Conversations with artists, curators and authors about making it in the art world. We get behind the studio doors for entertaining and informative discussions about the journey through the visual arts, how projects were realised, ideas that informed new work and practical ways that artists can expand their audience and visibility.
In this episode, we look at one of the biggest misconceptions artists have about social media growth: the idea that going viral is what creates a sustainable audience or sales. It’s easy to assume that one high-performing post will change everything, but reach alone doesn’t guarantee connection, trust, or buying behaviour. We explore: why viral moments don’t automatically translate into sales or stability the gap between visibility and capacity to hold attention why growing too quickly can actually expose missing foundations in your content and systems the difference between reach and trust (and why trust matters more) how trust content makes the “human behind the artwork” visible, especially important in an age of AI-generated content why sales come from repeated emotional familiarity, not one-off exposure This episode sets up a core shift: from chasing visibility to building recognition, trust, and connection over time. Which is exactly what we’ll be working on in From Noise to Known s tarting on 13th May. See workshop details here Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode, we explore a common shift that’s happened on Instagram—and why many artists are still posting as if nothing has changed. A lot of artists are still using Instagram like a static portfolio: post the finished work, add a caption, and wait for engagement. But the platform doesn’t really work like that anymore. I break down: why Instagram used to feel like a visual diary—and why that’s changed how social media is now “social first,” not purely visual why static posts alone rarely hold attention anymore why posting only finished work often leaves your audience with no entry point A key shift in this episode is understanding that: when you only post finished work, you’re giving people no way in. I also briefly explore how other industries (like fashion) build far richer content ecosystems—showing not just the final product, but the references, process, emotion, and world behind it. Because when people understand your world, they don’t just look at your work—they start to connect with it. Join From Noise to Known - the three part workshop starting 13th May 2026. See all the details here Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode, we look at why so many artists feel like they’re showing up consistently on Instagram, but still aren’t seeing real momentum in their audience, engagement, or sales. If you’ve been posting your work online but it feels like everything resets every time you share something new, this episode breaks down what’s actually missing. You’ll also get a simple self-audit to apply immediately: Look at your last 9 posts and ask: would someone understand enough about my work to feel connected to it—or is it just standalone content? And a practical shift you can make straight away: Instead of only posting finished work, start thinking about what helps someone understand why it matters , not just what it is. Because when content is disconnected, growth feels random. But when it works as a system, it starts to build. This is the reel on Instagram I mentioned in this episode - Watch it here Join the three day workshop - From Noise to Known here Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode I talk about the most common question I get from artists which is how to get their work shown in galleries / how to get gallery representation. I share what I look for in an artist and it is more than the work. There's a vibe check, we're looking for credibility and how it fits into the gallery curation. I also talk about feeder galleries and gallery models which artists should understand before approaching the gallery on their list. My program Gallery Ready is retiring at the end of 2025. You can get the training at the link below. There's a live call in January so you can dive into the program now and bring your questions to the live online call. See all the details https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/galleryready Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode I respond to ' 50% gallery commission is wild!' , I explain retail margins and how retailers take much more than 50% and put into context the gallery commission. I also talk about different ways that galleries work with artists. This episode covers why it is so important for an artist to have their own audience and ways of selling directly without dependency on a gallery, but to sell via galleries as a complement to your overall business. And choice. There's a lot of different ways of working and selling your art and it all comes down to choice. What works for someone else does not have to be the same for you. Art Business Foundations starts in September. Details here https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/artbizfoundations Gallery Ready program waitlist here https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/gallery-ready Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode I talk about using AI generated images as reference material for your artwork. I go on to talk about how artists are often dismissive of AI generated art and creators of Ai art calling themselves artists. I go on to talk about how other industries outside of visual arts refer to themselves as artists. And previous tech developments such as analogue to digital photography, platforms like Canva, camera phones or the ready made have triggered artists in the past as weakening their craft or diluting what it means to be an artist. Is this true or did these things just create more resources and improve visual literacy? I talk about a benefit of Ai image generation which in my opinion is the expanding vocabulary that is required to make better prompts and can help artists and art enthusiasts beyond the prompt, in talking about their art. This episode also invites listeners to notice how ai artists might be a mirror or a trigger to where they are holding themselves back, and explore their own definition of being an artist - eg is it a requirement to struggle, or have art school debt!? And I talk about staying in your lane and noticing distraction. Some of these topics such as ' is it art if it is made with AI ' are merely distractions from wider issues playing out in the world today, and to be mindful of where your attention is, when you could be channeling it into your art. There's lot to discuss in this episode. