Ep 2. Protest

In this episode of Art in the Twenty-First Century, viewers explore the power of protest through the eyes of artists who use their work to not only express dissent, but to inspire change. The episode features four artists from around the world who are using their voices to fight for environmental sustainability, gender and racial equality, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

First, viewers meet artist Tania Bruguera, who focuses her work on the use of art as a platform for social and political change. Bruguera discusses her project "Immigrant Movement International," which aims to empower immigrants and give them a voice in the United States. Through a variety of installations and performances, Bruguera confronts issues like immigration reform and the exploitation of migrant workers.

Next, viewers learn about the work of artist Pedro Reyes, who creates art that addresses social and political issues in Mexico. Reyes uses a variety of mediums, including performance and sculpture, to address issues like gun violence, political corruption, and the drug war. His project "Palas por Pistolas" involved melting down guns to create shovels for planting trees in his community.

The episode then introduces viewers to artist Wu Mali, who uses her work to highlight environmental issues in Taiwan. Mali's project "The River" involves researching and documenting the history of the rivers in Taiwan and the impact of industry on their health. Through performance and installation, Mali brings attention to the importance of preserving natural resources.

Finally, viewers meet artist Ai Weiwei, who uses his art to challenge the Chinese government and advocate for human rights. Weiwei discusses his project "Straight," which involved collecting and documenting the names of children who died in schools during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake due to government corruption and negligence. The project was a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in society.

Overall, this episode of Art in the Twenty-First Century highlights the ways in which artists can use their work to challenge the status quo and bring attention to important issues facing communities around the world. Through their art, these four artists inspire viewers to take action and become agents of change themselves.