Eye of the Beholder

Eye of the Beholder - a podcast with Pontus Silfverstolpe, co-founder of Barnebys. In this podcast we will highlight some of the main events and people that shape the art and auction industry combining past, present and future.

#49 Legend Revived: An Alligator in New York 11/16/2023

#49 Legend Revived: An Alligator in New York Have you heard the myth of alligators lurking in the New York City sewers? The legend has endured for well over a century and was recently immortalized when Swedish artist Alexander Klingspor unveiled his monumental sculpture New York City Legend in New York’s Union Square last month. Alexander turned to sculpture during the pandemic and created a masterpiece inspired by the resilience of both the large reptiles and New Yorkers, depicting a life-size bronze alligator curled around a New York manhole cover. Join as we talk to Alexander about the artistic process of bringing his vision to life, what he hopes visitors take away from New York City Legend and what’s next for him in 2024. Produced by Figaro Music & Media Group /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28668293

#48 Beyond the Bids: Auction Market Trends 10/18/2023

#48 Beyond the Bids: Auction Market Trends With the new year swiftly approaching, what's next for the auction market? Famed online marketplace 1stDibs has recently launched a new auction platform, so we speak to Matthew Rubinger, CCO at 1stDibs, and Anthony Brazilay Freund, 1st Dibs' Editorial Director and Director of Fine Art, about their pivot into the luxury auction realm. Rubinger and Brazilay Freund reveal why auctions are the new frontier of e-commerce, what categories are currently booming on the 1stDibs platform and how storytelling is so important for buying and selling at auction. If you are a seasoned collector or new to the auction world, prepare for the new year with this insightful episode on the future of online auctions and auction market trends for 2024. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28353428

#47 Playing With Fire: the Magic of Glass 10/18/2023

#47 Playing With Fire: the Magic of Glass This week's podcast delves into the captivating world of glass artistry and the enchanting allure of working with this translucent medium. Join us as we embark on a journey through the fiery realms of glass blowing and sculpting, where molten glass is transformed into delicate masterpieces that capture the essence of light and transparency. We engage with Tim Rawlinson, unraveling the secrets of their artistic processes, sources of inspiration, and the perfect balance between technical precision and creative expression. Prepare to be spellbound as we explore the timeless traditions and innovative strides in the ever-evolving world of glass art. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28353113

#46 Prints of the Rising Sun 10/18/2023

#46 Prints of the Rising Sun Japanese prints have played a pivotal role in shaping Japanese culture, serving not only as a form of entertainment but also as a medium for social commentary. These unique artworks, once widely accessible, are now valuable collectibles, with rare and well-preserved examples coveted by collectors around the world. Today we delve into the fascinating world of collecting Japanese prints with a distinguished expert in the field, Sebastian Izzard, to explore the profound impact these prints have had on Japanese culture, understand the main trends in the market and identify key factors to consider when acquiring these timeless works of art. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28353104

#45 Wooden Wonders 10/17/2023

#45 Wooden Wonders Discovering the Timeless Craft: Conversations with a renowned Wood Artists on sustainable works, reclaimed materials and the Art-Nature connection. This week's podcast delves into the captivating world of wood artistry and sustainability. Join us as we embark on a journey through the intricate sculptures and masterpieces crafted from the timeless medium of wood. In this series, we sit down with Laura Mays who breathes life into wood, exploring her creative processes, inspirations, and the deep connection between art and nature. Discover the allure of reclaimed materials, the technical intricacies of woodturning, and the stories behind each piece that tell a tale of skilful craftsmanship and artistic vision. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28341623

#44 Unveiling Women's Voices: Then and Now 10/11/2023

#44 Unveiling Women's Voices: Then and Now In this episode, we speak to Gail Crowther, an accomplished writer, researcher, and academic, renowned for her book Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz. Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of female artists in the past, exploring the remarkable journey of women in the art world. Gail provides valuable insights into the advancements and changes that have shaped the landscape of gender equality within the art world, emphasising the profound impact of women's contributions in society. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that unveils the power and significance of women's voices throughout history and beyond. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28285058

