Art Virgins : From Clueless to Collectors

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode's Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode, Sami celebrates his birthday with a VR field trip to Eclipso in Lyon. The hosts step into "A Night with the Impressionists, Paris 1874" and experience the birth of one of art's most revolutionary movements firsthand. Guided through 1874 Paris, they visit Nadar's photography studio where Monet, Renoir, Degas, and their rebellious crew held the first Impressionist exhibition — showing work the prestigious Salon had rejected. Between walking through virtual streets and standing inside recreated paintings, they discover how rejected artists changed art forever. They also debate VR's potential as an education tool and imagine a future where you can chat with historical figures yourself. Highlights: Birthday VR adventure at Eclipso in Lyon Inside Nadar's studio — ground zero for the Impressionist revolution Meeting the rebels: Manet, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley, Paul Cézanne, and Frédéric Bazille Félix Nadar — the photographer who gave the Impressionists their space Émile Zola — the writer who defended the movement Louis Leroy — the critic who accidentally named the movement Why painting sunlight and everyday life was scandalous in 1874 Walking through Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" Paul Durand-Ruel — the dealer who bet everything on the Impressionists VR as education: what works, what's clunky, and where AI takes it next

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode's Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode, Zahra returns to Vienna's Lower Belvedere for a quieter, more intimate visit — this time with just her cousin and an Impressionism exhibition that changes the game. Between the artwork, she discovers the story of a collector couple, and their decades-long journey teaches her three lessons she won't forget. Meanwhile, Sami picks up a €2 magnet in Prague and falls completely in love. The artist? Alphonse Mucha — a name he'd never heard before. What starts as admiration for beautiful posters becomes a three-act journey through Parisian fame, Czech nationalism, and a tragic ending that connects to today's world in ways neither host expected. Art collecting wisdom, cultural resistance, and one very emotional moment. Highlights: The Lower Belvedere — smaller, calmer, better for art virgins Three lessons from collectors who lived at the time of Matisse and Renoir How Alphonse Mucha became an overnight sensation in 1894 Paris From commercial success to The Slav Epic — Mucha's dramatic shift Women as messengers of nationalism and cultural identity Why this Czech artist's story resonates with modern Iran

Episode 14 – Picasso's Guernica & Klimt's The Kiss: Two Masterpieces, Two Cities To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode, Sami continues his visit to Madrid’s Reina Sofía Museum and finally comes face to face with Picasso’s Guernica — a painting he thought he knew, but absolutely didn’t. What starts as disappointment quickly turns into one of the most powerful art revelations of the podcast so far. Meanwhile, Zahra takes us to a snow-covered Vienna at Christmas, where museum strategies, the Belvedere Palace, and a long-awaited encounter with Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss unfold — crowds, chaos, elbowing included. Along the way, we revisit the Three Fs, discover why context changes everything, and learn how expectations can betray us… or be completely redeemed. Heavy history, golden masterpieces, and one very emotional art virgin moment. Highlights: Visiting the Reina Sofía Museum with “new art eyes” The 1937 World Expo and the political face-off of its pavilions How Guernica went from “ugly and confusing” to unforgettable Why context matters more than beauty in art Vienna under snow and the magic (and stress) of museum crowds The Belvedere Palace as the world’s first public museum Playing the Three Fs with a nine-year-old art critic First impressions — and second thoughts — in front of The Kiss What we promised: Picasso’s Guernica The Reina Sofía Museum (Madrid) The 1937 Paris World Expo and the Spanish Pavilion Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss The Belvedere Palace (Upper & Lower) Egon Schiele’s works

