Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 2 Episode 1 Stories
- September 9, 2003
Art21 - Art in the 21st Century is a PBS television series that focuses on contemporary art practices in the United States. Season 2 episode 1 is titled "Stories" and explores how artists use narrative to shape their work.
The episode begins by introducing the featured artists, whose diverse backgrounds and media are united by their interest in storytelling. Their narratives range from the deeply personal to the political and social, often blending fact and fiction in a way that invites viewers to question their own assumptions and beliefs.
The first segment features the artist Kerry James Marshall, known for his large-scale paintings that challenge dominant narratives about black identity in America. Marshall talks about his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, where he witnessed firsthand the violence and injustice of the civil rights era. He describes how his work explores the complexities of black experience in America, using humor, irony, and history to subvert stereotypes and reveal hidden truths.
The second segment introduces the filmmaker Catherine Opie, whose work blurs the line between documentary and art. Opie shares her process for creating photographic and video installations that tell the stories of marginalized communities, such as teenage football players in Ohio and transgender women in Los Angeles. She explains how her role as an observer and collaborator allows her to amplify voices that are often ignored or silenced.
The next segment focuses on the artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, whose photographs and sculptures explore the relationship between history, memory, and time. Sugimoto discusses his fascination with ancient cultures and artifacts, as well as his ongoing project to photograph the world's oldest living organisms. He explains how his work seeks to uncover hidden narratives and challenge our assumptions about the past and present.
The final segment features the artist Xu Bing, whose work bridges the boundaries between language, art, and cultural identity. Xu Bing shares his journey from China to the United States, and how this experience inspired him to create works such as "Book from the Sky," a massive installation of fake Chinese characters that challenges the authority of language. He also discusses his later works, including "Phoenix," a pair of giant sculptures made from salvaged construction materials that reflect on globalism and urbanization.
Throughout the episode, the artists reflect on the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of working in a time when traditional narratives are being dismantled and new ones are emerging. They also share their hopes and visions for the future of art and culture, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art in the 21st century.
Overall, "Stories" is a thought-provoking and inspiring episode that showcases the richness and diversity of contemporary art practices. It invites viewers to explore the narratives that shape our lives, and to reconsider the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we value.
