down and discuss how agencies can supercharge an artist's career. Aaron's expertise in digital strategy, sales, management, business development, and marketing strategy makes this a must-listen episode for anyone in the art world. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation tha...

Join host Matt Gondek as he engages in a captivating conversation with the renowned Portuguese visual artist, Diogo Machado, popularly known as ADD FUEL. From his early days in design studios to his mesmerizing journey into the art world, ADD FUEL brings forth a universe that oscillates between the eccentricities of urban visual culture and the timeless beauty of traditional tile designs, especial...

Join hosts Matt Gondek and Patrick Coulson on "Communicating with Galleries." In this episode, they dive deep into the essentials for artists aiming to gain visibility and connect effectively with art galleries. Learn about the importance of researching the right galleries, maintaining professionalism, adhering to submission guidelines, and understanding the need for patience and openness to feedb...

Join Matt Gondek, as he dives deep into a conversation with Maxime Richard, the mastermind behind Maximus Communications. Discover how Maxime's profound relationships with elite media and influencers have become the bedrock of his agency's achievements. Listen in and uncover the secrets behind the impressive media coverage his clients receive in esteemed outlets like VOGUE, The New York Times, GQ,...

Join host Matt Gondek as he sits down with Troy Kelley, the dynamic Artist Development and Project Manager with Goldman Global Arts, the esteemed curators of the Wynwood Walls in Miami and the Houston Bowery Wall in NYC. With a background that stretches from creating stained glass windows to pushing cubicle life at a major tire manufacturer, Troy has become a pivotal force in the street art commun...

Matt Gondek sits down with Set Free Richardson, a man known to some as a creative genius, and to others, the Cultural Conduit. Born in the Bronx and bred in Philadelphia, Set Free has turned urban culture into breakthrough ideas, taking the AND1 brand to international sensation status. As the mastermind behind Compound, where art, music, fashion, sports, and charity blend seamlessly, he's created...

Matt speaks with Ben Frost, renowned for his audacious and thought-provoking work often using pharmaceutical packaging. Frost opens up about his creative process, sharing insights on using imagery like children's books, mixing things up with different media, and his organic approach to art that bypasses digital mock-ups. The conversation also delves into sustaining a career over 20 years, the stru...

Matt speaks with East Coast-based artist Jessica Brilli. Jessica shares her journey as a painter, detailing her transition from a graphic design career to wholeheartedly embracing her passion for art. She discusses her unique approach to drawing inspiration from vintage photographic film, sifting through countless images to find the perfect one. She also opens up about the grant she received, whic...

Matt talks with renowned artists Charlie Edmiston and Fidia about their creative journeys, influences, and challenges in the art world. They discuss breaking away from past labels and embracing authenticity in their artistic visions. From Fidia's graffiti background to Charlie's evolving color palettes, they share insights into their styles and experimentation. The conversation also touches on the...

Matt talks with Texas-based artist Dan Lam - known for her "drippy" sculptures and use of vibrant color. With no guides or instructions available, Dan's work was organically discovered and refined through her own experimentation. We discuss how she went from teaching art appreciation to exhibiting in galleries, her creative process and the materials used in the work, sales, the benefits of working...

We speak with artist Jan Kalab - an artist whose work has been described as nuclear, bombastic, and looking like a thermal wave. From cutting his teeth on the 90's graffiti scene in Czechoslovakia, Jan's work has transitioned from the streets to the fine art world. We discuss his first solo exhibitions, running his own gallery Trafačka, and the art market in his current home of Prague. We also div...