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In the final episode of 2025, Sami and Zahra close the year by sharing two very different — but deeply connected — art journeys. Zahra prepares for a Christmas trip to Vienna, following a trail that leads straight to Gustav Klimt, his contradictions, and the questions that make his work endlessly fascinating. From famous masterpieces to lesser-known tensions beneath the gold, she unpacks why Klimt is never just one thing. Meanwhile, Sami takes us to Madrid and into the Reina Sofía Museum, where a carefully prepared visit turns into a series of surprising realizations — about Cubism, repetition, posters, text in art, and why some museums suddenly click. Along the way, a simple game transforms a museum visit into something unexpectedly joyful. A reflective, curiosity-filled episode to wrap up the year — about learning to see, preparing to look, and letting art slowly reveal itself. Highlights: Preparing for Vienna through the lens of Gustav Klimt Why Klimt can be both iconic and misunderstood The idea of artistic contradiction — fame, feminism, modernity How preparation can completely change a museum experience A first encounter with Reina Sofía and its “anchor” artwork Discovering personal taste through posters, text, and typography Cubism explained through repetition, cafés, and everyday objects Why art movements might be closer to scientific experiments than pure chaos What we promised: Gustav Klimt and The Kiss Museo Reina Sofía (Madrid) Cubism: guitars, newspapers, pipes, wine bottles Cassandre’s Normandie poster ChatGPT Prompt for preparing for a museum visit to Copy/Paste:  "MUSEUM VISIT PREPARATION PROMPT I'm planning to visit [MUSEUM NAME] in [CITY] on [DATE/TIME if known]. Please help me prepare a complete visit strategy including: LOGISTICS & PRACTICALITIES Opening hours, best days/times to visit (crowd levels) Ticket prices, advance booking requirements, any free admission days Getting there: address, nearest metro/transport, parking options Accessibility features, coat check, bag policies, photography rules On-site amenities: café/restaurant quality, gift shop, rest areas MUSEUM-SPECIFIC RULES & ETIQUETTE What's allowed/prohibited (bags, food, photos, touching exhibits) Any special security requirements or restricted areas Dress code if applicable Children policies if relevant STRATEGIC VISIT PLAN Recommended visit duration for my pace Must-see highlights ranked by priority (top 10-15 pieces/exhibits) Optimal route through the museum to avoid backtracking Which sections/wings to prioritize vs. skip if time-limited When crowds concentrate and how to avoid them Less-known gems worth seeking out EXHIBITION CONTEXT Current temporary exhibitions worth seeing Key permanent collection strengths Brief historical context of the museum itself Any audio guides, apps, or tours recommended PREPARATION READING 2-3 specific artworks/artifacts to research beforehand Essential background knowledge that enhances the visit Any thematic connections to look for PRACTICAL TIPS Where to start for maximum impact Best spots for breaks/reflection Common visitor mistakes to avoid Photography opportunities (if allowed) Please tailor this to [my interests/constraints: e.g., "I love Impressionism but have limited mobility" or "traveling with kids" or "only have 2 hours"]."

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this very special episode, Sami and Zahra record for the first time ever with a live audience — and the energy is as chaotic, wholesome, and hilarious as you’d imagine. From CERN to stolen masterpieces, from Da Vinci’s mind-blowing inventions to unexpected guest appearances, this episode is a full cross-disciplinary adventure. And just when you think you know where the story is going… a brand-new guest steps in with a mystery involving a missing artwork and a very famous Renaissance master. Get ready — this one is a ride. Highlights: Zahra shares the surprising link between physics, engineering, and some of the most iconic artworks ever created. Why CERN might secretly be one of the most artistic places on Earth. Sami tells the story of a painting that resurfaced 80 years later out of nowhere and in the weirdest way possible . A stolen-art mystery delivered by a surprise guest — featuring Da Vinci, the Medici… and a piece that may still be hidden somewhere today. A lollipop cameo (yes, really).

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode, Zahra takes us on an unexpected journey to what she calls the happiest place on earth — and spoiler: it’s nowhere near Disneyland. From particle accelerators to mind-bending artist residencies, she opens a door into a world where science and creativity collide in the most surprising ways. Then Sami shifts gears and brings us back to the streets of Paris for the 100-year anniversary of a movement we all think we know… until we realize we don’t. Dramatic entrances, glamorous lines, and a story that all begins with one very peculiar exhibition. Are you ready to see physics and design with completely new eyes? Let’s dive in. Highlights: Zahra reveals the unexpected reason CERN might actually be the real happiest place on earth A behind-the-scenes look at Arts at CERN — the artist residency program nobody sees coming The strange, futuristic artworks hiding in plain sight on CERN’s campus How physics secretly shapes everything from your steps to your favorite masterpieces Sami unpacks the (surprisingly messy) origin story of Art Deco Why 1925 Paris hosted one of the most influential exhibitions of the century The visual codes that define Art Deco — from speed lines to ships, subways, and sleek geometry A poster so iconic it becomes the symbol of early Art Deco glamour What we promised: The Arts at CERN program The giant CERN statue with formulas Black Quantum Futurism A.M. Cassandre’s Normandie ocean liner poster The 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industrielles Modernes

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.   Show Notes: In this episode, the two art virgins take on two big topics: Sami breaks down the six mistakes beginner collectors fall into, while Zahra reveals a discovery that completely changed how she sees accessing and living with art. An episode filled with surprises, confessions, and a few “wait… WHAT?” moments. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go! Highlights: The six mistakes new collectors definitely make — and how to avoid them. The unexpected history behind Artothèques (and what Berlin has to do with it) Why patience, comparison, and provenance matter more than you think The real cost of collecting (and the hidden ones we forget) What we promised: A list of art libraries to explore (shared on Instagram)

