Public art in America transforms ordinary streets into extraordinary canvases for everyone to enjoy. Today, we welcome back filmmaker Badir McCleary for a sneak peek into Remote, his documentary series on contemporary public art. In this episode, Badir gives our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, the inside scoop on season two, slated for release on NOT REAL ART in July 2025. This season is all about changing how we think about public art—not just where to find it, but the deeper stories and themes behind it.
Badir shares his vision for this new approach, encouraging us all to reflect on the societal narratives these works of art represent and their impact on our urban environments. Throughout the chat, he opens up about his personal experiences and the hurdles he faced while bringing this season to life. From logistical challenges to those unexpected moments that can change everything, Badir's insights highlight the creative process as fluid and evolving.
His passion for public art is contagious, prompting us to see it as more than just something nice to look at. Badir invites us to treat these artworks as living pieces of our communities that spark conversations and reflections on human experiences. This episode is a reminder that art plays a crucial role in our lives, pushing us to engage more deeply with the world around us.
Don’t miss this look at season two before its official release in July, or catch up on season one of Remote here.
Quotes From This Episode
“I love traveling to those places and talking about the works. That's my favorite thing to do. But as I watched the first season of Remote, I felt that there was more. I felt that there was a deeper conversation than just going to a place and telling people what I saw.” — Badir McCleary [09:51]
“Each journey for me is almost like in a sense of a pilgrimage, for lack of a better word. I'm going to these places with an idea of something that turns into a reality.” — Badir McCleary [00:21:08]
“It's really cool to see, to even think about these journeys, because these artists are having their own journeys. You know, while I'm taking these journeys to see their artwork, they're taking journeys to make them, to place them, to create relationships, to get them seen as well.” — Badir McCleary [24:09]
“Sometimes people don't know what they're looking at or why it's in a certain place. With many public art installations being placed in some of the weirdest places, people sometimes ask why; is there a reason for this here?” — Badir McCleary [29:27]
“You don't always have to go to galleries. If you feel uncomfortable, you can go outside, included as part of your travel, included as part of your family enjoyment.” — Badir McCleary [38:47]
Links Mentioned in This Episode
About Badir McCleary
Badir McCleary is an independent consultant, an arts writer, and a street photographer with a passion for connecting with artists and their stories. He has an MA in Arts Business and Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, along with a degree in internet computing from Cabrini University. Badir truly believes that artists play a vital role in shaping his work and perspective. In addition to his curatorial endeavors, he loves diving into the lives of artists and documenting current events in the cities he explores. Notably, Badir uses drones to craft unique land and performance art, offering fresh perspectives on land surveying and mass media. His aerial photography played a significant role in capturing the essence of the Los Angeles Black Lives Matter protests, as well as documenting mural creations from around the globe. He is the creator of Remote, a documentary film series on contemporary public art across America. Ultimately, Badir aims to create spaces for learning and presentation, all while conducting insightful interviews that bring these experiences to life.