Erik Nieminen is Finnish-Canadian artist born in 1985. He holds a BFA from the University of Ottawa and an MFA from Concordia University in Montreal. He has exhibited in Europe and North America, including recent solo shows in London (Albemarle Gallery), Montreal (McClure Gallery), Berlin (Galerie Kremers), and New York City (PLATO). Present in private and corporate collections, he is the recipient of numerous awards, including three Elizabeth Greenshields Grants, the Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Council for the Arts, The Quebec Council for the Arts, and was the Grand Prize Winner for the final edition of the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series. He lives and works in Montreal Quebec.

His works are 'real' and 'hyper real' which are not about "looking for the exotics" but rather tapping into the "endless narratives and ironies" that happen all the time.

Erik describes his works as presenting ‘an independent reality, liminal, unreal world dependent on our world yet separate from it’. He seeks ‘to dismantle the reality we inhabit in order to remake it according to the logic inherent in the painting process.’

He’s been on the show before in an earlier season which you can find on your website HYPE-a.com or Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Apple Music and more.

www.eriknieminen.com

Erik Nieminen is Finnish-Canadian artist born in 1985. He holds a BFA from the University of Ottawa and an MFA from Concordia University in Montreal. He has exhibited in Europe and North America, including recent solo shows in London (Albemarle Gallery), Montreal (McClure Gallery), Berlin (Galerie Kremers), and New York City (PLATO). Present in private and corporate collections, he is the recipient of numerous awards, including three Elizabeth Greenshields Grants, the Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Council for the Arts, The Quebec Council for the Arts, and was the Grand Prize Winner for the final edition of the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series. He lives and works in Montreal Quebec.

Tony Swaby challenges the idea of dystopia and utopia, revealing how they are both tools of control, he shares his life changing experience, The Joy Principle and more in episode 10. Not to be missed. Turn on, tune in.

He is is a portrait artist whose work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: drawing should be a source of joy. For Tony, portraiture is an act of connection — a way to witness the small, human truths that appear in a glance, a gesture, or a fleeting expression. His approach blends emotional sensitivity with simplified observation, allowing him to create portraits that feel alive while keeping the process playful, accessible, and deeply rewarding.

Over a five-year period, Tony created nearly 4,000 portraits, a remarkable achievement that reflects not speed for its own sake, but the pure enjoyment he finds in drawing every single day. This body of work stands as a testament to the power of consistent practice when it is guided by genuine enthusiasm and curiosity.

https://thejoyprinciple.net/

@thejoyofportraiture

@hypeavoices

@cristallina_fischetti

Tony Swaby challenges the idea of dystopia and utopia, revealing how they are both tools of control, he shares his life changing experience, The Joy Principle and more in episode 10. Not to be missed. Turn on, tune in.

He is is a portrait artist whose work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: drawing should be a source of joy. For Tony, portraiture is an act of connection — a way to witness the small, human truths that appear in a glance, a gesture, or a fleeting expression. His approach blends emotional sensitivity with simplified observation, allowing him to create portraits that feel alive while keeping the process playful, accessible, and deeply rewarding.

Over a five-year period, Tony created nearly 4,000 portraits, a remarkable achievement that reflects not speed for its own sake, but the pure enjoyment he finds in drawing every single day. This body of work stands as a testament to the power of consistent practice when it is guided by genuine enthusiasm and curiosity.

https://thejoyprinciple.net/

ntroduction:

In the latest episode of the Hype A podcast, host Cristallina welcomes Sol Golden Sato, a socially engaged artist whose work transcends borders and speaks to the human experience. Sol's story, rooted in a challenging upbringing in Malawi, weaves through themes of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art.

The Journey Begins: From Malawi to Homelessness

Sol Golden Sato was born in Malawi, a country known for its stunning natural beauty yet marked by severe poverty. Growing up under a peaceful yet authoritarian regime, Sol was shaped by his father’s military background and his own experiences of loss. At just 16, he fled to South Africa, where he faced the harsh reality of homelessness during the final days of apartheid. This tumultuous period not only tested his survival skills but also ignited his passion for art as a means of expression.

Self-Directed Learning and Artistic Awakening

Despite his formal education ending at 15, Sol’s intellectual journey continued through voracious reading and online learning. He explored literature, classical thought, and computer science, which eventually led him to discover his artistic abilities in London. "I didn’t know anyone who made art, so it took me a long while to realise that the skill I had in drawing could be something," he reflects. This realisation marked the beginning of his transformation into a socially engaged artist.

The Power of Art in Community

Sol's art is not just about personal expression; it’s about community engagement and social reflection. His works span painting, installation, and participatory projects, aiming to give a voice to those who often go unheard. By connecting with various communities, Sol creates spaces where creative boundaries are dissolved, allowing participants to explore their imagination freely. "Creating a world where there are no boundaries creatively is always a joy for both me and the kids or grownups I work with," he shares.

A Unique Connection with Diverse Audiences

One of Sol’s remarkable talents is his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of different social dynamics. "Being an artist is not only a job; it’s also a way of being in the world," he explains. This openness fosters collaborative environments in his workshops, where participants feel empowered to express their creativity without judgment.

