Ep 5. History

The show Art in the Twenty-First Century explores the works and artistic processes of contemporary artists across the globe. In season 6 episode 5, titled History, the focus is on artists who explore the interplay between personal histories and larger historical narratives in their work.

The episode features three artists: Glenn Ligon, Marina Abramović, and Mary Reid Kelley.

Glenn Ligon is a conceptual artist based in New York City. His work often deals with issues of identity and race, and in this episode, he speaks about using historical texts and figures in his work to explore the ways in which history is constructed and shaped by those who write it. Ligon also talks about the importance of representation and visibility for underrepresented communities in history.

Marina Abramović is a performance artist who is best known for her endurance-based works. In this episode, she discusses how her own personal history, including her experience growing up in communist Yugoslavia, has influenced her work. Abramović also shares her thoughts on the power of art to challenge social and political norms and the importance of art in shaping history.

Mary Reid Kelley is a multimedia artist whose work often combines language, painting, and film. Her work explores themes related to misogyny, power, and gender identity. In this episode, she speaks about her interest in historical storytelling and the ways in which history is often shaped by male perspectives. Reid Kelley also talks about the importance of humor and satire in her work and the way in which these techniques can be used to subvert dominant historical narratives.

Throughout the episode, the artists explore the ways in which history can be used to shape identity and inform contemporary discourse. They all discuss the importance of using art to challenge dominant historical narratives and to provide a platform for underrepresented voices.

Overall, this episode of Art in the Twenty-First Century takes a deep dive into the relationship between personal history and collective memory. Through the works of these artists, viewers are encouraged to think critically about the ways in which history is constructed and the role that art can play in shaping our understanding of it.