David Humphrey’s Radio Show 2004- 2008

In this chapter, also called "An Effective Low Cost Solution for Combatting Mind Control," David Humphrey interviews painter Bruce Pearson about his work and  how his music collection has grown over the years. Bruce shares his thoughts on psychedelia and appropriately, the idea of combating mind control in his practice. They also touch on the idea of hidden elements in his paintings, how he uses found text in his paintings, and whether or not Bruce has any guilty pleasure music. In this episode you'll hear music by The Boredoms.  Bruce Pearson makes distinctive and hypnotic works that push the limits of painting. Constructed on Styrofoam panels, his paintings are fields of sensuous color and intricately creviced surfaces, with visceral impact and optical effects.  Image: Hope and Comfort From the Other Side (2000), Courtesy of Bruce Pearson.

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes New York artist James Hyde. Known for his unique blend of consciousness and materiality, Hyde discusses his latest musical inspirations centered around the theme of "lost in music." The conversation explores the self-referential nature of art and music, touching on how pop songs often reflect personal narratives. Hyde shares tracks like Erykah Badu's "Rimshot" and Nas's "One Mic," highlighting their introspective qualities and how these themes resonate in Hyde's abstract work, where space and time become intertwined. James Hyde is a contemporary artist who often employs unconventional materials when painting that range from plaster, nylon, chrome, and steel to styrofoam, glass, and more recently, photography. Image: GRABBING (Goya), 2004. Courtesy of James Hyde.

In this episode, host David Humphrey is joined by experimental artist Oliver Herring. They explore the transformative nature of his art, which turns everyday activities into ritualistic and participatory experiences. Herring reflects on his artistic evolution from solitary practices to dynamic, collaborative projects like TASK, which invites spontaneous collaboration. The episode features a diverse musical selection curated by Herring, including the invigorating "In a Cave", a hauntingly dramatic aria from Mozart's "The Magic Flute" performed by the renowned "Queen of the Night", and evocative tracks by Joan Osborne and the mysterious Divan Turbinate". ⁠Oliver Herring⁠ is a visual artist known internationally for his use of experimental techniques as a means to better understand human nature, individual behavior, and interpersonal dynamics. Image: Studio, working on Wade 2, 2006. Courtesy of ⁠Oliver Herring.⁠

In this episode David Humphrey interviews artist John Kessler, whose innovative works have captivated audiences since the 1980s. After his exhibition at The Drawing Center, Kessler shares how the Grateful Dead shaped his early musical experiences as he formed a jam band called Shrek Noi, inspired by the band's improvisational style. He discusses the significance of dub music in his 1983 exhibition, highlighting Linton Kwesi Johnson's work, and the ambient sounds of composers like Brian Eno and Philip Glass that informed his mechanical art pieces. Kessler also touches on the impact of world music and sampling, particularly through David Byrne's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, illustrating how these musical elements have intertwined with his creative process over the decades.  Jon Kessler (b. 1957, New York) builds chaotic kinetic installations to critique our image-obsessed, surveillance-dominated world.  Image: I’m Nothing Without You, 2012. Courtesy of Jon Kessler.

Join host David Humphrey for a conversation with multidisciplinary New York artist Rachel Mason. In this episode, Mason discusses her unique practice of inhabiting the psyches of political figures through songwriting. From imagining life as Saddam Hussein on his execution day to an unexpected correspondence with Manuel Noriega about their shared "infected canals," Mason's ability to forge profound connections across seemingly impassable divides is as disarming as it is insightful. Hear her perform tracks from her latest album, including the haunting "The Candidate" inspired by the 2008 presidential race, and gain insight into how nursing home visits shaped reflections on memory and presence in "The Oven Sky." Rachel Mason (b. 1978) is an American filmmaker whose work includes performance art, music, films and multimedia projects. Image: Holy Empire of The Jaw, 2009. Courtesy of Rachel Mason.

In this episode, host David Humphrey chats with the eclectic artist and performer Guy Richards Smit, also known as Maxi Geil. They discuss the origins of Smit's unique stage name, which blends Dutch and German influences, and explore the storytelling essence that permeates his work across video, music, and painting. They enjoy the 2007 premiere of his band's energetic new single "Making Love in the Sunshine" from their album "Strange Sensation," and listen to a curated selection of tracks that capture the spirit of youth and emotional depth. Guy Richards Smit (b. 1970) is an American performance artist, painter, and singer-songwriter in the band Maxi Geil! & PlayColt. Image: Burning Every Bridge, 2016. Courtesy of Charlie James Gallery.