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode's Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode, the Art Virgins continue their journey through the David Hockney 25 exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, exploring the past 25 years of the legendary artist's life and work. Are you ready to dive in? Let's go! Highlights: Gallery 4: Yorkshire Returns (1997-2013) – A mind-bending painting that literally changes as you move The Purple Period – Vibrant landscapes and the technical mastery behind 50-canvas paintings Hockney's Innovation – Technology meets traditional painting in unexpected ways Portraits and Flowers (2000-2025) – Intimate glimpses of the artist's inner circle The Normandy Years (2019-2023) – A message of hope during dark times The Moon Room – Where Hockney abandons the sun for something more mysterious The Opera Sets Room – An immersive finale you won't want to miss The Poster Scandal – When Paris said "non" to an iconic image Lessons Learned – Essential exhibition survival tips (learned the hard way!) What We Promised: Exhibition: David Hockney 25 at Louis Vuitton Foundation, Paris

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: The Art Virgins hit the road again — this time to Paris — to discover David Hockney 25, the artist’s biggest exhibition ever, designed by the man himself. From train mishaps to hidden mosaics, and from laughter in the streets to awe inside the Fondation Louis Vuitton, this first part captures the anticipation and first impressions before diving deep into Hockney’s world. Highlights: Lessons learned in trip planning (and what not to forget before an exhibition) A spontaneous early-morning hunt for Invader art in Paris First impressions of David Hockney 25 at Fondation Louis Vuitton How Hockney turned an exhibition into an opera Frame it, Fling it, Forget it: the early years of Hockney’s art spark debate and surprise What we promised: Exhibition: David Hockney 25 at Fondation Louis Vuitton Artists mentioned: Invader, David Hockney

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: It’s la rentrée — and the Art Virgins are back with fresh stories, unexpected studies, and a touch of scandal. From artistic obsessions to surprising discoveries, this episode takes you from Matisse’s studio in Nice to a sweet design story you’ll never see the same way again.   Highlights: Why September feels like a new year in France A study that might change how you think about happiness The continuation of Zahra’s Matisse deep dive — and the moment that changed everything A creative twist born from scissors, love, and reinvention A sweet reveal that links a pop icon to one of the greatest surrealists What we promised: Matisse’s Blue Nudes series The Pink Nude, Woman in Blue, and Le Bonheur de vivre A design collaboration you definitely didn’t see coming

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode the three peas in a pod continue their visit to the “Banksy: a (R) evolution” in the city of Toulon in the South of France. Are you ready to hit the road? Let’s go! Highlights: A debrief of the exhibition one gallery at a time We share and debate (and judge!) on our individual Frame it, Fling it and Forget it Fresh takes from our “super virgin” guest co-host. What we promised: Exhibition: Banksy: une (R)evolution Artists mentioned: Nevercrew ; Blu ; Raul ; Ozmo ;Banksy ; Bigtato

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: In this episode we are joined by a special guest, our “third pea in a pod”. Join us on a roadtrip to Southern France where we visit an international street art exhibition and apply the 3Fs game for the very first time! Are you ready to hit the road? Let’s go! Highlights: A debrief of the exhibition one gallery at a time We share and debate (and judge!) on our individual Frame it, Fling it and Forget it Fresh takes from our “super virgin” guest co-host. What we promised: Magazine: Beaux-Arts (beauxarts.com) Exhibition: Banksy: une (R)evolution

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins Show Notes: What makes an artist truly unforgettable? In this episode, we dive into the worlds of David Hockney and Henri Matisse, exploring how their courage and personal style not only defined their careers but also reshaped entire art movements. From bold colors to daring choices, we unpack how artists reinvent traditions, why style is more than just technique, and what it really takes to leave a legacy in the art world. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go! Highlights: Who David Hockney and Henri Matisse are—and why their work still matters today. How artists redefine movements with courage and innovation. The role of personal style in shaping an artistic legacy. Lessons beginners can take from Hockney and Matisse about creativity. What we promised: Henri Matisse Museum: www.musee-matisse-nice.org David Hockney: www.hockney.com Louis Vuitton Foundation : https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/fr Art pieces: Matisse (Reclining Nude ; Blue Nude series) ; Hockney: A bigger Splash ; Portrait of an artist (pool with two figures); American Collectors (Fred and Marcia Weisman); Arrival of Spring, I lived in Bohemia: Bohemia is a tolerant place , Dancers V Movie: A Bigger Splash (1975)

