ART to ART
There are some obvious career highlights that leap to mind when actor Russell Tovey’s name is mentioned. His breakthrough part as Peter Rudge in The History Boys film adaptation and leading roles in television series Him & Her, Doctor Who, Being Human, Flesh and Blood, Russell T Davies’ Years and Years and, most recently, The Sister, all stand out.
Then, there’s the cult HBO drama Looking and thriller Quantico, which propelled him to the attention of US audiences. On the big screen, Russell featured in Bill Condon’s The Good Liar opposite Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen, and he just finished filming Sony’s Screen Gems romantic drama Text For You alongside Celine Dion. And we haven’t even touched on a prolific stage career that includes the monumental, HIV-focused play, Angels in America, for the National Theatre.
Adding another feather to a rather resplendent boa is the podcast Russell presents alongside gallerist Robert Diament, Talk Art, in which the pair take a deep dive into the contemporary art world alongside such illustrious guests as Tracey Emin, Sunil Gupta, Wolfgang Tillmans and Grayson Perry. Far from being a mere addendum to Russell’s already heaving work load, Talk Art is currently on season 8 (yes, really) and has garnered a whopping 2.5 million downloads in less than three years. The show gives Russell free rein to tap into a personal history of art appreciation that goes back to his school days.
Whether you’re a modern art enthusiast or simply looking to dip your toe into the field, it’s worth a listen. Talk Art’s success has resulted in a book to be published in May. Named after the podcast, it presents a concise guide to the expansive — and sometimes intimidating — art world. Between acting on film, TV, stage, and his lifelong love of art, it all amounted to Russell being a worthy recipient of the Culture Award at last year’s Attitude Awards.
When we meet for his cover shoot to celebrate the book’s impending arrival, Russell beams with pride when I ask him about his place on the judging panel of the Turner Prize 2021, due to take place in Coventry when the baton is passed on for this year’s City of Culture.
Teaming with the theme, we’re turning Russell into a canvas as layers of paint are applied to his body and face for the photo session. He revels in the chance to present something distinctly different from any other shoot he’s done before. Unfortunately, the actor/presenter/ heartthrob foregoes the full-body painted option due to the collective ‘lockdown body’ challenges that we’re all currently dealing with. (Next time, Russell, next time…)
Keen to share the spotlight, Russell suggests none other than the ‘godfather of Brit art’, Sir Michael Craig-Martin, join him for the interview. Sir Michael (who I’ve been given permission to call ‘Michael’ henceforth) is one of the most prolific names in contemporary British art. He’s best known for his work, An Oak Tree, the conceptual piece that turned the art world inside out when it was revealed in 1973. Featuring a glass
