art21 (2001)
Contemporary artists describe their work and discuss why and how they do it. The programs are grouped according to themes of place, spirituality, identity and consumption. A PBS series, educational resource, archive, and history of contemporary art, Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century premiered in 2001 and is now broadcast in over 50 countries worldwide. Premiering a new season every two years, Art21 is the only series on United States television to focus exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists.
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Episode 1 - Power
Release Date: 2005-09-16Power and its victims is the theme of this episode, which profiles artists Cai Guo-Qiang, Laylah Ali, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Ida Applebroog. Guo-Qiang, whose materials include gunpowder, talks of “the aesthetic of pain”; Ali, whose round-headed figures appear cartoonish (but are quite serious) is seen working with choreographer Dean Moss; Wodiczko's video projections honor victims of violence; and Applebroog explores “how power works” in paintings, drawings and sculptures.
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Episode 2 - Memory
Release Date: 2005-09-23Memory is the theme as artists Susan Rothenberg, Mike Kelley, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Josiah McElheny are profiled. McElheny, a glassblower, often puts his own spin on works of the past. Kelley looks for “materialist ritual” in his video art, paintings and sculptures. Sugimoto calls his photographs “fossilizations of the time.” And Rothenberg, a Southwestern painter, says “I don't want to get too literal. I want the viewer to do the work, too.” Isabella Rossellini is the host.
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Episode 3 - Structure
Release Date: 2005-09-30“Structure” is the theme as artists Matthew Ritchie, Fred Wilson, Richard Tuttle and Roni Horn are profiled. “Modern art is a gift,” says Ritchie, whose room-sized installations are rooted in line drawing. Wilson's installations are formed by “putting things together,” not making them. Tuttle, a veteran painter-sculptor, likes to explore “the part which I can't see,” as does Horn, a sculptor-photographer. “The unknown,” she says, “is where I want to be.” Introduced by Sam Waterston.
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Episode 4 - Play
Release Date: 2005-10-07“Play” is the theme as artists Jessica Stockholder, Ellen Gallagher, Arturo Herrera and Oliver Herring are profiled. Stockholder's sharp-colored works frequently incorporate plastic objects, and Gallagher's paintings and films offer “a way of constantly looking for home.” Herrera makes collages and wall paintings from drawings and abstract photos. And Herring's work ranges from somber knitted sculptures to fanciful video works and photographic “statues” of people. The NBA's Grant Hill hosts.