Synopsis
Art Smitten is SYN's weekly guide to arts, culture and entertainment in Australia and around the world.With a focus on youth and emerging arts, we're here to showcase culture ahead of the curve. Contributors interview, review, and cover the very best of what the worlds most liveable city has to offer, all packaged in two hours to close off your weekend. Whether it's film, fashion, photography or Fauvism you're into, Art Smitten is the place.Art Smitten broadcasts on SYN Nation on Sundays 2-4pm. This podcast features content from the Art Smitten radio broadcast, which includes interviews, reviews and host discussions.
Episodes
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BLINDSIDE 20 Years Special - B-Side Radio
24/02/2025 Duration: 38minJoin local arts and culture radio Art Smitten of SYN Media for an exclusive deep-dive into Blindside's history!Blindside is a long-standing artist-run initiative in the heart of our city, and we're keen to celebrate their 20th anniversary by giving you insight into Blindside’s foundations, and the creative community networks behind the gallery.Presented in two parts, these special segments will discuss the history and cross-disciplinary programs that Blindside contributes to the vibrant arts ecology of Naarm/Melbourne, and will highlight pivotal moments of growth and fresh artistic direction from the collective enthusiasm and expertise of Blindside’s alumni and community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Waiting Room - Camilla Hannan
16/02/2025 Duration: 20minJoining us in the studio for this episode of Art Smitten was Camilla Hannan, co-creator ‘The Waiting Room’ that premiered at The Capitol Theatre on November 9th, 2024.Along with Martine Corompt, these two artists united for a special one-off immersive theatrical event in ‘The Waiting Room’, where the audience will share the joy of anticipation, the pleasure of expectation, and the thrill of impatience.Created exclusively for the 100-year old Capitol theatre in Melbourne featuring live experimental music from The Overtone Ensemble quartet, ‘The Waiting Room’ elaborates on the notion of waiting as a disorientating event in itself. We spoke about the origins of this project, Camilla's background in the theatric world and getting started in sound production. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios
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National Communication Museum - Emily Siddons
12/02/2025 Duration: 26minFor our last interview of the 2024 season, we were joined by the new National Communication Museum (NCM). We spoke with Dr Emily Siddons, Co-CEO and Artistic Director of NCM, who told us all about their exciting new program and exhibitions. NCM showcases nostalgic communication artefacts, exploring how new and old technologies have changed our lives over the years. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform
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Trocadero Projects - Emma Salmon, Hari Sinh and Sirui Yang
09/02/2025 Duration: 41minArt Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trocadero Projects - Rochelle Morris
09/02/2025 Duration: 17minIn this episode we were fortunate to be joined by artist Rochelle Morris to talk about their exhibition at Trocadero Projects!‘Turning Soil’ is an exploration of the potential of ecological art at a painterly scale. The use of organic materials within the exhibition open up a conversation on our relationship and responsibilities to nature and our environment. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
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Bus Projects - Sophia Cai
02/02/2025 Duration: 32minThis week, we were lucky to chat with Sophia Cai, Director of Bus Projects!Bus Projects is a long-term ARI based in our city, and has recently been showing some amazing artists – including some that we interviewed previously this year. Sophia talks about how Bus operates, her role and the journey that led her to becoming the director. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Betweenia Project 夾洲計劃 - Kaiqi Li
26/01/2025 Duration: 31minThis week we spoke in-depth with Kaiqi from Betweenia Project 夾洲計劃 !Kai joined us for the end of our live show at Melbourne Art Book Fair earlier in the year, and we’re very interested to hear what Betweenia has been up to since then!Betweenia Project is an art book and zine distributor bringing a collection of zines, publications and DIY content here to Naarm. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info
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SIGNAL Arts - Zeth and Matisse
19/01/2025 Duration: 20minJen and Lucy had a great chat with lead artists and co-facilitators Zeth Cameron and Matisse Laida all about the programs run at SIGNAL. Tucked away beside the Birrarung river that flows near Flinders Street Station, a centuries old Train Signal Box is the meeting place for many of Melbourne’s young creatives. SIGNAL is a wonderful City of Melbourne initiative that provides young people a place to learn art skills and meet community. We hope you enjoy our chat! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been
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Skye Malu Baker - Artist Interview
12/01/2025 Duration: 23minJoining Jen and Audrey in this episode of Art Smitten is artist Skye Malu Baker to discuss their current show at TCB in Brunswick. ‘A R TH ~ air and light, dust and earth’ draws from half-remembered internet posts and out of date art history books in a series of imagined painted landscapes. Skye touches on the act of 'redigesting' in her practice, material limits and interest in optics. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.  
