Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 3 Episode 3 Structures

In season 3, episode 3 of Art21 – Art in the 21st Century, titled "Structures," viewers delve into the world of contemporary art, discovering how different artists have sought to define their spaces and structures. The episode features artists Roni Horn, Matthew Ritchie, and Fred Wilson, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the conversation around spatial design.

Roni Horn is an artist whose work often explores the natural world, particularly the relationship between humans and nature. In "Structures," we see how Horn has created a unique installation that incorporates the natural forms of the Icelandic landscape into her own powerful structures. Using glass and other materials, Horn has created a series of sculptures that reflect and refract the changing light and rhythms of Iceland's environment. Through her work, Horn encourages viewers to explore the natural world in new and unexpected ways, shifting our perspectives on what we think we know about the world around us.

Matthew Ritchie is an artist whose work bridges a number of different disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and installation. In "Structures," we see how Ritchie's interest in science and technology has led him to create a unique series of works that explore the invisible structures that make up our world. Using intricate diagrams and brightly colored shapes and patterns, Ritchie creates a visual language that allows viewers to visualize complex scientific concepts in a new and exciting way. His work challenges viewers to think deeply about the structures that govern our world, both seen and unseen.

Fred Wilson is an artist who explores the complexities of race, history, and identity in the United States through his work. In "Structures," we see how Wilson has used the idea of the museum as a structure to ask difficult questions about the ways in which race and history are represented in public institutions. Through his installation pieces, Wilson challenges viewers to confront the legacy of racism and inequality in America, and to rethink our understanding of the structures that underpin our society. His work is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, encouraging viewers to think deeply about our shared history and our shared future.

Throughout "Structures," viewers are treated to a range of different perspectives on the idea of structure in contemporary art. From the natural forms of Iceland to the intricate diagrams of science, the episode encourages us to see structure as a defining element in all aspects of our world. Through the work of Roni Horn, Matthew Ritchie, and Fred Wilson, we are invited to think deeply about our own relationships to the structures that govern our lives, and to consider how we might reimagine these structures in new and exciting ways. The episode is a thought-provoking journey through the world of contemporary art, and a testament to the power of the human imagination.