Advertisement
Art

Artist David Tovey presents new BBC 4 radio documentary

How does being labelled as an ‘ex-homeless’ or ‘street’ artist influence the way artists are perceived?

Rising star artist David Tovey has already seen his work grace the cover of The Big Issue this year with his painting of Harry and Meghan – one of our exclusive designs to celebrate the royal wedding. Now, he is taking over the airwaves, making his debut on BBC Radio 4 this Sunday.

Tovey took an unusual route into the art world, having worked as a chef in the military before going on to run his own restaurant. Health problems resulted in him losing everything and becoming homeless.

His ongoing recovery has paralleled his stunning visual and textile work, which has been showcased at Tate Liverpool, Tate Modern and Gloucester Cathedral, and pieces are also available to purchase via The Big Issue Shop. But Tovey is keen to understand how his status as an ‘outsider’ artist helps or hinders his development.

In the uncompromising documentary The Art of Now: Outsiders asks ‘Can anyone declare themselves an artist?’ and he speaks to leading figures in the art word, including activist and writer Liv Wynter and Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of the Arts Council England, among others.

The Art of Now: Outsiders will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Sunday 9 September at 1.30pm

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

Read All
Revealed: First published photos from graffiti writer and 'king of the tube' Bas DDS
10Foot Takeover

Revealed: First published photos from graffiti writer and 'king of the tube' Bas DDS

'If I didn't do graffiti I'd be doing way worse crimes': Banksy interviews Tox, London's most prolific vandal
10Foot Takeover

'If I didn't do graffiti I'd be doing way worse crimes': Banksy interviews Tox, London's most prolific vandal

Graffiti writer 10Foot on finding meaning in the ugly and his 'disgustingly deep love of London'
10Foot Takeover

Graffiti writer 10Foot on finding meaning in the ugly and his 'disgustingly deep love of London'

Alan Moore salutes the 'ramshackle institution' that changed his life
10Foot Takeover

Alan Moore salutes the 'ramshackle institution' that changed his life

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue