Art in the Twenty-First Century Season 6 Episode 6

Ep 6. Balance

  • TV-PG
  • May 4, 2012
  • 54 min

In the sixth episode of season six of Art in the Twenty-First Century, titled "Balance," viewers are presented with a thought-provoking exploration of how artists tackle the concept of balance in their work. The episode features three artists hailing from different parts of the world and with very different backgrounds, but all united in their pursuit of creating work that embodies the idea of balance in some way.

The first featured artist is Rackstraw Downes, an English-born painter whose work is deeply inspired by the landscapes of his adopted home in the United States. Downes eschews traditional techniques for landscapes and instead opts for a more literal approach, creating works that are hyper-realistic in their attention to detail and form. His paintings often feature a sense of balance in the arrangement of objects within the landscape, as well as through his use of color and light. Through his work, Downes explores the idea of balance not only as a visual element, but also as a way of engaging with the world.

The second artist featured in "Balance" is Kimsooja, a Korean artist who uses a wide range of media to create installations that explore themes of spirituality, memory, and identity. One hallmark of her work is her use of textiles and patterns, which often feature motifs drawn from her cultural background. Kimsooja's work is deeply concerned with the concept of balance in a more abstract sense, exploring the ways in which different elements can come together in harmony to create a unified whole. Her approach is heavily influenced by traditional Korean philosophy, which values balance and harmony as guiding principles for daily life.

The final artist featured in this episode is Lynda Benglis, an American sculptor known for her use of unconventional materials and her exploration of movement and form. Benglis's work often features abstract forms that seem to defy gravity and balance precariously on the edge of collapse. Her approach challenges traditional notions of balance and stability, instead embracing a sense of fluidity and movement. Through her work, Benglis explores the tensions between form and function, balance and instability, and the relationships between objects in space.

Throughout "Balance," viewers will see how each of these three artists approaches the idea of balance in their own unique way. From Downes's hyper-realistic paintings to Kimsooja's intricate installations to Benglis's abstract sculptures, each artist offers a different perspective on this fundamental element of visual art. By exploring their work in depth, viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of how balance can be used as a tool for creating meaning and engaging with the world around us.

Description
Watch Art in the Twenty-First Century - Balance (s6 e6) Online - Watch online anytime: Stream, Download, Buy, Rent
Art in the Twenty-First Century, Season 6 Episode 6, is available to watch free on PBS and stream on PBS. You can also stream, download, buy, rent Art in the Twenty-First Century on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon online.
  • First Aired
    May 4, 2012
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    54 min
  • Language
    English