#43 Superhero Spotlight: The Comic Book Market 10/05/2023

#43 Superhero Spotlight: The Comic Book Market The year was 1938 when the launch of Superman in the Action Comics #1 comic book ushered in the Golden Age of comics. Since then, the colorful and dynamic panels pitting superheroes against villains with legendary characters like Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain America have gone on to spawn a billion-dollar comics industry, with individual books now reaching seven figures at auction. This week, we talk to Ashley Cotter-Cairns, the founder of Sell My Comic Books and Head of Comic Strategy at Goldin Auctions, as well as a lifelong collector of comics. He tells us about his personal comic book collection, how to start collecting comics and what's next for this quickly growing auction market. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28231793

#42 Currency Chronicles: Collecting Banknotes 09/27/2023

#42 Currency Chronicles: Collecting Banknotes Banknotes are so much more than paper money: their historical significance, their intricate details and the stories they tell make them valuable collectibles coveted by enthusiasts worldwide. In today's episode, we chat with a true authority in the field, British banknote expert, dealer and publisher Pamela West, as we embark on a fascinating journey through the history of banknotes and dive into the intriguing world of banknote collectibles. Let's uncover the secrets and stories of one of the most interesting forms of currency and discuss how the future of banknotes looks like: in this ever- evolving digital economy, will their collectibility endure? Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28155911

#41 Healing Brushstrokes 09/19/2023

#41 Healing Brushstrokes In this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the transformative world of Art and Therapy with renowned art therapist Cathy Malchiodi. Join us as we explore the profound intersection between art and healing, discussing the therapeutic potential of creativity, mindfulness, and artistic expression. Discover how art can serve as a powerful tool in supporting mental health, personal growth, and overall well-being. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28077204

#40 Forgery: Art's Hidden Facade 09/12/2023

#40 Forgery: Art's Hidden Facade To delve deep into the world of art forgery and illusions, who better to ask than a renowned art forger who has rocked the art world? In this captivating episode, we are joined by two remarkable guests: famous L.A. art forger Tony Tetro, and Giampiero Ambrosi, the distinguished journalist and author of the gripping biography, "Con/Artist," chronicling Tony's journey. Let’s embark on an exploration of the art forgery realm as Tony Tetro shares his story, recounting his experiences as a master forger and the techniques that allowed him to emulate the strokes of history's greatest artists. Giampiero Ambrosi, who penned Tony's biography, will provide intriguing insights into the psychology of an art forger and the behind-the-scenes details of writing "Con/Artist”. So, whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply captivated by tales of intrigue, join us as we unravel the triumphs, pitfalls and evolution of art forgery. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/28014807

#39 Capturing the Past & Collecting the Future 04/28/2023

#39 Capturing the Past & Collecting the Future Barnebys delved into its data to analyze the surprising trends of 2022 and explore how the next generation of collectors will impact the auction industry in the years ahead. In this week’s episode, our host Pontus Silfverstolpe delivers the key findings of the latest Barnebys Trend Report. Discover how ‘niche nostalgia’, the biggest trend of the year, is taking the auction market by storm and derives from a new interest fueled by new kids on the collecting block : Millennials and Generation Z Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26684499

#38 - Unlocking the Hermès Hype 04/21/2023

#38 - Unlocking the Hermès Hype This week: We speak with Max Brownawell, the handbag and accessories specialist at Sotheby's, about the booming secondhand market for Hermès bags, as well as his business MaxPaintsBags, where he handpaints Hermès bags for a discerning clientele (which has included the Kardashians!). The Hermès expert and artist tells us his prediction for the future of the Hermès hype, advice for the new handbag collector and where he gets his inspiration for his bespoke Birkin and Kelly designs. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26611023

