Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 2 Episode 4 Humor

Art21 - Art in the 21st Century is a critically acclaimed documentary series that explores the lives and works of contemporary artists. Each episode features an in-depth look at the creative process of artists working in a different medium and examines how their art reflects and responds to contemporary social and political issues.

In season 2 episode 4, titled Humor, Art21 explores how some of today’s most innovative artists use humor as a tool to make us laugh, think, and question the world around us. Featuring the work of four artists from around the world - Elizabeth Murray, Raymond Pettibon, Kerry James Marshall, and Walton Ford - this episode explores how each artist uses humor to explore complex themes like politics, religion, and identity.

In the first segment, viewers are introduced to the colorful and irreverent world of Elizabeth Murray, a painter who uses humor to challenge the traditional conventions of painting. Through interviews with Murray and footage of her working in her studio, viewers get a glimpse of the playful, improvisational approach she takes to her work. From her early days as a student at the Art Institute of Chicago to her rise as a celebrated painter in the 1980s and 1990s, Murray’s story is an inspiring look at how an artist can use humor and wit to carve out a unique voice in the art world.

The second segment focuses on Raymond Pettibon, a Southern California-based artist famous for his dark, satirical drawings. Through interviews with Pettibon, his family, and fellow artists, viewers get a sense of how his upbringing in a family of devout Catholics and his experiences with the punk-rock scene of the 1970s and 1980s fueled his unique brand of humor. Pettibon’s work often addresses themes of politics, sexuality, and violence, and his ability to make us laugh and shudder at the same time is a testament to the power of humor as a tool for social commentary.

The third segment introduces viewers to Kerry James Marshall, a painter whose work explores the experiences of Black people in America. Through interviews with Marshall and footage of his work in progress, viewers get a sense of how humor can be used as a way to reclaim power from oppressive narratives. Marshall’s paintings often feature larger-than-life figures of Black children and adults, with bright colors, bold lines, and sometimes humorous details. Marshall’s work challenges viewers to think about the ways that Black people are often excluded from mainstream narratives, and the role humor can play in both resistance and celebration.

Finally, the episode concludes with a segment on Walton Ford, a painter known for his intricate, life-sized depictions of animals and landscapes. Through interviews with Ford and footage of his work in progress, viewers get a sense of how his approach to humor reflects his interest in natural history and science. Ford’s paintings often feature animals in highly human-like poses, with sly nods to pop culture and history. Ford’s work challenges viewers to think about the ways we view animals, and the role humor can play in our relationship to the natural world.

Overall, Art21 - Art in the 21st Century: Humor is a fascinating look at how humor can be used as a powerful tool for social commentary, political critique, and personal expression. Through the work of Elizabeth Murray, Raymond Pettibon, Kerry James Marshall, and Walton Ford, viewers are challenged to think more deeply about the ways that humor can be used to both reflect and shape the world around us.