Sean Jungwirth and Sean Lowry of Is Art Shit Podcast: 5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry
An Interview With Dina Aletras
Sean Lowry: Thought leadership enables you to shape the discourse in your field, driving innovation and progress. It opens doors to collaborations, funding, and greater visibility for your work. Investing in thought leadership is about contributing meaningfully to your industry and leaving a lasting impact.
As part of our series about how to become known as a thought leader in your industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Jungwirth and Sean Lowry.
Sean Jungwirth and Sean Lowry, both based in Australia, are old friends that regularly engage in lively discussions about their opposing views on art. Only one is an actual art industry professional, but what quickly emerged from their debates was a way to align contrary perspectives into a cohesive thought-driven narrative that allowed for divergent viewpoints. Their new podcast “Is Art Shit?” takes listeners through a fascinating and at times provocative process that not only illuminates different works of art, methodologies and periods of cultural history in “the artworld” but also demonstrates a kind of thought leadership that is open, inclusive and never too serious to be amusing as well.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Our readers are eager to learn more about you. Could you provide some background information about yourself?
Sean Jungwirth: I like to think of myself as a reasonably smart guy. Although I’ve never formally studied the artworld I have visited many galleries, museums and performances over the years and I appreciate art in almost all its forms, though some pieces can be quite confronting. Despite this, I often form strong opinions about what I encounter. Sean Lowry and I host a podcast called “Is Art Shit?” which is an educational, informative and comedic look at contemporary and conceptual art.
Sean Lowry: I’m an established artist, academic, writer, curator, and musician with a PhD in Visual Arts from the University of Sydney. Currently, I work at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. My work has been exhibited and published widely, and I am involved in many collaborative projects such as Cūrā8 for Project8, Project Anywhere, and “fictional band as artist” collaboration The Ghosts of Nothing.
What establishes you as an authority on thought leadership? Could you briefly share your expertise with our readers?
Sean Jungwirth: I’m pretty sure no one would label me a thought leader in the art world. Any authority I might convey comes from a genuine and unfiltered engagement with the topic. My approach is to ask the questions that many people might feel too intimidated to ask. I bring a layperson’s perspective that resonates with many of our listeners who might feel alienated by the contemporary artworld. I also bring an open mind and an appetite for learning which, in the podcast, reflects the intent of our key audience members.
Sean Lowry: My expertise is grounded in both my academic background and my active participation in the artworld as an artist, writer and curator. I’ve developed a sustained understanding of contemporary art and its sometimes-idiosyncratic theoretical underpinnings, which I aim to demystify for a broader audience. Through my various projects and publications, I seek to bridge the gap between specialised academic discourse and public engagement.
Can you recall a funny mistake you made when you were first starting out? What lesson did you learn from it?
Sean Jungwirth: I once mistook a Do Not Enter sign on a door in gallery for a conceptual art installation. I spent a good amount of time analyzing it before becoming convinced it was just a safety sign. It taught me that art can be found in unexpected places, but it also reminded me to keep a sense of humor about the whole experience.
Sean Lowry: Early in my career, I once sent a scathing email critique intended for a close colleague to an entire mailing list. While mortifying, it underscored the importance of careful double-checking!
What are the most significant disruptions you foresee in your industry over the next five years and how can businesses adapt to these changes?
Sean Jungwirth: I think the biggest disruption will be the increasing integration of digital and virtual experiences in the artworld. Art audiences will be challenged by the need to adapt and embrace technology as galleries find new ways to engage audiences through technology without losing the essence of the in-person art experience.
Sean Lowry: The rise of AI and machine learning is of course a significant disruption in both academia and the artworld. Clearly artists and institutions alike must adapt by exploring the laterals creative possibilities that these technologies offer while also addressing their complex ethical implications. There will be a need for ongoing dialogue about the nature of creativity in an increasingly automated world.
Can you explain the benefits of becoming a thought leader? Why is it valuable to invest time and resources into this?
Sean Jungwirth: If you have a true passion for a topic you will want to engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded people. Becoming a thought leader allows you to influence the conversation within your industry or chosen topic, which can lead to new opportunities and partnerships. Authenticity establishes credibility and trust with your audience, making them more likely to engage with your content and projects.
Sean Lowry: Thought leadership enables you to shape the discourse in your field, driving innovation and progress. It opens doors to collaborations, funding, and greater visibility for your work. Investing in thought leadership is about contributing meaningfully to your industry and leaving a lasting impact.
Can you share an example of a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you leveraged innovative thinking to overcome it?
Sean Jungwirth: My interest in art is purely a passion project. My actual career has been through three major transitions — first in healthcare, then insurance and more recently in startup companies. Having a creative outlet is something that I think everyone can benefit from — personally and professionally. It’s a vehicle for escapism and expressing yourself, which can be incredibly healthy through challenges at work or elsewhere.
