The Art of Life: Adam Foulds
The Art of Life
In this episode of The Art of Life the Booker-shortlisted novelist and poet Adam Foulds picks three of his favourite works of art, taking us from Georges Seurat to John Soane via the photographer William Eggleston.
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The Art of Life: Maaza Mengiste
The Art of Life
In this episode of The Art of Life the novelist, essayist and photographer Maaza Mengiste picks out three works of art that have been significant for her, taking us from a photograph of an armed Ethiopian woman by one of her Italian invaders in the 1930s to Velázquez’s portrait of Juan de Pareja, via a painting-photograph by the Portuguese artist Helena Almeida. Maaza also discusses her Booker-shortlisted novel The Shadow King.
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The Art of Life: Charlotte Higgins
The Art of Life
In this episode of The Art of Life the journalist, author and classicist Charlotte Higgins picks out three works of art that have been significant for her, taking us from Meredith Frampton to Velázquez via Phyllida Barlow. She discusses her latest book, a retelling of the Greek myths that puts female characters centre stage, for which she grappled with an ancient-style loom – learning along the way that she would never have made a good Roman matron. Charlotte also talks about stealing from Muriel Spark, and the privilege that comes with being a journalist in her field. ‘Why would...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Art of Life the journalist, author and classicist Charlotte Higgins picks out three works of art that have been significant for her, taking us from Meredith Frampton to Velázquez via Phyllida Barlow. She discusses her latest book, a retelling of the Greek myths that puts female characters centre stage, for which she grappled with an ancient-style loom – learning along the way that she would never have made a good Roman matron. Charlotte also talks about stealing from Muriel Spark, and the privilege that comes with being a journalist in her field. ‘Why would anyone want to do any other job?’
- A Game of Patience, 1937, Meredith Frampton (1894–1984). Ferens Art Gallery.
- dock, 2014, Phyllida Barlow (b. 1944). Tate Britain commission for the Duveen Galleries.
- The Spinners, or the Fable of Arachne, 1655–60, Diego Velázquez (1599–1660). Museo del Prado, Madrid.
Greek Myths: A New Retelling by Charlotte Higgins is published by Jonathan Cape. Greek Myths, a print portfolio by Chris Ofili accompanying the book, is available from Victoria Miro.
Hosted by Sophie Barling
Sound editing by Matthew Taylor