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Michael Petry is the director at MOCA London. He is also the author of a number of books and in this episode he talks about his latest book, Mirror Mirror, The Reflective Surface in Art. Starting with Van Eyck's Arnolfini Betrothal, the book tracks the story of mirrors and the reflective surface in art through to contemporary art with mirrored surfaces inviting self reflection, 'holding up a mirror' to society and the viewers' participation in the artwork. Michael talks about how artists use the reflective surface to draw in visitors, how this affects engagement with art such as Kusama's Infinity Room and the many artists using the reflective surface for political commentary. The final chapter in the book which Michael talks about in this episode is about narcissism and the popular trend of selfies. You can see images and links to images mentioned in this podcast at this link Buy the Book Here Visit MOCA London at MOCA London, 113 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4QY MOCA website. https://www.moca.london/ Follow Michael and MOCA on Instagram Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode I talk about protecting your energy for your inevitable art world success. It is important to protect your energy and watch out for 'coolers' that can throw you off track with their negative outlook on life. As you find momentum and growth in your art career or business you’ll soon understand there’s a mindset and energy component that accompanies the actions and strategies. Along this part you gotta look out for the coolers who don’t believe in your vision, your potential etc They usually talk about being realistic but generally bring down the vibe, make you doubt, see the bad side, present problems These individuals tend to focus on the negatives, whether it’s in their own lives or in the people they interact with. They can be chronic complainers, doubters, or those who always anticipate failure instead of success. The human mind is highly influenced by its surroundings, and if you’re surrounded by people who believe success is rare or that life is just a struggle, you might unconsciously adopt those beliefs. But you’re smart so you can spot them. Inside my program, Activation , we cover how to keep your vibe higher so you don’t succumb to these influences. How to actually stay there. So you aren’t knocked around by others’ opinions that are contaminants in your energy field. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Siddhant Khattri of Vedica Art Studio and Gallery joins me on this podcast to talk about his work through the art world. The gallery is based in Mumbai and in this episode he shares his upcoming projects to take place in Paris, networking and building a circle of support and more. Siddhant has arranged an open studio day for the artists that he works with around the world and in this episode he talks about the event that visitors can attend virtually, from anywhere in the world. And we talk about performance art, documenting these time based events and more. https://www.vedicaartgallery.com/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
80% of art collectors buy from artists they know or feel they know. In this episode we talk about how you can give your audience the feeling of being closer to the artist and enrich their experience of the artist. Which in turn makes moves them closer to becoming an art buyer or a patron of your work. In this episode Using social media and mailing lists to share more about the artist, their journey, credibility and the big ideas in their work. Help the potential buyer understand how to talk about your art. Art Fairs, open studios and exhibitions to practice talking about your work. Avoiding price shock. The IG reel I mention in the post is here Available programs here Recommended reading list is here Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode I explain how I respond when an artist says they want gallery representation. We look at their sales history, exhibiting experience and more. Often artists come looking for gallery representation before they are ready. I think it is great to know what to expect and the road to representation. However, if the goal is to offload the 'business' side of being an artist, there's often other elements that the artist needs to work on before approaching any dealers, which includes professional and personal growth. A guide to gallery representation is found here In this episode I mention the program, Gallery Ready ., details here https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/gallery-ready This is the Instagram reel I reference in the episode Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Michael Wallner is an artist based in London. His inspiration comes from urban skylines and landmark buildings. In this episode of the podcast he talks about his journey through art and regularly showing at art fairs. He talks about building his art network, showing his art at fairs in the US and managing costs and finances in his art business. Michael's website https://michaelwallnerart.com/ Follow Michael on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michaelwallner_art Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode I am joined by Tim Fowler who talks about his exhibition, The Ground at the Attenborough Centre, Leicester. The Leicester based artist talks about the research that went into the exhibition which features his large scale paintings of plants that followed the same migratory pattern as his own DNA - from West Africa to the Caribbean to the UK. He talks about setting himself challenges such as painting large scale before he had any exhibiting opportunity, and selling at fairs where he wanted to be seen before any gallery represented him. Tim currently has gallery representation and we talk about the