The Art of the Court with Jonas Wood & John McEnroe

Why It Matters

The episode underscores how visual presentation and media shape both sports and art—affecting fan experience, broadcasting choices and market interest—and highlights how high-profile collectors like McEnroe can amplify contemporary artists’ cultural and commercial reach.

Summary

On the Bearfax Podcast, artist Jonas Wood discusses a new series of tennis-court paintings made from photographs he’s taken of televised matches, combining collage, vivid court palettes and pop references like Roy Lichtenstein. Tennis legend and collector John McEnroe joins the conversation, reflecting on how court colors and TV presentation evolved, the sameness of court dimensions, and his path from player to serious art buyer. The pair draw parallels between performing under pressure in sport and the vulnerability of exhibiting art, with Wood explaining his direct photo-to-painting approach and McEnroe describing the kinship he feels with artists. Their dialogue situates Wood’s work at the intersection of sports aesthetics, media representation and contemporary art collecting.

Original Description

Love art, AND sport? Well, we have a doozy for you. The Baer Faxt Podcast is back with two icons: artist Jonas Wood and tennis legend John McEnroe, on the occasion of Jonas' exhibition of tennis paintings at Gagosian Beverly Hills. What do a painter and a tennis legend have in common? More than you'd think. Tune in to hear about paintings inspired by professional tennis courts, their shared experience of putting themselves on the line in front of an audience, and more. 

This episode, recorded on April 25th, 2026 at Gagosian Beverly Hills, is brought to you by Ursula - A Magazine of Contemporary Culture by Hauser & Wirth.