Excuse Me...

Excuse Me, Jean Wainwright

In this episode of Excuse Me, Erin-Atlanta Argun is joined by Jean Wainwright – art historian, critic, curator, and one of the most experienced artist interviewers working today. Since 1996, Jean has interviewed more than 1,800 artists through her Audio Arts archive, while also writing extensively on contemporary art, photography, and the market across major publications.   Their conversation begins with Jean’s long-standing engagement with Andy Warhol, from her doctoral research into his audiotapes to the intimate, often unexpected picture of the artist that emerged through years of archival listening and conversations with those who knew him best. Together, Erin and Jean explore what the artist interview can reveal, how authenticity and performance coexist in the stories artists tell, and why Warhol continues to open up new ways of thinking about art, media, celebrity, and history.  As always, the episode then turns to the Excuse Me question. Jean’s fantasy collection brings together works by Andy Warhol, Yinka Shonibare, Catherine Yass, Tracey Emin, and Natalia Edenmont – a group of artworks connected by a common narrative, Jean’s memories, history, light, and the sea. Across the conversation, Jean reflects on what it means to live with art, the pieces she still wishes she’d bought, and the stories that make certain works impossible to forget. Excuse Me is a podcast by MyArtBroker, exploring art, culture, and the stories behind the images that shape how we see the world.

Excuse Me, Mr Doodle

In this episode of Excuse Me, Erin-Atlanta Argun is joined by Sam Cox, better known as Mr Doodle the artist who’s built an entire visual universe from an unstoppable urge to draw. From his early days selling A4 doodles out of a briefcase for £1, to viral fame, international exhibitions, and the creation of his now-iconic Doodle House, Sam’s practice has always been driven by world-building, repetition, and the joyful intensity of mark-making. In this conversation, he reflects on how Mr Doodle first took shape, why drawing still feels instinctive and necessary, and how projects like Doodle Land allow people of all ages to step into that imagined world for themselves. Together, Erin and Sam discuss childhood creativity, the value of accessible art, and the fine line between immersion, obsession, and self-expression. They also talk about the artists, images, and experiences that have shaped Sam’s visual language – from video games and crowded picture books to immersive environments, old masters, and collaborative practice. As always, Sam also answers the Excuse Me question, sharing the five artworks he would most want to own, and revealing what they say about Sam’s inspirations and the kind of worlds art can create.

Excuse Me, Ricky Wilson

In this episode of Excuse Me, Erin-Atlanta Argun is joined by Ricky Wilson: frontman of the Kaiser Chiefs, former coach on The Voice UK, and this season’s celebrity artist on the BBC’s Extraordinary Portraits. Best known to many as one of the defining voices of British indie rock, Ricky has spent the last two decades on stage and on our screens. But behind his music career is a much longer relationship with art. Before the Kaiser Chiefs took off, Ricky studied art and design, completed two degrees in the subject, and went on to teach at Leeds College of Art. The visual arts shape how he sees the world, and it comes through clearly as Ricky delves into the works of art he’d most love to own. Together, Erin and Ricky talk about the strange milestone of 20 years since the Kaiser Chiefs’ debut album Employment, the creative life he might have had if the band had never broken through, and why teaching and making space for creativity in younger people still matters to him. They also discuss his long-standing interest in visual culture, from his CBBC art programmes to his recent appearance on Extraordinary Portraits, where he created a portrait of wildlife sanctuary owner Lindsay. Along the way, Ricky reflects on what art means to him personally and why certain images stay with us for life. Extraordinary Portraits is available now on iPlayer, and all six original artworks from the series will be on display at a free exhibition at The Loading Bay, Bradford, from 1 May.

Excuse Me, Sophie Tea

In this episode of The Excuse Me Podcast, Erin-Atlanta Argun is joined by Sophie Tea, a contemporary artist, community builder, master-marketer, and expert charity shop rummager. Since 2014, Sophie has been on a mission to celebrate diverse female bodies and make women feel just a little bit nicer about themselves. Entering the art world without a degree or contacts, she faced rejection from every gallery she applied to, and responded by building a cult social media following that has since taken her from going viral at a festival in 2017 to opening her own galleries in London and Sydney. Sophie and Erin explore building an art business on your own terms, the power of inclusive community, and why doing things differently might just be the smartest strategy of all. Season 2, Episode 4

Excuse Me, Tabish Khan, London Art Critic

In this episode of The Excuse Me Podcast, Erin-Atlanta Argun is joined by Tabish Khan, widely known as London Art Critic. Making art accessible is at the heart of Tabish’s work as a critic, writer, curator, speaker, and fellow podcaster. Writing regularly for Londonist and FAD, he visits and reviews hundreds of exhibitions every year, spanning major institutional shows and London’s emerging art scene alike. Alongside Anna Gammans, Tabish also co-hosts The Good The Bad And The Arty, a podcast dedicated to making art feel more open and egaging. He is also a trustee of the City & Guilds London Art School and Discerning Eye, an honorary trustee of ArtCan, and a familiar voice across talks, panels, and prizes in the London art world. In this episode, Tabish and Erin explore accessibility in the art world, what it means to be a critic, and how we can create space for more people to engage with art. And, of course, Tabish answers the Excuse Me question by sharing his five dream artworks to own and the varied stories behind them… Season 2, Episode 3