#37 - Inside the Pokémon Card Craze 04/14/2023

#37 - Inside the Pokémon Card Craze This week: We uncover the story about how Gary Haase, a 69-year-old father of three from Las Vegas, was crowned King Pokémon. His collection of Pokémon cards is worth more than $10 million, and he even sold one of his rare cards to Youtuber Logan Paul for $150,000 in 2020. We speak to Gary about his collection and how the Pokémon card craze has evolved from childhood collectibles in the 1990s to a multimillion dollar market today. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26540814

#36 - The Art of Valuating Art 04/06/2023

#36 - The Art of Valuating Art Behind all the sensational headlines of rediscovered artworks around the world, there is a whole process of authentication and evaluation. Evaluating a work of art is a difficult exercise that requires a great deal of knowledge about a period, an artist, a movement and the market. In this episode we meet Betsy Thomas, who has been appraising art for over 25 years and now teaches the techniques of this complex and painstaking practice. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26466615

#35 - Antique Books Between the Lines 03/30/2023

#35 - Antique Books Between the Lines In today's episode, we explore the fascinating world of rare and antique books. We speak with Steve "The Bookman" Eisenstein, a seasoned rare bookie with over 50 years of experience. He hosts the popular radio show "Bucks On The Bookshelf" and has shared his knowledge in numerous videos on identifying and selling rare and out-of-print books. We ask Steve about his personal journey with antique books, how to evaluate and identify them, and what makes them valuable for investment. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26389554

#34 - Censored Art Today 03/23/2023

#34 - Censored Art Today What is censored art today, and why is it still an issue? What are the most famous censored artworks in history? How long have female artists been suffering from censorship in a patriarcal society? This week we talk with Dr Gareth Harris, author of “Censored Art Today”, about his mission to expose the censors of the art world and the debates around the so-called ‘cancel culture’. Get ready to hear about the hottest topic in art history. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26321166

#33 - Diving into Wine Collecting 03/17/2023

#33 - Diving into Wine Collecting Collecting wines can be a challenging but also very rewarding experience. In this episode we talk to Peter Mansell, Head of Department Wine & Spirits at Tate Ward Auctions in London. We discuss about the main aspects of this fascinating type of “liquid investment”, about valuable wines and the future of the wine industry. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26258901

#32 - Digital Art: The New Frontier 03/10/2023

#32 - Digital Art: The New Frontier As an early adopter and collector of digital art, Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile is one of the curators of the current exhibition 'Beyond Digital' on display at Venus Over Manhattan in New York. This exhibit, which showcases his personal collection, is the first ever to showcase a single collection of digital art in a contemporary art gallery and aims to broaden the understanding of the creative value of NFT artworks in a traditional collecting format.In this episode we talk to Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile, founder of digital marketplaces Aorist and Anterdit, about digital art, blockchain and the metaverse. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/26186517

#31 - A Glimpse of Future Trends -Part 2 01/27/2023

#31 - A Glimpse of Future Trends -Part 2 What will be the hottest trends of 2023? Digital auction house Catawiki has collaborated with the market research company Ipsos to identify the trends that will shape the world of collectibles in 2023. In the second part of our interview, Catawiki’s experts reveal to us what the future of the auction market looks like – from the toys and collectibles market to luxury fashion, sports memorabilia and alternative investments, such as heirloom pieces and spirits. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25745925

#30 - Art Without the Artist 01/19/2023

#30 - Art Without the Artist The art world’s focus seems to be shifting more and more to the value of art as a financial asset, with creative and artistic considerations too often taking a backseat. ArtEconomy exposes this imbalance and ‘eliminates’ the figure of the artist, paradoxically using the same tools of the financial world. In this episode, we talk to ArtEconomy’s International Brand Manager, Giuseppe Roatti, about their series of works that are all identical but different at the same time. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25658259

