Art 21

"Companion book to Art in the twenty-first century, the first broadcast series for National Public Television to focus e... (more)

"Companion book to Art in the twenty-first century, the first broadcast series for National Public Television to focus exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists in the United States today"--P. [4]. (less)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First... (more)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First Century. Unparalleled in its access to today's artists, this unique series invites viewers into artists' studios, homes and communities to provide an intimate view of their lives, creative processes, and sources of inspiration. The one-hour programs present groundbreaking artists of the new century at work and speaking in their own words-direct, accessible, and unfiltered-about how, why, and what they create. Compelling and thought-provoking, Art in the Twenty-First Century takes viewers behind the scenes-and beyond the museum or gallery experience-to reveal how contemporary art can change how we see the world around us. (less)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First... (more)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First Century. Unparalleled in its access to today's artists, this unique series invites viewers into artists' studios, homes and communities to provide an intimate view of their lives, creative processes, and sources of inspiration. The one-hour programs present groundbreaking artists of the new century at work and speaking in their own words-direct, accessible, and unfiltered-about how, why, and what they create. Compelling and thought-provoking, Art in the Twenty-First Century takes viewers behind the scenes-and beyond the museum or gallery experience-to reveal how contemporary art can change how we see the world around us. (less)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First... (more)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First Century. Unparalleled in its access to today's artists, this unique series invites viewers into artists' studios, homes and communities to provide an intimate view of their lives, creative processes, and sources of inspiration. The one-hour programs present groundbreaking artists of the new century at work and speaking in their own words-direct, accessible, and unfiltered-about how, why, and what they create. Compelling and thought-provoking, Art in the Twenty-First Century takes viewers behind the scenes-and beyond the museum or gallery experience-to reveal how contemporary art can change how we see the world around us. (less)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First... (more)

Meet the most dynamic visual artists of our time in the award-winning documentary series Art 21: Art in the Twenty-First Century. Unparalleled in its access to today's artists, this unique series invites viewers into artists' studios, homes and communities to provide an intimate view of their lives, creative processes, and sources of inspiration. The one-hour programs present groundbreaking artists of the new century at work and speaking in their own words-direct, accessible, and unfiltered-about how, why, and what they create. Compelling and thought-provoking, Art in the Twenty-First Century takes viewers behind the scenes-and beyond the museum or gallery experience-to reveal how contemporary art can change how we see the world around us. (less)

Timely and timeless, global and local, beautiful and provocative, contemporary art challenges us to look at our world in... (more)

Timely and timeless, global and local, beautiful and provocative, contemporary art challenges us to look at our world in new ways. Contemporary artists grapple with the complex issues of our time, ask tough questions, and make works that delight, amaze and sometimes unsettle audiences worldwide. Yet rarely are we provided access to the artists who create the art of our time. Season 5 of "Art in the Twenty-First Century" provides viewers a unique look at today’s artists. In its most international season to date, Art21’s four-part series reveals artists’ perspectives on current affairs, politics, economics, history and popular culture, as well as showcases the artists’ working processes and their studios. Through in-depth profiles and dynamic behind-the-scenes footage featuring artists speaking directly about their inspirations and ideas, Season 5 shows a broad range of artistic practice, technical innovation, and experimentation, from artists tackling large-scale collaborative projects in hangar-like studios, to those working in the quiet of more intimate studio settings. Art21 traveled around the world in Season 5, filming the creation of new art on every continent (except Antarctica) and in museums, studios, galleries and homes in nine countries. Fourteen internationally recognized artists, from painters and sculptors to photographers and artists exploring the possibilities of new media, were filmed in their own environments and in their own words. The result is an exceptional opportunity for audiences to experience first-hand the complex artistic processes behind some of today’s most intriguing and thought-provoking art. "This series provides an important glimpse into the minds and workspaces of artists who, regardless of their nationality or background, have the power to challenge the way we view the world," said Susan Sollins, Executive Producer. As in the previous four seasons of "Art in the Twenty-First Century," each hour-long episode of Season 5 is constructed around a theme that functions as a thread that loosely connects the artists—as diverse as their histories, styles and mediums may be. Season Five of "Art in the Twenty-First Century" features the episodes "Compassion," "Fantasy," "Transformation," and "Systems." (less)

"Art in the Twenty-First Century" Season Six includes 13 profiles of artists from five continents gathered into four, on... (more)

"Art in the Twenty-First Century" Season Six includes 13 profiles of artists from five continents gathered into four, one-hour thematic episodes: Change, Balance, History and Boundaries. Spanning the globe from Nigeria to New York City, from Beijing to Brazil, the programs reveal the artists at work and speaking in their own words as they demonstrate the power of art to alter perception, challenge convention, and change how we see the world around us. (less)

