Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 10 Episode 2 Bodies of Knowledge

Bodies of Knowledge, the second episode of the tenth season of Art21 - Art in the 21st Century, delves into the fascinating exploration of the human body and its multifaceted existence in contemporary art. This thought-provoking episode sheds light on artists who critically engage with the concept of the body as a vessel of identity, knowledge, and social commentary.

The episode opens with a captivating examination of artist Kwame Brathwaite's powerful photography, highlighting his influential role in capturing and celebrating the beauty of black bodies during the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. Through his lens, he immortalizes the vivacity and resilience of his subjects, challenging conventional beauty standards and empowering the African diaspora.

Continuing this exploration of identity, we are introduced to artist and educator Caroline Woolard, who creates collaborative sculptures symbolizing the importance of cooperation and shared knowledge. Woolard's work emphasizes collective ownership and economic restructuring, seeking to construct a more equitable society. Through weaving, pottery, and other mediums, she fosters a sense of community and challenges the very systems that shape our understanding of art and commerce.

The episode then takes us into the world of sculptor and painter Doris Salcedo, whose emotionally charged artwork delves into issues of violence, loss, and trauma. Salcedo's pieces often draw inspiration from victims of political conflict, elegantly memorializing their stories and generating a space for collective remembrance. Her installations confront viewers with a tangible representation of human suffering, transforming the gallery into a site of contemplation and dialogue.

In a departure from traditional artistic mediums, the episode introduces viewers to the groundbreaking work of artist and dancer Michelle Dorrance. As a tap dancer and choreographer, Dorrance challenges the boundaries of her craft, breaking new ground and redefining the art form. Through her dynamic choreography, she explores the relationship between the body, rhythm, and space, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of dance.

The episode then turns to the work of multimedia artist and choreographer Nick Cave, whose mesmerizing "Soundsuits" blur the lines between sculpture, fashion, and performance. Cave's intricate, transformative costumes defy categorization, challenging societal constructs and allowing performers to embody their true selves. By cloaking the body and shedding preconceived notions, Cave's art becomes a vehicle for personal expression and liberation.

Lastly, the episode highlights the work of artist Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, whose large-scale drawings and animations transport viewers to imagined worlds. Drawing on diverse mythologies and storytelling traditions, Sunstrum creates intricate narratives, often centered around female protagonists. Her exploration of identity and fantasy invites viewers to contemplate the possibilities that lie beyond the boundaries of reality.

Throughout the episode, Bodies of Knowledge prompts viewers to reconsider their own perspectives on the body, its many meanings, and its potential for subversion and resistance. By showcasing a diverse array of artists from various disciplines, this episode encourages audiences to challenge traditional notions of art and engage with the complex and evolving nature of the human experience.

By contemplating the physicality, lived experiences, and symbolic power of the body, the artists featured in Bodies of Knowledge confront viewers with profound questions about identity, community, and the politics of representation. This episode of Art21 - Art in the 21st Century offers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the human form, transforming the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.