In this episode, host David Humphrey talks to New York painter and writer Alexi Worth. Departing from the usual format of bringing music, Alexi introduces a unique twist by sharing poems spoken by their original authors, some recorded on old cassettes dating back over 25 years. As the conversation unfolds, David and Alexi discuss the intricate narratives of Alexi's paintings, drawing parallels between the compressed storytelling in his art and the essence of poetry. They explore themes of intimacy, resistance, and the complexity of artistic expression. From William Carlos Williams to Robert Lowell, James Dickey to John Berryman, and Richard Wilbur, each poem offers a glimpse into the profound and diverse landscape of human experience. Alexi Worth (b. 1964) is a painter, curator, art critic, and writer who is known for his conceptually rich and visually graphic works that address modern life and artmaking. Image: Green Bedroom, 2015. Courtesy of DC Moore Gallery.

In this episode, David Humphrey welcomes artist Benjamin Butler, an American painter living in Vienna, whose work explores the intricate relationship between trees and the air. Through their conversation, Benjamin shares insights into his artistic process, discussing influences from his upbringing in the Midwest to his experiences in art school. They delve into the complexity of Benjamin's paintings, which blend various styles and idioms, leaving the distinction between kitsch and high art blurred. The discussion extends to Benjamin's eclectic playlist, featuring Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" to the experimental sounds of early John Cage piano pieces, and personal compositions by Benjamin and Anne Eastman under Studio Cat. Image: Thirty-four Trees at Sunset, 2007. Courtesy of Benjamin Butler.

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes New York painter Ellen Altfest. Ellen shares her insights and introduces listeners to a selection of country music, delving into its darkly humorous tones and lyrical storytelling. As David probes the unexpected pairing of country music with Ellen's art, she illuminates the parallels between the specificity of musical storytelling and the character-driven nature of her paintings. Through an eclectic playlist ranging from Christian hymns to classic tunes, Ellen shares the haunting melodies of "Poor Ellen Smith" by Felice & Boudleaux Bryant and the introspective depth of "The Christian Life" by The Byrds. Ellen Altfest (b. 1971) s an American painter best known for her realist depictions of landscapes and still lifes that often blur the distinction between the two genres. Image: Rock, Foot, Plant (2009). Courtesy of White Cube.

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes New York painter Lisa Sanditz. Lisa takes listeners on a musical odyssey, offering a unique perspective on American culture through a curated selection of songs that mirror the twisted beauty of her paintings. From the introspective melodies of "The American Landscape" by Gloria Deluxe to the rebellious anthems of "Warrior in Woolworths" by X-Ray Spex, each track serves as a sonic exploration of commercial retail spaces and the complexities of American life. As David delves into the thematic parallels between Lisa's art and her music choices, listeners are invited to reflect on the intersections between consumerism, identity, and imagination. Lisa Sanditz (b. 1973) is a painter whose contemporary landscape paintings focus on the magnificence of desecrated land as a reflection of contemporary culture and the economy. Image: Ameristar, 2006. Courtesy of Artsy.

In this episode, host David Humphrey interviews the painter Alexander Ross. Alex brings his eclectic home recordings from the late '80s to early '90s. From experimenting with a Tascam four-track recorder to creating a dense soup of sounds featuring wind-up toys, homemade wood chimes, and even live feeds from bands facing technical difficulties, Alex's playful approach to sound takes center stage. Alex reveals the hidden connections between his solid-looking paintings and the atmospheric complexity of his music. Alexander Ross (b. Boulder, CO, 1960) Image: Goosefoot (2015), Courtesy of Miles McEnery Gallery.

In this episode, David Humphrey interviews the New York artist and writer, Dike Blair. They explore the crossroads of personal resonance, nostalgia, and the transformative power of music. This episode ranges from '60s psychedelia of the to heart-wrenching country tunes of the '80s and '90s: the shimmering "Shine," Merle Haggard's evocative "Sidewalks of Chicago," and George Jones' poignant "The King is Gone." Dike talks about his flirtations with the New York punk scene, his musical past at CBGB, and the thin line between escapism and transcendence. ⁠Dike Blair⁠ (b. 1952) is a writer and teacher as well as an artist and came up in the downtown scene of 1970s New York among punk rockers and Postmodernists. Image: Untitled, 2007. Photograph courtesy of ⁠Karma Karma⁠.

In this episode, host David Humphrey invites Chie Fueki, who shares insights into her artistic approach, portraying sports figures not as a fan but from an outsider's perspective. The episode features a thought-provoking playlist, including tracks by Battles, "Leyendecker", DJ Black Star, Mozart's "Piano Sonata K 330" played by Vladimir Horowitz, The Bootleg Beach Boys, and Arthur Russell's "You and Me Both". Each song reflects Fueki's diverse musical influences, mirroring the rhythmic and symbolic elements present in her paintings. Chie Fueki (b. 1973) is a Japanese American painter whose intricate paintings combine influences from both Eastern and Western traditions. She is represented by DC Moore Gallery, NY Image: Significant Moment , 2005. Courtesy of Artsy.