The Inner Child: Healing Through Art

Sol’s artistic journey is also a personal one, allowing him to confront and heal aspects of his past. Working with children, he finds that his own inner child resonates with them, creating a unique bond. "When I work with someone, those things can express themselves. It’s quite interesting how things I’ve tried to suppress in myself might come out," he reflects. This process not only enriches his art but also brings a sense of healing to both him and his participants.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Sol Golden Sato’s journey from Malawi to becoming a celebrated artist in London illustrates the profound impact of art on individual lives and communities. His story emphasises the importance of resilience, the power of connection, and the healing potential of creativity. As Sol continues to engage with diverse communities through his art, he not only amplifies their voices but also invites us all to reflect on our shared human experiences.

Sol Golden Sato was born in Malawi under a peaceful yet authoritarian regime, an environment that sparked his lifelong interest in how societies and power structures shape individual experience. Growing up in southern Africa during the 1980s and 90s, he witnessed seismic political changes and mass migrations. At 16, following his father’s death, Sol fled to South Africa and lived as a homeless teenager in Soweto during the final days of apartheid. At 20, he arrived in Brixton, London, where he washed cars and worked low-skilled jobs before drifting into dead-end advertising sales.

Sol’s formal education ended at 15 when he left Matandani Secondary School in Malawi. His intellectual journey since has been self-directed, rooted in voracious reading and online learning, with a focus on literature, classical thought, and computer science. Today, Sol lives and works in London as a socially engaged artist whose practice spans painting, installation, and participatory projects.

His work has been exhibited at Somerset House (2024), across Scotland (2023), and internationally in Greece (2021). He has reached national audiences through appearances on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, ITV News London, and ITV News Scotland, and his Hawick Happy Feet project was featured in The Telegraph. Sol continues to collaborate with the BBC on a national art initiative for Children in Need. His projects amplify his belief that creativity is not a luxury—it is a lifeline.Artist Statement

Sol Sato’s practice is rooted in people—their stories, struggles, and resilience. His work spans large-scale paintings, installations, and participatory projects that transform art into shared civic rituals.

@solgoldensato @hypeavoices @cristallina_fischetti

www.hype-a.com

Image courtesy of Sol Golden Sato

Jaralin Detienne is a multidisciplinary creative whose career spans performance, film, and fashion. Trained in vocal performance and musical theatre, She began her professional journey touring internationally as a Top-40 vocalist. After a life-altering car accident in 2013 that redirected her path, Jaralin rebuilt her artistic identity through acting and film—ultimately discovering a transformative passion for costume design.

Now an accomplished costume designer with more than 60 film credits, Jaralin has become known for her signature approach that blends storytelling, character psychology, and visual harmony. Her work extends beyond the screen, having styled hundreds of celebrities and talent across film, television, and live performance.

Today, Jaralin’s brand centers on ethical, conscious styling. She advocates for fashion that empowers rather than consumes—prioritising sustainability, intentionality, and a deep respect for personal expression. Whether designing for film or curating an everyday wardrobe, Jaralin creates style experiences that are meaningful, responsible, and uniquely human.

Jaralin Detienne is known for I Am (2017), The Wedding Cottage (2023) and The Wedding Veil (2022) .

@jaralin @hypeavoices @cristallina_fischetti Special Mentions Hallmark Channel and IMDB

www.hype-a.com

Professor Robert Ward F.RSA. FRBS. Ward is a master artist born in 1949. He is best known for his sculptors across the globe. Ward makes monumental work in stainless steel, bronze and occasionally stone. Hailing from Nottingham and Yorkshire, England, naturalised in Australia and now lives in-between Spain and England. Ward’s abstract sculptures are in private and public collections worldwide. Private collections range from: U.S.A, Italy, U.K, China, Australia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland Japan. They include: Newcastle Regional Gallery, Bretton Hall, UK, Arriva – UK, Guilin Yuzi Paradise – China, Gesipa, Germany, NSW Australia, Ferens Art Gallery, Kingston-upon-Hull, Henry Moore Centre for Study of Sculpture, Leeds City Art Gallery, City of Icheon, South Korea, Swire Properties. Chengdu. China, Ilya Corporation Tokyo Japan, Heidelberg Sculpture Park Germany, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK and Wolfson College University of Oxford.

Ward has been the recipient of multiple rewards such as: British Council Grant (1989 & 1995), Centre for Canadian Studies (1999) and the Northern Arts award (1976). He has numerous publications from: Thinking Big (2002)

21st Century British Sculpture Guggenheim Museum, Venice Text by Tim Marlow and Rob Mengham, British Library Artists Lives Life Story recording (2010-2012). Recorded at the Henry Moore Institute Leeds with Kirsty Gregory, Alchemy in Contemp[orary Art (2011) Ursula Szulakowska, Ashgate publications to Secrecy and Methods in Security Research (2019) Esme Bosma Marieke de Goede. Polly Pallister Wilkins, Routledge Publications.

He is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Trustee of Royal Society of British Sculpture, Key Note Lecturer of the University of Chicago,USA and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, ENG.

He was a tutor at the University of Reading (1973-74), Chelsea School of Art, University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (1974-77), NSW. Australia Programme Co-ordinator (1977-82), Senior Head of Sculpture, Bretton Hall University of Leeds (1994-2001), Head of Centre of Sculpture, University of Leeds (20221-2010) and Professor of Sculpture (2010-2014) University of Huddersfield. He has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Tuubingen, Germany Newcastle Polytechnic, Falmouth School of Art, Royal College of Art, England, Sydney College of Arts, Australia and Florida Atlantic University, USA.

Ward is an esteemed guest for HYPE A, friend and mentor of your host, Cristallina Fischetti. Make sure to Turn On, Tune In. -Not to be missed.

www.robwardsculpture.com

Image courtesy of the artist