Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 3 Episode 2 Memory

In season 3, episode 2 of Art21 - Art in the 21st Century titled Memory, the documentary series explores the work of three contemporary artists: Susan Rothenberg, Mike Kelley, and Hiroshi Sugimoto. The episode delves into the ways in which memory plays a role in their art, whether it be through exploration of personal nostalgia, childhood memories, or collective cultural memory.

Susan Rothenberg, a painter based in New Mexico, discusses the influence of her childhood memories on her artwork. Her paintings often depict animals, such as horses and birds, which were prevalent in her upbringing on a ranch in Texas. Through her work, Rothenberg attempts to capture the essence of these memories and imbue them with emotional resonance.

Mike Kelley, a multi-disciplinary artist who sadly passed away in 2012, is known for his subversive takes on pop culture and childhood memories. In the episode, Kelley speaks about his interest in the ways in which cultural narratives are constructed and how he seeks to upend these narratives through his work. The episode showcases some of Kelley's best-known pieces, including his series of stuffed animal sculptures and his installation "Educational Complex."

The third artist featured in the episode is Hiroshi Sugimoto, a Japanese photographer whose work often deals with metaphysical and existential questions. In his photographs, Sugimoto seeks to capture moments of transcendence and stillness, invoking a sense of collective memory and communal history. The episode features a trip to Sugimoto's studio in New York, where he discusses his process and his philosophical underpinnings.

Throughout the episode, the three artists touch on a variety of themes related to memory and its impact on their work. They discuss the role of nostalgia, the function of art as a form of remembrance, and the ways in which cultural narratives shape our perception and experience of the world. Through their unique artistic practices, Rothenberg, Kelley, and Sugimoto provide a thought-provoking exploration of the complex ways in which memory and art intersect.