Join David Humphrey as he dives into a mesmerizing musical journey with special guest, Deborah Kass. Fresh off her solo show at Paul Kasmin gallery in 2007, Deborah shares a curated list of evocative performances. From the classic Broadway vibes of "Broadway Baby" to Laura Nyro, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Deborah ties it all together with her reflections on post-war optimism, nostalgia, and the transformative power of the female voice.  Deborah Kass (b. 1969) is an American artist whose work explores the intersection of pop culture, art history, and the construction of self. Image: Daddy I Would Love To Dance, 2008. Courtesy of Deborah Kass. 

Join David Humphrey and his guest, the renowned New York painter Gregory Amenoff. Listen in as Gregory shares a curated playlist of tracks,from the soulful rhythms of Howlin Wolf's take on Willie Dixon's classics to the tender melancholy of Bob Dylan's "You Belong to Me" and the country nostalgia of Merle Haggard's rendition of "Miss the Mississippi and You." They discuss Gregory's dual roles as an artist and educator, the relationship between his abstract paintings and the songs he loves, and the ever-present thread of sentimentality that weaves through his life and work. Gregory Amenoff (b. 1948) is a contemporary American abstract painter who employs both biomorphic  forms in rich hues and thick textures. Image: Light Trellis, 2006. Courtesy of ⁠Artsy⁠.

In this episode, David Humphrey interviews renowned visual artist Angela Dufresne. Beyond her dynamic relationship with art and cinema, Angela reveals the soundtrack to her life and creations. She shares haunting melodies of Scottish bands that evoke the misty highlands, to the whirlwind of emotions brought about by Japanese psychedelic tunes. This episode features a special deep-dive into how her favorite track, "Whispers in the Dark" from "The Spirals" and its inspiration for a pivotal piece in her upcoming noir-themed exhibition. Angela Dufresne is a Brooklyn based American artist known for paintings that explore narrative in a variety of ways. Image: Les Rallizes Denudes Concert (for the renovation of the Palais de Justice, Paris), 2007. Courtesy of Artsy.

In this episode, David Humphrey interviews Raphael Rubinstein, the esteemed poet and art critic. Together, they explore the intriguing relationship between music and writing, how music has influenced Rubinstein’s poetry, and the unique experiences that have shaped his perspective. He takes us on a nostalgic journey through an exclusive playlist of bands with artists in their line-ups, spanning from New York's vibrant late '70s scene to early 2000s Germany. This episode features Gregory Crewdson with The Speedies in "Let Me Take Your Photo," Bill Arning with the Student Teachers on "Past Tense," and tracks from Van Erland and the iconic Martin Kippenberger. The episode closes with "Manifestation of Your Sickness" by The Tenants, featuring our guest, Rubinstein, on lead guitar. ⁠Raphael Rubinstein⁠ (b. 1955) is Professor of Critical Studies at the University of Houston and a New York based art critic and poet. Image: Photograph courtesy of ⁠The Museum of Nonvisible Art⁠.

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes German artist, musician, and writer Jutta Koether, who was exhibiting at the South London Gallery in a show called "Her Noise Collaboration" with Kim Gordon. Together, they created an installation called the Automatic Music Tent, featuring the concept of reverse karaoke. Jutta discusses their radical social interventionist practice, which explores the boundaries of expression and interaction in music and art. The episode concludes with more music selections, including tracks by Gang Gang Dance and Electrophilia—a music duo formed by Jutta Koether and Steven Perrino. Jutta Koether (b. 1958) is a German artist, musician and critic based in New York City and Berlin since the early 1990s. Image: Untitled, 2005. Courtesy of ⁠Artsy⁠.

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes artist Steve DiBenedetto, whose exhibition was on display at the Nolan Ekman gallery in lower Manhattan. Steve pays tribute to his late friend and music enthusiast, Steve Perrino, who influenced his musical taste and artistic journey. They discuss their past collaborations in playing music together, particularly their shared love for drums. Steve DiBenedetto's paintings exhibit a fascinating intersection of music and visual art, incorporating elements of menace and disintegration while maintaining a sense of structure and integrity. The music selections played during the episode, including tracks from Plastic Ono Band, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Blue Oyster Cult and Motorhead. Steve DiBenedetto (b. 1958) is known for his layered imagery and hallucinogenic scenes of industrial waste. Image: Half a Place, 2005. Courtesy of  David Nolan Gallery.

In this episode, host David Humphrey welcomes artist Shinique Smith, who was curating a show called "Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day" at Cuchifritos and the Laundromat Project in Brooklyn. Shinique plans to use clothing left behind as materials for sculptures and site-specific installations. David and Shinique explore the connections between her artistic practice and music, highlighting the influence of songs on her creative process. They delve into topics such as her graffiti origins, the balance between implosive and explosive energy in her sculptures and calligraphic-based works. Shinique shares a diverse selection of songs that have inspired her, ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Beastie Boys to KRS-One and Janet Jackson. ⁠Shinique Smith ⁠(b. is known for her monumental fabric sculptures and abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage. Image: The Torch Heroes Bare, 2007. Courtesy of Shinique Smith.