📚 Book Review: Inner Light - Chris Levine on Portraiture, Meditation & Photographing the Queen

On this week’s episode of All About Art, I’m reviewing one of the most beautiful and meditative art books I’ve encountered: Inner Light by Chris Levine. This stunning monograph chronicles Levine’s most iconic portrait work, from Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Moss to Grace Jones and the Dalai Lama, and offers rare insight into his deeply spiritual creative process. I explore how Levine strips away the distractions of fashion and styling to capture something much deeper: the inner essence, the stillness, the light within his subjects. From the story of how he picked out the Queen’s outfit for their shoot (!!!), to photographing the Dalai Lama at a Heathrow hotel while in rehab, the book is full of intimate, behind-the-scenes moments that reveal both the artist’s vulnerability and his vision.

Excitingly, I also share an exclusive interview with Chris himself, where we discuss his relationship to art history, how his practice extends far beyond portraiture into experimental technology and meditation, and what it’s like to overcome imposter syndrome at career-defining moments (I also ask the cheeky question of whether he had to sign an NDA when photographing Banksy).

Thank you Chris for coming on the podcast!

YOU CAN SUPPORT ALL ABOUT ART ON PATREON HERE: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart⁠

FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ART ON INSTAGRAM HERE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allaboutartpodcast/⁠

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations are in contemporary art and the contemporary art market along with accessibility, engagement, and the demystification of the professional art sector.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram⁠ @alexandrasteinacker ⁠

• Twitter ⁠@alex_steinacker⁠

• and LinkedIn at ⁠Alexandra Steinacker-Clark⁠

This episode is produced at Synergy https://synergy.tech/the-clubhouse/the-podcast-studio/

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser⁠ ⁠⁠www.liser-art.com⁠ and Luca Laurence www.lucalaurence.com

From Art in Hotel Rooms to Global Galleries: How Minor Attractions Is Changing the London Scene + exclusive interviews

On this week’s episode of All About Art, I take you behind the scenes of London’s vibrant art scene during Frieze Week to one of the most popular alternative art fairs in town: I visit Minor Attractions art fair, launched three years ago with a mission to make contemporary art more accessible and community-focused. In the episode, I chat with a gallerist, an artist, and one of the fair’s co-founders about how the fair creates a dynamic space for art, performance, and nightlife - all housed within the unique setting of the Mandrake Hotel. I explore how Minor Attractions stands out from larger fairs with its affordable participation fees, free-form exhibitions, and lively, nightclub-like atmosphere. Plus, I share my thoughts on the fair’s role in reimagining what an art fair can be and why it’s capturing the attention of the London art scene.

Check it out here: https://minorattractions.com/

Featuring interviews with Jacob Barnes, co-founder of Minor Attractions, Yarran Gatsby, co-founder of LAILA Gallery, and artist Isabella Benshimol Toro

YOU CAN SUPPORT ALL ABOUT ART ON PATREON HERE: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart⁠

FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ART ON INSTAGRAM HERE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allaboutartpodcast/⁠

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations are in contemporary art and the contemporary art market along with accessibility, engagement, and the demystification of the professional art sector.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram⁠ @alexandrasteinacker ⁠

• Twitter ⁠@alex_steinacker⁠

• and LinkedIn at ⁠Alexandra Steinacker-Clark⁠

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser⁠ ⁠⁠www.liser-art.com⁠ and Luca Laurence www.lucalaurence.com

On this week’s episode of All About Art, I give you some detailed insights into the press trip to Bradford, UK’s City of Culture 2025, and my experience of the Turner Prize shortlisted exhibition. In the episode, I explore the significance of the Turner Prize (especially during JMW Turner’s 250th anniversary year), discuss cultural accessibility and regional programming, and take you through each artist’s installation at Cartwright Hall. Featuring insights on Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Zadie Xa, and Mohammed Sami, plus thoughts on decentralizing culture and an unexpected discovery at Salts Mill featuring Ann Hamilton’s site-specific work.

Check it out here! https://bradford2025.co.uk/programme/turner-prize-2025/

YOU CAN SUPPORT ALL ABOUT ART ON PATREON HERE: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/allaboutart⁠

FOLLOW ALL ABOUT ART ON INSTAGRAM HERE: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allaboutartpodcast/⁠

ABOUT THE HOST:

I am an Austrian-American art historian, curator, and writer. I obtained my BA in History of Art at University College London and my MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London. My specializations are in contemporary art and the contemporary art market along with accessibility, engagement, and the demystification of the professional art sector.

Here are links to my social media, feel free to reach out:

• Instagram⁠ @alexandrasteinacker ⁠

• Twitter ⁠@alex_steinacker⁠

• and LinkedIn at ⁠Alexandra Steinacker-Clark⁠

COVER ART: Lisa Schrofner a.k.a Liser⁠ ⁠⁠www.liser-art.com⁠ and Luca Laurence www.lucalaurence.com