Insights of an Eco Artist
Media Platform &
Creative Studio
Contemporary Currents is a podcast that
critically examines the contemporary art scene
through the lens of ecology, politics, an societal movements.
Co-hosted by Joana Alarcão and Shannon Castor, each episode delves into the work of an artist, exploring their unique perspectives and creative processes. From the visual composition to the underlying concepts, the hosts dissect and analyze the artwork, shedding light on the artists' intentions and the broader themes their pieces evoke. With a focus on activism and its intersection with creativity, this podcast offers an insightful glance at the thought processes behind these impactful works.
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Season I
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Co-Hosts
Joana Alarcão
Joana Alarcão is a transdisciplinary eco-artist, creative director, curator, and researcher based in Portugal, passionately dedicated to merging art with social and environmental justice.
She earned her Master’s in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art in Ireland, along with a Bachelor’s in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts. Additionally, she has completed several independent courses in transdisciplinary curatorial studies and journalism for social change. With a robust background in the arts and journalism, Joana has worked as an art writer for several magazines and NGOs before founding IOAEA, engaging with thousands of artists throughout her career. This deep exploration of their creative journeys has enriched her insights into their processes and perspectives, informing her work as both a curator and artist.
Joana's work extends beyond the boundaries of her platform. She has collaborated with renowned magazines such as "Women to Women," "Public Offerings Ltd," and "Gatekeeper," as well as the esteemed NGO, "Creative Conscious," and "Arts Help."
Currently, Joana serves as a Collaborating Researcher at CIEBA, an artistic research center affiliated with the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon. Through her multifaceted practice, she actively advocates for the transformative power of art in addressing urgent cultural and ecological challenges. Joana's work invites us to reconsider our relationship with the environment, culture, and community, fostering a dialogue that emphasizes sustainability and social equity.
Shannon Castor
Shannon Castor is a multidisciplinary artist working in writing, film, and painting. She has been the recipient of multiple scholarships and awards such as the Gamblin Paint Award for Outstanding Achievement in Oil Painting and has been featured in the Southwest Art Magazine where she was interviewed for the 21 Under 31 series. She has participated in art residencies in Germany with Takt Leipzig and GlogauAIR. Shannon has a BFA in Cross Media from the Oregon College of Art and Craft and a MFA in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art, National University of Galway, Ireland.