Contemporary art breaks out of the confines of museums and art galleries in Season 2 of zArt in the Twenty-First Century... (more)

Contemporary art breaks out of the confines of museums and art galleries in Season 2 of zArt in the Twenty-First Century.y Shattering the myth of the artist as an isolated genius, this unique series introduces television audiences to 16 artists working in America today. "Art in the Twenty-First Century" is the only series on television to focus exclusively on contemporary art, and it uses the medium to provide an experience of the visual arts that goes far beyond a gallery visit. Fascinating and intimate footage allows the viewer to observe the artists at work, watch their process as they transform inspiration into art, and hear their thoughts as they grapple with the physical and visual challenges of achieving their artistic visions. (less)

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Visually captivating and intriguing, contemporary art is admired and appreciated by many in museums and galleries. Yet f... (more)

Visually captivating and intriguing, contemporary art is admired and appreciated by many in museums and galleries. Yet few are given access to the creative processes behind the work—the inspirations and ideas that translate into compelling finished objects. Through in-depth profiles and interviews, Season 4 of "Art in the Twenty-First Century" reveals the inspiration, vision and techniques behind the creative works of some of today's most accomplished contemporary artists. Art21 travels across the country and abroad to film 17 contemporary artists, from painters and sculptors to photographers and filmmakers, in their own spaces and in their own words. The result is a rare opportunity for television viewers to experience first-hand the complex artistic process—from inception to finished product—behind some of today’s most thought-provoking art. The artists profiled in the series speak directly to the audience, describing their passions, impulses and methods. Viewers are invited behind-the-scenes to see artists at work in their studios, homes, communities, and in sites as diverse as an old-growth forest near Seattle, a military base in California, a theater academy in Warsaw, and a film set, in addition to galleries and museums. "This series not only showcases the contributions of these artists, but also transcends the everyday art experience of a museum or gallery visit," says Susan Sollins, Executive Producer of the series. "Viewers can discover what goes on inside the minds of these dynamic and thoughtful people, and what they have to say can significantly expand our knowledge and understanding of the world." As in the previous three seasons of "Art in the Twenty-First Century," each hour-long episode of Season 4 is loosely structured around a theme that unifies the individual artists – as diverse as their mediums may be. Season 4 episodes of "Art in the Twenty-First Century" include the themes of "Romance," "Protest," "Ecology," and "Paradox." (less)

With an introduction and video art by Laurie Anderson, this program considers the influence of place -- physical, concep... (more)

With an introduction and video art by Laurie Anderson, this program considers the influence of place -- physical, conceptual or psychological; regional, national or transnational -- on such artists as Richard Serra, whose massive rolled-steel plates carve private moments out of public spaces; Sally Mann, whose photographs record the historical scars and romanticism latent in the landscape of the South; Barry McGee and Margaret Kilgallen, two San Francisco-based artists whose works blend elements of social realist murals and folk traditions with graffiti and other urban symbols; and Pepon Osorio, whose sculptural assemblages and installations are intimately tied to location, evoking the survival of communities across borders. (less)

This episode addresses the continuing examination of the spiritual in art and life. James Turrell's works are investigat... (more)

This episode addresses the continuing examination of the spiritual in art and life. James Turrell's works are investigated as they relate to and depart from his Quaker heritage, and through the idea of light as a metaphor for the spiritual. Ann Hamilton's installations, which often feature a solitary figure attending to a task, evoke not only a sense of mortality and quiet meditation, but also awe. The labor-intensive miniature paintings of Shahzia Sikander combine figurative and abstract elements from both the Muslim and Hindu faiths. And the books, sculptures and installations of John Feodorov whimsically examine New Age assumptions about Native-American spirituality. (less)

With an introduction created by Steve Martin and William Wegman, this episode examines how artists confront the question... (more)

With an introduction created by Steve Martin and William Wegman, this episode examines how artists confront the questions "Who am I?" and "Who are we?" in a pluralistic, multicultural world. Kerry James Marshall's paintings and installations emerge from his deep ties to family, as well as his lifelong study of art history. Louise Bougeois' work echoes some of today's most pressing social issues, including childhood trauma and the importance of memory. The densely psychological videos of Bruce Nauman examine the relationships among artist, viewer and society. And the work of Maya Lin, who achieved national fame when her now-famous design was selected for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, seeks to make a place for individuals within the landscape. (less)

With an introduction by John McEnroe in a video created by Barbara Kruger, the second half of this program turns its eye... (more)