Sean Lowry: One of the biggest challenges I faced was curating a large-scale international project with limited resources. By leveraging digital platforms and global collaborative networks with artists and curators, we were able to create the novel blind peer reviewed global exhibition program Project Anywhere with very limited institutional funding.
Now that we have covered that, we’d love to hear your advice on becoming a thought leader. Can you share five strategies that someone should follow to gain recognition as a thought leader in their industry? Please include examples or stories from your own experience for each strategy.
Sean Jungwirth:
- Authenticity: Be genuine in your approach and opinions. People resonate with honesty.
- Courage: Sharing your thoughts to an audience can be intimidating. Keep in mind that sharing is adding value to the audience and be generous with your contribution.
- Engagement: Actively engage with your audience. Answer questions, participate in discussions, and be accessible.
- Continuous Learning: Stay curious and constantly seek new knowledge and perspectives.
- Enjoyment: People who are clearly enjoying themselves are magnets to others. Jump in with both feet and allow yourself to enjoy the process
Sean Lowry:
- Research: Ground your arguments in research and a thorough understanding of history.
- Innovation: Always look for new ways to present your ideas and engage your audience.
- Collaboration: Work with others to create a “third hand” to broaden perspectives.
- Publications: Exhibit and publish regularly to establish your voice in the field.
- Mentorship: Help others in their respective journeys. This in turn reinforces and expands your influence.
How do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization and what practices have you found most effective in encouraging creative thinking among your team?
Sean Jungwirth: Encouraging open dialogue and making sure everyone feels their input is valued fosters engagement and innovation. This statement is as true at work as it is in every other environment.
Sean Lowry: Creating an environment in which risk taking and failure are seen as a learning opportunities is crucial. I encourage experimentation and risk-taking, and often engage in interdisciplinary projects to bring fresh perspectives into our work.
Who do you think is an outstanding example of a thought leader? What specific qualities impress you about this person?
Sean Jungwirth: I’m really inspired by Pete Buttigieg. Rhodes Scholar, graduate of Harvard and Oxford, Military Intelligence officer, Mayor and more recently Secretary of Transport in the Biden Administration. Regardless of your politics, his ability to formulate an argument extremely clearly is recognised by anyone who’s seen him speak.
Sean Lowry: I admire the late Nigerian curator and art critic Okwui Enwezor for his innovative approach to curating and his relentless pursuit of new ways of thinking historical relations. His ability to open up contemporary art to a truly global perspective was inspiring.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic planning?
Sean Jungwirth: I stay informed by attending exhibitions and engaging with art enthusiasts in person or on social media. This helps me understand what resonates with people, which I then incorporate into our podcast discussions. We also listen to our audience who often have very suggestions for podcast topics.
Sean Lowry: I stay up-to-date by visiting exhibitions, reading academic journals, and networking with peers in the artworld This continuous learning informs my teaching, curatorial projects, and personal practice.
Some people feel that the term “thought leader” is overused and has lost its impact. What are your thoughts on this?
Sean Jungwirth: The term may be overused and there may be more so-called “thought leaders” than real thought leaders. However, the concept behind it remains valuable. True thought leaders bring fresh perspectives and drive meaningful conversations. It’s important to focus on the substance behind the title rather than the title itself.
Sean Lowry: I agree that the term can be overused, but its significance lies in the actions and influence of the individual and their dynamic relationship to their collective peers. Genuine thought leadership is about contributing to the advancement of your field and inspiring others, regardless of the terminology used.
How do you balance short-term business goals with long-term strategic vision, especially in a rapidly changing market?
Sean Jungwirth: This has been something that has become much simpler as I have gotten older (and hopefully wiser). A longer perspective on things helps keep an eye on the bigger picture regardless of the immediacy of what’s in front of you right now. Short-term goals should be accumulative to long-term strategic goals.
Sean Lowry: Balancing the two requires a clear and adaptable understanding of your core ideas and values. I prioritize projects that interest me with people that I enjoy working with, and then retrospectively narrativize their strategic potential.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant in your life?
Sean Jungwirth: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This quote from Steve Jobs reminds me to pursue my passions and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Sean Lowry: “Art is what makes life more interesting than art”, Robert Fillou. This reminds us that art is only meaningful because life is.
Many influential figures in business and entertainment follow this column. Is there someone you’d love to have lunch or breakfast with? They might notice if we tag them.
Sean Jungwirth: I’d love to have lunch with comedian Bill Maher. His ability to mix comedy with serious social and political commentary is something that I find really interesting.
Sean Lowry: I would enjoy a conversation with Arthur Jafa. His video work is an extraordinary reflection of the contradictions of our present moment.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow our podcast “Is Art Shit?” at isartshit.buzzsprout.com and on all major streaming platforms. You can also connect with us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
For Sean Lowry’s art and music work check out:
Cūrā8 (with Kim Donaldson) for Project8
The Ghosts of Nothing (with Ilmar Taimre)
The Ghosts of Nothing (YouTube)
About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.
Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.
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