David Humphrey’s Radio Show 2004- 2008 David Humphrey

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, host David Humphrey welcomes artist Alexis Rockman to the studio. Rockman's larger-than-life paintings, including a monumental depiction of Antarctica, serve as the backdrop for a discussion on the intersection of art and reality. As they delve into Rockman's hyperbolic realism and fascination with depicting the indescribable, they navigate through themes of mutation, genetic deviance, and the surreal landscapes of science fiction. From the visionary score of "Blade Runner" to the haunting melodies of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me," each track echoes the depth of Rockman's artistic vision.



Alexis Rockman (b. 1962) is an American contemporary artist known for his paintings that provide depictions of future landscapes as they might exist with impacts of climate change and evolution influenced by genetic engineering.

Image: Romantic Attachments, 2007. Courtesy of Alexis Rockman.

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.