Ep 2. Beijing

In Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century season 10 episode 2, viewers are transported to Beijing, China to explore the thriving contemporary art scene. The episode features four artists who push the boundaries of traditional mediums and explore complex themes.

The first artist featured is Cao Fei, who creates immersive, multimedia installations that comment on contemporary society and its relationship with technology. Her work blurs the line between reality and virtual reality, often featuring fantastical elements like virtual avatars and otherworldly landscapes.

The next artist is Guan Xiao, who works across a variety of mediums including sculpture, video, and photography. Her work often explores the intersection between the digital and physical world, as well as ideas around identity and cultural heritage.

The third artist featured is Liu Xiaodong, a painter known for capturing the humanity of his subjects. Xiaodong's work often depicts everyday people in rural and urban landscapes, and seeks to create a dialogue between the individual and the larger societal structures they exist within.

The final artist is Lin Tianmiao, a sculptor who works primarily with mixed media to explore ideas around gender, identity, and the body. Her sculptures are often intricate and labor-intensive, featuring materials like silk and human hair.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the artists' personal stories, inspirations, and creative processes. They also gain insight into the cultural context of contemporary art in Beijing, including the impact of globalization and government censorship on the art scene.

Through the lens of these four artists, Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century season 10 episode 2 provides a thought-provoking look at the vibrant and ever-evolving contemporary art scene in Beijing.