Tai Shani, a London-based artist born in 1976, is the subject of a podcast episode in the "A brush with…" series. She discusses her multidisciplinary practice, which draws on cultural forms, historical events, and theoretical ideas to create fantastical, utopian worlds infused with contemporary political and social themes. Shani reflects on the gendered nature of her mediums, the influence of works like John Everett Millais's *Ophelia* and Valie Export's exhibition at Camden Art Centre, and the revolutionary potential of art in an era of right-wing politics. The episode also covers her upcoming exhibitions: *The Spell or The Dream* at Somerset House (August–September 2025), *Gathering* in London (September–November 2025), a sculpture at Dulwich Picture Gallery's new sculpture park, and her High Line commission in New York, on view through March 2026.
This article matters because it offers an in-depth, personal portrait of a significant contemporary artist whose work engages with pressing social and political issues through a richly imaginative lens. Shani's reflections on the role of art in turbulent times, her influences, and her creative process provide valuable insight for both art enthusiasts and professionals. The podcast and accompanying book, published by HENI, also highlight the growing trend of artist-interview formats as a means of documenting and disseminating artistic practice, while the sponsorship by Bloomberg Connects underscores the intersection of art and digital cultural platforms.