This is Touching the Art: the only art talk show in Earth’s History…we’ll have to fact check that…mmmm. No.

This is how Casey Jane Ellison, artist/animator/comedian, usually opens her all-female art talk show, which is now in its second season and has become something of a cult. One of her recent guests said, “You could be the Oprah of the art world—we need one. The spot’s open for you.” “Stop trying to flirt with me. No,” is her reply.

But perhaps her insistence is too much of a protest, as the show is part of the upcoming New Museum Triennial, opening next week.

The current episode is a treat to all who question today’s art markets, especially Bi-and Tri-ennials, which are here dealt with as curses far and away worse than art fairs.

A panel of three women—two artists [K8 Hardy and Juliana Huxtable] and Shelly Fox Aarons, a collector and the secretary of the New Museum Board—stand up to Ellison’s often-barbed questions and commentary with style and intent. Here’s a sample.

Q: So what do Bi/Tri’s do for the art world?

A: There’s a sense of festivalism and gathering together. That’s important for the artist and the viewers.

A: People say there are too many of them but every one I’ve gone to has been well attended.

A: There’s a real sense of occasion—people realize you’re not an amateur any more.

Q: With all the drama about being selected, why do people get so angry about being excluded?

A: Each Bi or Tri has a context, a theme posed by the curator.

A: There’s kind of a curtain that the curators are in control of and you don’t know what’s behind it.

A: It’s a defining moment when something is relevant and either you fit into it or you don’t.

A: You’re putting something out there that’s important to you. If that doesn’t make you nervous then it’s probably not very interesting as art.

Q: Who invented Bi/Tri?

A: I believe Venice was first. It’s the Olympics of Bi/Tri.

A: There’s an inherent elitism, with aristocracy involved.

A: The parties are important.

A: Being an artist is somewhat downwardly mobile. You could ruin your career, just by being there.

Q: Why the title Surround Audience [for the upcoming New Museum Triennial].

A: We’re surrounded by Bi/Tris, being that there’s over 300 now.

A: Artists are today like amoebas, taking on forms that might not be classified as art, so you can be surrounded by artists and art and not even know it.

The shows usually end with a Lightning round, in this case:

Q: Do you pray?

A: No.

A: I don’t pray but I definitely worship at the High Altar of Art.

A: Yes, but I spell it p-r-e-y.

For links to all epsiodes of Touching the Art, go here.

Surround Audience: The New Museum Triennial opens February 25. Information.