Art Virgins : From Clueless to Collectors

🎨 Art Virgins: From Clueless to Collectors 🎨
Ever walked into a museum and felt totally lost? Or thought art collecting was only for millionaires? We get it—because that was us. Two friends, complete beginners, decided to start collecting art with zero knowledge (unless you count knowing that Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa).
Each week on Art Virgins, we share our step-by-step journey into the art world—learning, laughing, and exploring over coffee. Together, we’ll uncover how to actually enjoy art, understand different movements, and build a collection no matter your budget.
We explore the questions every beginner has but is too shy to ask, like:
- How do you enjoy a museum without feeling overwhelmed?
- Do you need to be rich to start an art collection?
- How does context change the way we experience a piece of art?
- How do artists redefine movements—and how does personal style and courage shape an artist’s legacy?
- What’s the difference between surrealism, pop art, abstract art, and contemporary art?
- Can street art be both business and authentic expression?
- How do you prepare for an exhibition so you actually enjoy it?
Along the way we share beginner-friendly breakdowns of movements, stories of famous and contemporary artists, visits to exhibitions, museums, and street art shows, plus tips on how to start your own collection—no matter your budget.
Art Virgins is for you if you’ve ever felt:
- Intimidated by galleries and art jargon.
- Curious about art but unsure where to start.
- Overwhelmed by centuries of art history.
- Like you don’t “belong” in museums.
- Or simply eager to impress your friends, partner, or colleagues with real art knowledge.
Whether you want to enjoy museums without feeling lost, start an affordable collection, or simply sound smart about art at dinner parties—Art Virgins will take you there.
👉 Subscribe now to begin your journey into the art world, one question (and one coffee) at a time.
Episodes
Episodes



Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Episode 12 — Art, Science & A Missing Da Vinci
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:
In this very special episode, Sami and Zahra record for the first time ever with a live audience — and the energy is as chaotic, wholesome, and hilarious as you’d imagine.From CERN to stolen masterpieces, from Da Vinci’s mind-blowing inventions to unexpected guest appearances, this episode is a full cross-disciplinary adventure.
And just when you think you know where the story is going… a brand-new guest steps in with a mystery involving a missing artwork and a very famous Renaissance master.
Get ready — this one is a ride.
Highlights:
Zahra shares the surprising link between physics, engineering, and some of the most iconic artworks ever created.
Why CERN might secretly be one of the most artistic places on Earth.
Sami tells the story of a painting that resurfaced 80 years later out of nowhere and in the weirdest way possible .
A stolen-art mystery delivered by a surprise guest — featuring Da Vinci, the Medici… and a piece that may still be hidden somewhere today.
A lollipop cameo (yes, really).



Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Episode 11 – Science & Art Deco
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:
In this episode, Zahra takes us on an unexpected journey to what she calls the happiest place on earth — and spoiler: it’s nowhere near Disneyland. From particle accelerators to mind-bending artist residencies, she opens a door into a world where science and creativity collide in the most surprising ways.
Then Sami shifts gears and brings us back to the streets of Paris for the 100-year anniversary of a movement we all think we know… until we realize we don’t. Dramatic entrances, glamorous lines, and a story that all begins with one very peculiar exhibition.
Are you ready to see physics and design with completely new eyes? Let’s dive in.
Highlights:
Zahra reveals the unexpected reason CERN might actually be the real happiest place on earth
A behind-the-scenes look at Arts at CERN — the artist residency program nobody sees coming
The strange, futuristic artworks hiding in plain sight on CERN’s campus
How physics secretly shapes everything from your steps to your favorite masterpieces
Sami unpacks the (surprisingly messy) origin story of Art Deco
Why 1925 Paris hosted one of the most influential exhibitions of the century
The visual codes that define Art Deco — from speed lines to ships, subways, and sleek geometry
A poster so iconic it becomes the symbol of early Art Deco glamour
What we promised:
The Arts at CERN program
The giant CERN statue with formulas
Black Quantum Futurism
A.M. Cassandre’s Normandie ocean liner poster
The 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industrielles Modernes



Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Episode 10 – Six Beginner Mistakes & The Secret World of Art Libraries
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.
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Show Notes:
In this episode, the two art virgins take on two big topics: Sami breaks down the six mistakes beginner collectors fall into, while Zahra reveals a discovery that completely changed how she sees accessing and living with art. An episode filled with surprises, confessions, and a few “wait… WHAT?” moments.
Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Highlights:
The six mistakes new collectors definitely make — and how to avoid them.
The unexpected history behind Artothèques (and what Berlin has to do with it)
Why patience, comparison, and provenance matter more than you think
The real cost of collecting (and the hidden ones we forget)
What we promised:
A list of art libraries to explore (shared on Instagram)



Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Episode 9 (Part 2) – A Splash in Paris: Hockney 25 exhibition
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode's Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:
In this episode, the Art Virgins continue their journey through the David Hockney 25 exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, exploring the past 25 years of the legendary artist's life and work.
Are you ready to dive in? Let's go!
Highlights:
Gallery 4: Yorkshire Returns (1997-2013) – A mind-bending painting that literally changes as you move
The Purple Period – Vibrant landscapes and the technical mastery behind 50-canvas paintings
Hockney's Innovation – Technology meets traditional painting in unexpected ways
Portraits and Flowers (2000-2025) – Intimate glimpses of the artist's inner circle
The Normandy Years (2019-2023) – A message of hope during dark times
The Moon Room – Where Hockney abandons the sun for something more mysterious
The Opera Sets Room – An immersive finale you won't want to miss
The Poster Scandal – When Paris said "non" to an iconic image
Lessons Learned – Essential exhibition survival tips (learned the hard way!)
What We Promised:
Exhibition: David Hockney 25 at Louis Vuitton Foundation, Paris



Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Episode 9 (Part 1) – A Splash in Paris: Hockney 25 exhibition
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:
The Art Virgins hit the road again — this time to Paris — to discover David Hockney 25, the artist’s biggest exhibition ever, designed by the man himself.
From train mishaps to hidden mosaics, and from laughter in the streets to awe inside the Fondation Louis Vuitton, this first part captures the anticipation and first impressions before diving deep into Hockney’s world.
Highlights:
Lessons learned in trip planning (and what not to forget before an exhibition)
A spontaneous early-morning hunt for Invader art in Paris
First impressions of David Hockney 25 at Fondation Louis Vuitton
How Hockney turned an exhibition into an opera
Frame it, Fling it, Forget it: the early years of Hockney’s art spark debate and surprise
What we promised:
Exhibition: David Hockney 25 at Fondation Louis Vuitton
Artists mentioned: Invader, David Hockney



Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Episode 8 - Nudes, Muses & Lollipops
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our Instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:
It’s la rentrée — and the Art Virgins are back with fresh stories, unexpected studies, and a touch of scandal.From artistic obsessions to surprising discoveries, this episode takes you from Matisse’s studio in Nice to a sweet design story you’ll never see the same way again.
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Highlights:
Why September feels like a new year in France
A study that might change how you think about happiness
The continuation of Zahra’s Matisse deep dive — and the moment that changed everything
A creative twist born from scissors, love, and reinvention
A sweet reveal that links a pop icon to one of the greatest surrealists
What we promised:
Matisse’s Blue Nudes series
The Pink Nude, Woman in Blue, and Le Bonheur de vivre
A design collaboration you definitely didn’t see coming



Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Episode 7 (Part 2) – A Roadtrip to “Banksy : a (R) evolution”
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:
In this episode the three peas in a pod continue their visit to the “Banksy: a (R) evolution” in the city of Toulon in the South of France.
Are you ready to hit the road? Let’s go!
Highlights:
A debrief of the exhibition one gallery at a time
We share and debate (and judge!) on our individual Frame it, Fling it and Forget it
Fresh takes from our “super virgin” guest co-host.
What we promised:
Exhibition: Banksy: une (R)evolution
Artists mentioned:Â Nevercrew ; Blu ; Raul ; Ozmo ;Banksy ; Bigtato



Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Episode 7 – A Roadtrip to “Banksy : a (R) evolution”
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
To make the most out of your listening experience, follow along with the episode’s Wingman post on our instagram: @artvirgins.
Show Notes:In this episode we are joined by a special guest, our “third pea in a pod”. Join us on a roadtrip to Southern France where we visit an international street art exhibition and apply the 3Fs game for the very first time!
Are you ready to hit the road? Let’s go!
Highlights:
A debrief of the exhibition one gallery at a time
We share and debate (and judge!) on our individual Frame it, Fling it and Forget it
Fresh takes from our “super virgin” guest co-host.
What we promised:
Magazine: Beaux-Arts (beauxarts.com)
Exhibition: Banksy: une (R)evolution






