Ep 2. Berlin

In the second episode of the ninth season of Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century, viewers are transported to the cultural hub of Berlin, Germany. The episode explores the diverse and vibrant art scene that has emerged in the city since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

The episode profiles four Berlin-based artists who each provide their unique perspectives on the city's art culture. The first artist featured is Olafur Eliasson, an Icelandic-Danish artist known for his large-scale installations that combine natural elements with artificial materials. Eliasson discusses how the city's history and dynamic energy have influenced his art and allowed him to create immersive experiences for viewers.

The next artist profiled is Hiwa K, an Iraqi-Kurdish artist who explores themes of displacement, migration, and identity in his work. Through his sculptures, installations, and films, Hiwa K draws on his own experiences of living in Iraq, Turkey, and Germany to address issues of cultural and political conflict.

The third artist profiled is Susan Philipsz, a Scottish artist who creates sound installations that explore the relationship between sound and space. Philipsz discusses how her experiences living in Berlin have inspired her to create works that respond to the city's architectural and historical context.

The final artist featured in the episode is Wolfgang Tillmans, a German photographer who has gained international acclaim for his innovative approach to image-making. Tillmans discusses how the city's underground club scene and social activism have influenced both his personal life and his artistic practice.

Throughout the episode, viewers catch glimpses of the city's vibrant street art scene, which has become a hallmark of Berlin's art culture. The episode also highlights several of the city's premier art institutions, including the Berlin Biennale and the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum of Contemporary Art.

Through the artists and institutions profiled in the episode, viewers gain a greater appreciation for the rich and varied art culture that has emerged in Berlin in the decades following the fall of the Berlin Wall. From immersive installations to politically charged sculptures, the artists featured in the episode demonstrate the city's commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.