Ep 4. Consumption

Art In The Twenty First Century is a television show that explores different aspects of contemporary art and the creations of artists in the modern world. The fourth episode of season 1 is named Consumption and it provides viewers with an insight into how contemporary artists depict consumer culture in their work.

The episode focuses on four artists who are devoted to highlighting the intricate relationship between consumerism, capitalism and the modern world. The artists come from diverse backgrounds and employ various mediums to express their viewpoints. Their artwork ranges from thought-provoking installations to photographs and paintings.

The first artist featured in this episode is Barbara Kruger. Kruger is a renowned artist who combines photographs and text to create provocative artworks. Her pieces raise questions about consumer desires and how advertising affects our purchasing behavior. Her works often feature messages such as "I shop therefore I am" or "Your body is a battleground." Through her artwork, Kruger aims to highlight the negative consequences of consumerism and consumer culture.

The second artist featured in this episode is Michael Ray Charles. Charles is a painter who explores the history of black minstrelsy and the impact of negative stereotypes on black people in America. His paintings challenge traditional notions of African American culture by juxtaposing cultural signifiers such as Aunt Jemima with negative images of blackface performers. His work critiques how black bodies have been commodified and objectified in American culture.

The third artist featured in this episode is Matthew Barney. Barney is an installation artist whose works include sculptures, films, videos and drawings. He creates complex narratives that seamlessly blend consumer culture with ritualistic practices. His pieces question cultural hegemony and explore themes of desire, consumption, masculinity and the body. He uses metaphors such as wax, metal and blood to represent the ways in which capitalism has impacted our understanding of the human body.

The last artist featured in this episode is Andrea Zittel. Zittel's art focuses on the intersection between art and daily life. She creates modular furniture, clothing, and objects that enable minimalist living and encourages self-sufficiency. Her work is meant to challenge consumerism by providing alternatives to mass-produced goods. While her installations and sculptures are formless and monochromatic, they exhibit specific functions and utilitarian value.

Overall, the episode offers insights into different contexts, perspectives and techniques employed by four contemporary artists, revealing the complexities of consumer culture and interrogating its effects on society. This episode offers an understanding of the diverse ways in which artist critically engage with cultural issues, and invite viewers to reflect and engage in a critical dialogue about consumption, desire, and the role of art in society.