different expectations and challenges of working with commercial galleries and institutions. While both offer programming, they vary in their expectations and outcomes. While preparing for the exhibition (ends 26 January 2025) Tim worked with a film maker to create a documentary which you can watch here . Follow Tim on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timjfowler Website - https://www.timfowler.co.uk/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Kat Popova joins me on this episode of the podcast and we talk about her year which started with with 3 exhibitions on the calendar. As an artist she reflects on the last few years of exhibiting, and setting up 2024 with three exhibitions on the horizon. She shares her vulnerable story of the fear of 'not being included' that led to her committing to shows and avoiding 'red flags'. She goes on to share how she returned to her art making and easing her fears around working with galleries in the future. We go on to talk about Art Basel Paris, and Art Basel Miami Beach, and how the former revived our join interest in returning to Miami as exhibitors at a future date. Kat's website https://www.katerinapopova.com/ Kat on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katerinaspopova/ Create Magazine https://www.createmagazine.co/ Art and Cocktails Podcast hosted by Kat Popova Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Sonia Borrell is a collector, author and mentor. In this episode she talks about writing her book Art in Real Time and her journey to building a contemporary art collection. She talks about her art preferences which is currently figurative and staying open to her personal tastes changing. She talks about collecting for personal expression and connection over investment and shares her advice for new collectors; buy art from your own time. Sonia also shares her views on the works of art that the artist does not sell, holding back to create their own archive. She also talks about supporting your own practice through other income streams where possible, in order to have the time to develop a body of work and find your own visual language. Follow Sonia on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/soniabblondon/ Get your copy of Art in Real Time by Sonia Borrell here Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode Gita Joshi talks to Mona Lerch and Katelyn Chapman about artists statements and applying for funding to develop their art practice. We discuss the importance of the artist statement for those artists who are ready to enter the marketplace and how it supports the artist's visual work. Katelyn Chapman shares details of successfully applying to grants for funding a studio practice and details of the program that can support you to do the same. Details here https://womenunitedartmovement.com/artist-intensive Follow Mona on Instagram at @womenunited_art_movement Follow Katelyn on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kschap/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
In this episode my guest is Victoria Mann,the founder of AKAA art fair. This fair takes place in Paris with a focus on artists connected with Africa. In this episode Victoria shares her backstory and how the fair came about and how it has evolved over the years. 2024 is the 9th edition of the fair and Victoria discusses what visitors can expect at the fair taking place 18-20 October 2024. See more at https://akaafair.com/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Liz Lidgett from Liz Lidgett Gallery joins me on this episode to talk about her gallery based in Des Moines Iowa. Liz has amassed a loyal following online and in this episode she talks about how the gallery started, her experience of working with artists, hiring and growing a team, selling worldwide and the regular launches and exhibitions offered by the gallery. https://www.lizlidgett.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Artist Ghia Haddad joins me on this podcast to discuss her non Euro Centric approach to textiles and mixed media art. She shares her experience of art history with a Euro-centric viewpoint and feeling outside of this as an Arab woman. Her work explores textiles and representation of Arab women through the lens of an Emirati woman. Ghia's art is something that invites interaction and touch. In this episode she talks about the Western approach to idolising of art that is to be revered, while her own art takes reference from her own culture that invites interaction through more than looking and permits touch and considers this more communal and democratic. She goes on to talk about her series I Dream In Colour which uses the bridal gown as the symbol that crosses cultures and presents it in its various ways beyond the European white bridal gown. Tap here to see the collection Decolonizing History is another of Ghia's series which represents queens from a bygone age, again reminding us that much of our knowledge of world history is told through the European lens. Hear her talk about her reimagining Cleopatra and Zenobia. See images of the artwork here See Ghia's website here https://www.ghiahaddad.com/ Ghia on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ghia_artdesign/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
Victoria Fry of Visionary Art Collective joins Gita Joshi on this episode of the podcast. Victoria talks about her initial blog which has now developed into a community of artists around the world, a magazine, a podcast and artist mentoring. She shares how the platform evolved during the pandemic, and providing resources for art educators and now supporting artists to build their own practice. In 2023 Victoria launched a gallery space, Warnes Contemporary based in Brooklyn. In this episode she talks about finding the gallery space and the artists she exhibits. https://www.visionaryartcollective.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/visionaryartcollective Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegitajoshi/ Follow me on Substack https://substack.com/@thegitajoshi Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thecuratorssalon Visit the website https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/ Resources for Artists https://www.thecuratorssalon.com/for-artists
