Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 10 Episode 1 Everyday Icons

Art21 - Art in the 21st Century is a documentary series that showcases contemporary art and artists from around the world. In its tenth season, the show's first episode, titled "Everyday Icons," explores the works and practices of four artists whose work revolves around everyday objects and the way we use and perceive them.

The episode begins with Los Angeles-based artist Roni Horn, whose works are minimalistic and often consist of repeated, identical forms that explore the subtleties and variations of color and texture. Through her sculptures and installations, Horn examines the relationship between the natural world and human subjectivity. One of her most famous works is called "Paired Stones," which consists of a series of identically sized, elliptical, and smooth river rocks, each made of different materials. Horn has them meticulously arranged in pairs, challenging the viewer's perception of sameness and otherness.

Next, the episode moves on to the works of Chicago-based artist Abigail DeVille. DeVille's installations are created out of found objects – discarded materials from abandoned buildings and junkyards. Her works are site-specific and explore issues of race, class, and poverty, drawing attention to the often ignored and forgotten aspects of urban environments. Her work is raw, chaotic, and powerful, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the American landscape.

The third artist featured in the episode is British artist Arthur Jafa, whose work draws heavily on his personal experiences as an African American growing up in the United States. Jafa is a filmmaker, cinematographer, and visual artist whose works blend found footage, music, and original material to create intricate and evocative narratives that explore themes of identity, memory, and representation. His works are often politically charged, shining a light on issues of Black history, culture, and experience.

Finally, the episode concludes with the works of Mexican artist Damián Ortega, whose sculptures and installations engage with the built environment, fashion, and consumer culture. Ortega's works are playful, often creating visual puns and ironic contrasts. His pieces draw attention to the materiality of objects and their relationship to cultural and economic systems. Ortega uses everyday objects like cardboard boxes, bricks, and clothes hangers to create sophisticated and intricate structures that challenge the viewer's assumptions about value and meaning.

Overall, "Everyday Icons" is a fascinating episode that offers a glimpse into the varied and complex practices of contemporary artists. Through the works of Roni Horn, Abigail DeVille, Arthur Jafa, and Damián Ortega, the episode invites us to explore the ways in which art can engage with and comment on the world around us. Whether through the use of everyday objects, found materials, or personal experiences, these artists challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of what art can be and do.