Ep 4. Systems

Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century is an award-winning documentary series that provides an intimate look into the lives and artistic practices of contemporary artists. In season 5 episode 4, titled "Systems," viewers meet four artists who explore the concept of systems through their art.

The episode begins with artist Mark Bradford, whose large-scale abstract paintings are constructed through an elaborate process of layering, cutting, and sanding. Bradford's work explores the complex social and economic systems that shape our world, and he draws inspiration from the urban landscape of his native Los Angeles. Through interviews and studio footage, viewers get a glimpse into Bradford's creative process and the ideas that drive his work.

Next, the episode introduces viewers to artist Julie Mehretu, whose intricate drawings and paintings incorporate elements of mapping and geometric abstraction. Mehretu's work explores the ways in which our social and political systems are inscribed onto physical space, and she often incorporates images of urban architecture and political protest in her pieces. Through interviews and studio footage, viewers gain insight into Mehretu's creative process and the conceptual framework that guides her work.

The third artist featured in the episode is Allan McCollum, whose work challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality in art. McCollum creates vast installations of mass-produced objects, such as ceramic bowls and plaster shapes, that explore the concept of seriality and the role of objects in our society. Through interviews and footage of his installations, viewers gain an appreciation for McCollum's unconventional approach to art-making and his interest in the systems of value that underlie our consumer culture.

The episode concludes with artist Wangechi Mutu, whose multimedia works explore themes of gender, race, and colonialism. Mutu's sculptures, collages, and animations depict hybrid creatures in surreal, dreamlike settings, confronting viewers with unsettling images that challenge established notions of beauty and identity. Through interviews and studio footage, viewers gain insight into Mutu's creative process and her interest in the ways in which systems of power and oppression shape our world.

Overall, "Systems" presents a thought-provoking examination of the ways in which contemporary artists are exploring the complex systems that shape our world. Through intimate interviews and footage of their creative processes, viewers gain valuable insight into the ideas and practices of four innovative artists who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.