Art and Labor

We originally recorded this episode as a Snackcast, our bonus feed, but liked it too much. Apologies for any munching and crunching, and for the even more causal tone than normal. We discuss working in Chelsea and art fairs as young people, insidious bootstrap mentalities, and the importance of centering marginalized workers. Don’t fall into … Continue reading "Episode 63 – Plátanito Protest"

Warning that this episode is gets into some heavy allegories, we’re very raw in our feelings. That said, we discuss the latest on Amazon NYC, which despite the AOC spin, is NOT A WIN. We also touch on the latest Art Miami Basel controversy spectacle, and the state of gentrification and unionization. Plus we make … Continue reading "Episode 62 – Amazon x Hudson Yards OTP"

OK and Lucia discuss burnout, survival gigs, the realities of gender presentation, and universal emotions. How does art influence the ruling class? And how do we examine our proximity to wealth, even if we aren’t collecting a living wage from that proximity. If you like the podcast and want more, please consider supporting us: https://www.patreon.com/artandlabor. Follow us … Continue reading "Episode 61 – Truck Life"

We’re joined by podcast legend Leslie Lee III (@leslieleeiii) to discuss the 1976 classic film Marathon Man. Dustin Hoffman plays a young graduate student roped into a high-stakes plot involving US intelligence agents, sadistic Nazis, and millions of dollars in gems. We explore the story’s underlying pro-communist elements and artistic motifs. It’s Struggle Session x … Continue reading "Episode 60 – Marathon Man with Leslie Lee III"

The beloved Toronto-based artist Michael DeForge (@michael_deforge) joins us in studio to discuss comics, community spaces, and activism. We touch on his newest book, Stunt, as well as Leaving Richard’s Valley, Lose, Thickness, Adventure Time, and snag some info on his rejected pilot for Cartoon Network. Michael also co-authored an open letter to small press … Continue reading "Episode 59 – Cartoonists Against Amazon with Michael DeForge"

*Come to OK’s panel on Sunday!* Welcome to the episode on Mehrwert aka the Marxist concept of Surplus Value. We read an essay by Diederich Diederichsen, it’s super useful for determining the differing placement of art and artists within the class framework. Read it yourself here, and let us know what you think! If you … Continue reading "READING – On (Surplus) Value in Art"

Let us read to you! This time an essay by Sami Siegelbaum in Selva Journal. Here is an excerpt: “although historical and dialectical materialism formed the basis of Supports/Surfaces’ theory and practice, it was not ‘art for the people.’ Instead, it was a ‘theoretical and ideological weapon for the petit bourgeois intelligentsia’ who would later … Continue reading "READING – Painting as Theoretical Practice: Althusser and Supports/Surfaces"

Turns our those rebellious rock ‘n’ rollers were scabbing the classical nerds?! Hello everyone! You’re in for a treat! David Turner (@pennyfractions) joins us to discuss the history of musician unions in the United States. David’s newsletter Penny Fractions covers the contemporary music industry and the troubled landscape of streaming platforms, algorithms, and promotion. Please … Continue reading "Episode 58 – Music and Labor with David Turner"

Hey folks we’ve been super swamped, please enjoy this roundup episode about movies, and some city living problems so real it hurts. We discuss Glendale Community Board Meeting 5 and its larger implications on the city. NIMBYS, ugh, YIMBYS, ugh, the goal is housing for all in a way that won’t accelerate planetary collapse. It’s … Continue reading "Episode 57 – Promare, The Joker, and Housing"

While congress is on vacation after finally committing to the slightest gesture towards holding the president accountable, workers all over the country are taking power into their own hands. At General Motors in Detroit 50,000 United Auto Workers have been on strike due to contract disputes, meanwhile some of the newest UAW Local 2110 members … Continue reading "Episode 56 – Art Workers Authorize Strike!"

Last Friday we marched in solidarity with millions of people from all over the world protesting governmental inaction on the climate crisis. The vast majority of schools in NYC were given the day off to participate. It was incredible and overwhelming to see so many teens, tweens, and children demanding a better future. Also, climbing … Continue reading "DISPATCH – Climate Strike NYC"

We’re back! We have a lovely discussion with Haley Mlotek (@haleymlotek) and Stella Becerril (@xicanaspice) from The Freelance Solidarity Project, which has recently decided to join National Writers Union (@paythewriter). The union is open to freelance, part time, and full time staffers of all mediums, regardless of location. JOIN HERE! If you like the podcast … Continue reading "Episode 55 – Freelance Solidarity Project with Haley Mlotek and Stella Becerril"

We were joined by Zachary Small (@zacharyhsmall) to discuss their 5-part series on Art Handlers for Hyperallergic. There are discussions of gruesome workplace injuries as well as the infuriating ways employers skirt responsibility. We even hear a wild tale involving the the Emancipation Proclamation and some Mountain Dew. If you have any tips for Zach … Continue reading "Episode 54 – Art Handler Horror Stories with Zachary Small"

Our rage is burning like the rainforest, but our brains are melting as fast as the ice caps, and when the museum wants us to Warm Up, we burst. Even though we aren’t on the International Council of Museums we throw our hats into the definition debate and decide…they should belong to everypony. If you … Continue reading "Episode 52 – The Museum is for Everypony"