#29 - Forgetting Fast Fashion 01/12/2023

#29 - Forgetting Fast Fashion Vintage fashion is more relevant than ever before, not least because of the sustainability aspect. Art historian Ruby Redstone is one of those who brought vintage fashion to the most famous catwalk in the world - the streets of New York. With the motto that fashion is Freedom. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25587786

#28 - Famous Jewels Worn by Royals 01/05/2023

#28 - Famous Jewels Worn by Royals Royal jewelry is well known because of its style, quality and famous wearers. Gemologists and jewel historians Carolina Tüür and Victoria Astudillo tell us the colorful stories behind iconic pieces that have adorned both royalty and trendsetting celebrities. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25512129

#27 - More than a Car 12/21/2022

#27 - More than a Car Bold design, powerful engines, and strong brands are behind the increased interest in classic cars, but the highest bid comes when one of the world's most famous women has driven the car. In this week's episode, we talk about the most expensive Ford Escort in history and why one of England's foremost experts of classic and modern exotic cars, Arwel Richards, a Specialist at Silverstone Auctions drives a shabby vintage Rolls Royce. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25399281

#26 - A Glimpse of Future Trends - Part 1 12/16/2022

#26 - A Glimpse of Future Trends - Part 1 What will be the hottest trends of 2023? In this week’s episode, fashion expert Lorenzo Altimani, design expert Eleonor Floret and collectibles expert Kees Smit reveal what the future of the auction market looks like. The three experts, currently working for the digital auction house Catawiki, collaborated with market research company Ipsos to identify the trends that will shape the world of collectibles in 2023. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25347387

#25 - Climate Activists Make a Splash 12/08/2022

#25 - Climate Activists Make a Splash In this week's episode, we talk to Emma Brown, a spokesperson for Just Stop Oil, about why the group's recent targeting of famous artworks has become their most successful campaign ever, and what it will take to get the activists to stop. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25267668

#24 - Time to Talk About Watches 12/02/2022

#24 - Time to Talk About Watches In recent years, wristwatches have become one of the fastest growing collecting areas. Brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe and Omega are today as strong as the leading fashion houses in the luxury goods industry. This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with one of the key market players, Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director at Phillips, whose interest in wristwatches began as early as his teens. Hear Alexandre talk about how the watch market has developed, what's trending and what it was like to sell Paul Newman's iconic Rolex Daytona. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25198443

#23 - Antiques Caught on Camera 11/24/2022

#23 - Antiques Caught on Camera For most people, experts and collectibles are confined to the auction room, but their value extends far beyond the art market and can sometimes serve other industries. This week, we look at the relationship between art experts and the motion picture industry with Valerie Hammond, an antique jewellery dealer whose expertise served on the set of Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, “Nightmare Alley”. Roll out the red carpet. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25123182

#22 - The $12 Million Card 11/17/2022

#22 - The $12 Million Card This summer, a new auction record was set when a Mickey Mantle rookie card was sold for a slightly unbelievable 12 million dollars. In this episode we meet Chris Ivy from Heritage Auctions who was responsible for the incredible sale. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/25055973

#21 - Curating the Future 11/09/2022

#21 - Curating the Future NFT and Crypto Art have been on everyone's lips for the past few years. Now the market seems to enter a new reality. Today we talk about Art and Innovation with Andrea Concas, entrepreneur, populariser, teacher and speaker. Together we discuss about Digital Art, NFTs, the investment aspect of these non tangible tokens and their value on the market. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/24953937

#20 - Tokens of Love 05/25/2022

#20 - Tokens of Love Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend. Listen to Mayfair Diamonds’ Jonty Condrup, who carries more than 40 years’ experience in the jewellery industry, talk about everything from the world’s famous jewellery pieces to uncut diamonds, and learn more about why diamonds are a good investment and how to source the best vintage pieces. Produced by Figaro Music and Media Group. /episode/index/show/eyeofthebeholder-barnebys/id/23229986

Eye of the Beholder

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