This Saturday November 1st 8-9 PM on It’s A Question Of Balance with Ruth Copland we consider ‘Should artistic expression ever be censored?’ Historically artists are considered highly influential, imbued with the power to touch the soul and conscience of the people and drive change. Various regimes have decimated artist populations in order to ensure the stability of their political agenda. Very few people would argue this is a good thing. However, the potential of art to offend and subvert remains a concern in ‘civilised’ society, with such things as misogynistic pop songs being targeted for criticism. Should artists have the right to shock and appall, confront religious taboos, question political stances, and step beyond the norm or are there instances where their artistic license should be curtailed? Can some art be so offensive that banning or censoring it is the right thing to do so that it doesn’t contaminate our society? Or should artistic expression always be allowed free reign, without any restriction? What do you think? I get the views of people in the local area for our Out and About feature. Join us on Saturday 8-9 PM! For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com
Environmental themes permeate Vasily's fascinating sculptures and he’s also known for his unique architectural concepts, an inventive sci-fi novel, and for paying $1.5 million at a charity auction for a flight to the moon with Leonard di Caprio. He's also raised over $2million for charity auctioning his art. In his early life Vasily Klyukin applied his highly creative mind to business, where he has been phenomenally successful. Latterly, his creativity has moved towards art with him creating complex sculptures and installations which are located around the world including Moscow, London, Monte Carlo, Cannes and Ibiza.
Ruth Copland interviewed Russian artist and entrepreneur Vasily Klyukin in the Hollywoods Hills, Los Angeles, USA (see photo above) just after he returned from a hugely successful installation of his art at the Burning Man 2019 festival and before he returned to his home in Monaco via London.
Vasily Klyukin sculpture from 'In Dante Veritas' exhibition in Venice; Vasily with model for sculpture; 'Why People Can't Fly' installed at Burning Man 2019.
Vasily's solo exhibition called 'In Dante Veritas' was a huge success both at the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg) and the sculptural park, ‘LA Collection’Air’ in Lucerne (Switzerland). An expanded multi-media version of 'In Dante Veritas', comprising more than a hundred inter-related art objects, is exhibited at the 2019 Venice Biennale where it is extremely popular with attendees. Vasily is also known for creating inspiring concepts for unusual buildings, published in his book Designing Legends. In addition, he has written a science-fiction novel called ‘Collective Mind’ published in Russia and now available in English.
Vasily Klyukin is a famous defender of the environment, working on promoting the fight against environmental pollution every chance he gets. Inevitably, environmental themes are predominant in his art. He is also known for his support of amfAR, the Leonardo di Caprio Foundation and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing Sheila Jeffries, artist and best-selling author of the runaway success Solomon’s Tale, a cross-over story for children and adults about a beautiful cat who can see angels and who chooses to reincarnate to help a family go through the traumas of separation and poverty. A writer of long standing, Sheila had four full-length children’s novels published before she even left school. These books continued to sell worldwide for many years. She later wrote eight more children’s books published by Methuen, Blackie and Scholastic, as well as a recent project Talking to Fairies published by Element. In addition, Sheila has written three non-fiction books. Her follow-up book to Solomon’s Tale - Solomon’s Kitten has been enthusiastically received. Her most recent publication The Boy With No Boots has just come out and is a spell-binding saga set in Somerset at the turn of the last century. As well as being a writer Sheila is also a successful artist with solo exhibitions of her work shown in galleries in London and the West Country in England. Clairvoyant from childhood, Sheila has developed her interest in esoteric subjects, particularly healing and sacred geometry, influences of which can be seen in both her writing and art. As well as having successful careers as an artist and author, Sheila has brought up a family, taught Special Needs Children, helped run a small-holding and planted and nurtured a fifty acre wood with her husband Ted, which they call the Forest of Dreams.
Join me Saturday 9-10 PM to find out more about the life and art of Sheila Jeffries. For more info and to hear previous shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com