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins Show Notes: Do you get more out of an exhibition if you prepare a little beforehand? In this episode, we explore our visit to the Van Gogh Experience and discover how learning just a bit about the artist’s life and struggles transforms the way you see his work. From immersive projections to emotional storytelling, we share how context makes Van Gogh’s art hit differently—and why sometimes “going in cold” versus prepping ahead leads to two completely different experiences. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go!   Highlights: How to prepare for an art exhibition as a beginner. Why context changes the way you experience an artist’s work. What immersive exhibitions can teach us about connecting with art. How Van Gogh’s life story deepens the impact of his paintings. What we promised: Youtube video: https://youtu.be/ubTJI_UphPk?si=0eeX6myKISIaD_7h Movie: At Eternity’s Gate Event: https://vangoghexpo.com/

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: Ever walked into a museum and felt overwhelmed, like you don’t belong? In this episode, we break down how to actually enjoy museums without feeling lost—and introduce our own playful 3F Framework: Frame it, Fling it, Forget it. This simple approach helps beginners move through art with curiosity, humor, and confidence. No overthinking, no pressure—just a fun way to make any museum feel more accessible. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go! Highlights: Why museums often feel intimidating (and how to change that). How to prepare before visiting an exhibition. The 3F Framework: Frame it, Fling it, Forget it and two more games How to make museum visits fun, even as a total beginner. What we promised: We prepared 6 "I Spy" grids for you, 2 generic and one for each of the top 4 most visited museums in the world! => Find them on Instagram on the Episode 4 "Wingman" post

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: What’s it like for a complete beginner to wander through one of the world’s greatest museums? In this episode, Sami shares his unexpected detour to the National Gallery in Washington D.C., where Impressionism stole the spotlight. We talk about how it feels to encounter masterpieces in person for the first time, why Impressionism still captivates audiences today and Zahra talks about the difference between impressionism and post-impressionism. Spoiler: sometimes being a little lost is the best way to discover art. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go! Highlights: - First impressions of the National Gallery as a beginner. - How Impressionism changes the way you see light and color. - Why unexpected encounters with art stick with you. - How pop culture and stolen-art stories influence our view of museums. - Why getting “lost” can actually help you enjoy art more. What we promised: - Art Movie about Egon Schiele: Le Tableau Volé (Fr) / The Auction (en) - The Monument Men - Artists mentioned: Henri de Toulouse Lautrec - Cabaret mentioned : Le Lapin Agile (Paris) where Picasso used to go! - National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. → nga.gov

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins.   Show Notes: Episode 2 and we can already call ourselves collectors! Who would’ve thought? In this episode Sami shares two easy ways to start an art collection when on a budget, and Zahra explores the techniques used by surrealist artists to unblock their unconscious mind. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go! Highlights: - Learn about the accessible print market and fractional markets - What is a Blue Chip artist? -9 most common surrealism techniques used by famous artists like Dali.   What we promised: - Badiucao (“the chinese banksy”) instagram handle : badiucao  - The Artist from Sami’s gift instagram handle : charlottegoldspink - French poet Guillaume Apollinaire coined the word “Surrealism” - Fractional Investment app we’re obsessed with: Timeless Investments (https://www.timeless.investments/en)

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins. Show Notes: How do complete beginners start learning about art without getting lost in jargon and centuries of history? In this episode, we talk about our different learning approaches and while Zahra learned about surrealism Sami found an artist that pushes all his buttons. All 3 to be exact. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go! Highlights: - The biggest challenges beginners face when learning about art. - Why starting small (and casual) matters. - Our plan to document the journey in real time. What we promised: - Newsletters: myartbroker.com ; artsy.net ; theartnewspaper.com ;  - Invader Instagram handle: invaderwashere - Our Flash Invader usernames: mangoovii and zahra94  

To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins. Two clueless friends. Zero knowledge of art. A wild idea: start collecting. But where do you even begin? In this pilot episode, we introduce Art Virgins—our journey from being total beginners (who only knew that Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa) to learning how to enjoy art, understand movements, and eventually start our own collections. We share why art often feels intimidating, what inspired us to launch the podcast, and how we plan to break down barriers one conversation (and one coffee) at a time. Highlights: Why art feels intimidating to beginners. What inspired us to launch Art Virgins. What you can expect in upcoming episodes. What we promised in this episode: A safe, fun space to ask the “stupid questions” about art. Weekly episodes that mix humor, learning, and real beginner discoveries.