In Episode 1 we chat with artist John Costi, who was part of V22’s Young London, 2018.

As well as making art John is involved in social projects in the community that he grew up in. We spoke about art and graffiti and how they co-exist in a slightly awkward way, and about how art can be used as a means of rehabilitation. We also talk about John’s slightly unorthodox path into contemporary art, his time behind bars and how he feels he fits in to the current creative landscape.

Sadly for this episode Rowan couldn’t make it, so we were joined by Lima based journalist Alex Houghton who has been working on a documentary in Burkina Faso about rehabilitation in prisons there.

John Costi (b. 1987) lives and works in London, UK where he is studying for his MA at Central Saint Martin’s. His practice draws on performance, sculpture and installation. Recent shows include Young London, V22, London (2018); No Walls, The Titanic Building, Belfast (2017); 2-2’s London Bus, Tate Modern, London (2015); Making Endz Meet, Lethaby Gallery, London (2015); Café Whoa, Whoa Now Gallery, Copenhagen (2015); My Darling Johnny, G-Shock Sessions, G-Shock East, London (2014); Some Unchartered Event, Science Gallery, London with Resonance FM (2014); A Fete Worse Than Death with Factual Nonsence and Red Gallery, London (2014); Pleasure Paradox, MKGallery, Milton Keynes (2013); Cally Calls, AIR Studios, London (2013).