Ep 3. Transformation

Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century is a television series that explores contemporary art and artists from around the world. Season 5 episode 3 is titled Transformation, and it delves into the ways in which artists use their work to address themes of change, growth, and identity.

The episode features four different artists, each with their unique approach to art and transformation. The first artist is Cindy Sherman, who is famous for her self-portraits that challenge gender and identity norms. In her interview, she discusses the ways in which her own identity has changed over the years and how that has influenced her art. We see some of her early works, as well as some of her more recent pieces, which incorporate elements of performance, photography, and sculpture.

The second artist featured in the episode is Paul Pfeiffer, who works primarily with digital media. His art often explores themes of technology, mass media, and the way that images shape our perceptions of reality. One of his most famous pieces, a video installation called The Long Count, is featured in this episode. The piece features footage of a historic boxing match, which Pfeiffer has edited in a way that makes it appear almost otherworldly.

The third artist is Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist who explores themes of race, culture, and globalization. His work often incorporates brightly-colored African fabrics, which he uses to create sculptures and installations that reference both traditional African art and European colonialism. In this episode, we see some of his large-scale sculpture installations, as well as some of his smaller works, which include pieces of clothing made from printed fabric.

The final artist featured in the episode is Catherine Opie, a photographer who is known for her portraits of people and urban landscapes. Her work often explores themes of gender, sexuality, and identity, and she frequently photographs members of the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, we see some of her portraits of people in the transgender community, as well as some of her landscape photographs, which depict the changing urban environments of Los Angeles.

Throughout the episode, the theme of transformation is explored in a variety of ways. Some of the artists focus on personal transformation, using their art as a way to explore their own identities or to document changes in their lives. Others use their art to address larger societal transformations, such as changes in technology, globalization, and cultural identity. There is a sense throughout the episode of art as a tool for reflection and growth, both for the artists themselves and for viewers who engage with their work.

Overall, Transformation is a thought-provoking and visually stunning episode of Art21 that will appeal to anyone interested in contemporary art, culture, and social change.