With an introduction by John McEnroe in a video created by Barbara Kruger, the second half of this program turns its eye on the influences a consumerist society and pop culture exert on contemporary art and vice-versa. Featured are the experimental home, "furniture" designs, clothing and artificial island of Andrea Zittel. The paintings of Michael Ray Charles analyze the historical relationship between advertising images and cultural stereotypes. And Mel Chin connects to culture and commerce through an eclectic body of work that deals with everything from television's "Melrose Place" to his Detroit "revival field" project, which attempts to clean polluted plots of land. (less)

At the dawn of the 21st century, American artists are taking self-expression and the artistic process into uncharted ter... (more)

At the dawn of the 21st century, American artists are taking self-expression and the artistic process into uncharted territory. Today's artists are engaging the world and their audiences in vital and surprising new ways. They use an enormous variety of media and draw on sources ranging from pop culture and politics to ethnic heritage, classical models, and deeply personal life experiences. The artists featured in the series represent a cross-section of contemporary art practices and philosophies, and hail from different regions of the United States. Season 1 of "Art in the Twenty-First Century" introduces 21 artists to a nationwide audience. (less)

The artists profiled in zStoriesy tell tales—autobiographical, fictional, satirical, or fantastical—throug... (more)

The artists profiled in zStoriesy tell tales—autobiographical, fictional, satirical, or fantastical—through architecture, literature, mythology, fairytales, and history. These artists provoke us to think about our own stories, the characters and caricatures, the morals and messages that define our real and imagined lives. (less)

Thoughts and responses to themes of zLoss & Desirey surface in many areas of our lives, from the philosophical to the em... (more)

Thoughts and responses to themes of zLoss & Desirey surface in many areas of our lives, from the philosophical to the emotional. In this episode, specific works of art cause us to contemplate issues such as war and peace; the loss of community and the desire for connection; and the age-old human longing for perfection. (less)

"Time" is always present in our interaction with works of art, whether we sit to contemplate a painting, stroll past a s... (more)

"Time" is always present in our interaction with works of art, whether we sit to contemplate a painting, stroll past a sculpture, or watch a video piece for its entire duration or cycle. Some works of art are time-based in that the viewer must experience them through the passage of time, as with music, while others refer to time through links or references to art history, our collective human history, or the timelessness of nature. Filmed on location in China; Japan; New York, New York; San Antonio, Texas; Cambridge, Massachusetts. (less)

The four artists profiled in zHumory have been influenced by the history of humor and comedy, including vaudeville, cart... (more)

The four artists profiled in zHumory have been influenced by the history of humor and comedy, including vaudeville, cartoons, and comic books. The artists in this hour reveal how humor and satire can stimulate laughter as well as serve as a vehicle to explore serious subjects, such as feminism, the natural environment, the excesses of consumer culture, social injustice, and war. (less)

From politics to mass media, the theme of power pervades daily life. The artists in this program -- Cai Guo-Qiang, Layla... (more)

From politics to mass media, the theme of power pervades daily life. The artists in this program -- Cai Guo-Qiang, Laylah Ali, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Ida Applebroog -- negotiate personal and cultural histories, re-imagine social space and challenge authority, oppression and control. The hour concludes with an original piece of video art by Teresa Hubbard/Alexander Birchler. David Alan Grier hosts. (less)

How does memory function? Who creates history? Whether commemorative, critical or irreverent, the artists in episode two... (more)

How does memory function? Who creates history? Whether commemorative, critical or irreverent, the artists in episode two - Susan Rothenberg, Mike Kelley, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Josiah McElheny - delve into the past, transforming it and remaking it in their work. The hour concludes with an original piece of video art by Teresa Hubbard/Alexander Birchler, a unique and poetic meditation on the idea of memory. Isabella Rossellini hosts. (less)

How do we organize life? What are the ways in which we capture knowledge and attempt greater understanding? The artists ... (more)

How do we organize life? What are the ways in which we capture knowledge and attempt greater understanding? The artists in this episode - Mathew Ritchie, Fred Wilson, Richard Tuttle and Roni Horn - create systems, shift contexts and engage with perception, utilizing unconventional devices. The hour concludes with an original piece of video art by Teresa Hubbard/Alexander Birchler, a unique and poetic meditation on the idea of structures. Sam Waterston hosts. (less)

Spontaneous, funny or subversive, play can take many forms. The artists in this episode - Jessica Stockholder, Ellen Gal... (more)

Spontaneous, funny or subversive, play can take many forms. The artists in this episode - Jessica Stockholder, Ellen Gallagher, Arturo Herrera and Oliver Herring - improvise games, draw inspiration from dance and music, and employ color, pattern and movement to induce delight. The hour concludes with an original piece of video art by Teresa Hubbard/Alexander Birchler, a unique and poetic meditation on the idea of play. Grant Hill hosts. (less)