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Phoebe Thompson - Artist Interview
05/01/2025 Duration: 35minFor this episode of Art Smitten, our guest host Teagan Ramsay interviews artist and creative producer Phoebe Thompson. Phoebe discusses their practice and process in relation to their most recent exhibition, touching on collecting debris, and site-specificity. They will also speak about their upcoming exhibition and the direction of their work, while providing insight into their work as a Creative Producer for RMIT Creative. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, A
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Bridget Gurrie - Artist Interview
29/12/2024 Duration: 39min**Content Warning: This episodes contains discussion of sexual assault and mental illness. If you ever need help, you are not alone. You can speak to someone at Lifeline (13 11 14) or at 1800RESPECT.** In this episode, Lucy and Jennifer spoke with Naarm/Melbourne based creative practitioner Bridget H. Gurrie. Bridget uses textile processes as a means for self-reflection and to conceptual explore the processing of trauma and grief. We talked about their background in fashion and the future direction of their practice! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancest
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SCRAP MAG - Lia Mills, Ingrid Hollis and Ella Rawson
28/08/2024 Duration: 47minIn this episode, Lucy and Jennifer will be chatting to the people behind SCRAP MAG - the unofficial zine of VCA.We will be discussing how SCRAP MAG came to be, the importance of student-led publishing, and the work that is to be done.Excited to share with you all, and a big thanks to Lia, Ella and Ingrid for joining us! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Unassigned Gallery - Nour and Phoebe
05/08/2024 Duration: 01h01minIn this episode of Art Smitten, Audrey is joined by Nour and Phoebe from Unassigned Gallery in Brunswick discussing the origins of the gallery, the ethos of their programming and upcoming exhibitions including 'Exhibition for ants 2.0' Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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HAIR - Cristea and Jesse
30/07/2024 Duration: 34minI really enjoyed chatting with the people behind HAIR, a new artist-run initiative on Elizabeth Street! We talked all about the space, their plans for the gallery and the kind of events and exhibitions they are hosting. Check them out on Instagram - @hair__ari Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Chris Orr - Artist Interview
23/07/2024 Duration: 01h57sI had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Chris Orr recently, a local established artist. Chris has worked and studied in graphic design, and uses these principles in his work. Chris creates digital manipulations that focus on objects and are often series centred around a particular theme. Chris’ most recent exhibition was this year, at fortyfivedownstairs here in Naarm / Melbourne in April. This series takes classical busts and statues, and transforms them through the lens of technological advancement, layering with pastels and intricate patterns. You can see Chris’s work on instagram @chrisorraus or on his website chrisorr.com.au Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Austral
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Demure Magazine - Lucia
17/07/2024 Duration: 25minThis week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Lucia, Head Editor of Demure Magazine. Demure is a local online publication focused on highlighting experimental and engaging explorations of literature, arts, culture and fashion. With their first issue released in August of 2021, Demure has continued to expand, with a print-publication release for their most recent edition! Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
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MABF at NGV x Art Smitten
17/07/2024 Duration: 44minFinally! A long-awaited recording of Art Smitten's live show at Melbourne Art Book Fair, in the NGV Grand Hall. Listen in as Audrey and Sen turn their attention to arts and publishing, diving into the history of art manifestos and the impact of DIY publishing as acts of resistance. The pair also host an interview with Kaiqi from Betweenia Project 夾洲計劃, who bring not just art books but also experiences of mutual aid and situated practices from China to Australia. https://artbookfair.melbourne/events/art-smitten-live/ Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the
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MUMA - Pip Wallis
26/06/2024 Duration: 32minWe had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Pip Wallis, Senior Curator at MUMA Monash University Museum of Art! Pip has curated a solo exhibition of work by acclaimed Chinese-American artist Candice Lin titled ‘The Sex Life of Stone’ opening this weekend, Saturday 29th of June. Candice Lin is an interdisciplinary artist who works across ceramics and sculpture, installation, drawing, video and living materials and processes - materials such as mould, mushrooms and bacteria. Her work considers the politics of representation - focusing on issues of race, gender and sexuality. MUMA’s exhibition will feature a new installation Untitled 2024, co-commissioned by MUMA with the 24th Biennale of Sydney, that delves into the speculative and historical entanglements surrounding manganese pigment, industrial mining, ancient trade routes linking Asia and Australia, and the intriguing sexual properties of sea slugs. Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wur
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138 Gallery - Sylva and Victoria
24/06/2024 Duration: 53minRecently, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Sylva and Victoria from 138 Gallery! 138 is based in Brunswick East on Lygon Street. We were lucky enough to chat all about their gallery space, their accessible application processes and their exhibitions! At the time, they were showing Aperitif, a group exhibition with Shannon Toth, Georgia Noughton, Hannah Barry and Olivia Wood. Right now, they're exhibiting another group show - Joke Taxonomy curated by Jincheng Deng with work from Lou Hubbard, Simon Zoric, Stuart Ringholt, Yusi Zang, James Brett and Chunxiao Qu, showing until the 29th of June. 138gallery.com Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our conten
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Next Wave - Matisse and Banda
20/05/2024 Duration: 16minI had the pleasure of chatting with two of Next Wave’s Artistic Directors, Anthony ‘Banda’ Bandalan and Matisse Laida. Next Wave is celebrating 40 years with an exciting program called All School Lab - full of artist talks, performances and activities running over the 24th and 25th of May. The event will conclude with a party curated by Next Wave’s Young Artistic Directorate, called during:next! https://nextwave.org.au/ https://allschool.nextwave.org.au/programs/lab/lab_2024 Art Smitten airs on SYN Radio 90.7 FM SYN Media acknowledges and pays respect to the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands the SYN office and studios stand. SYN and the Art Smitten team would like to further acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the Lands and Waters across Australia where our content reaches. Art Smitten would like to expand that respect to Bunjil, the great creator ancestor of the Kulin nations. Sovereignty has never been