Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 3 Episode 4 Play

In Art21 - Art in the 21st Century season 3 episode 4, titled Play, the focus is on how artists use play and games in their work to explore serious themes. Viewers are introduced to four artists who incorporate play into their art-making process in different ways.

The first artist featured is Mike Kelley, who explores themes of childhood and trauma through his use of dolls and stuffed animals. His brightly colored installations resemble playgrounds or funhouses but upon closer inspection, the objects become darker and more unsettling, highlighting the darker aspects of childhood.

Next, viewers meet Oliver Herring, whose work often involves large groups of people participating in collaborative art-making activities. His events are playful and fun, encouraging participants to let go of their inhibitions and just play. However, the resulting artworks can be serious and thought-provoking, demonstrating the power of group collaboration.

The third artist featured is Arturo Herrera, who creates colorful collages and installations inspired by children's book illustrations. His use of playful shapes, bright colors, and familiar characters belies a deeper exploration of themes such as violence, war, and loss.

Finally, the episode showcases the work of Cory Arcangel, a digital artist who uses humor and subversive techniques to comment on technology and popular culture. His work often involves hacking or manipulating existing technology to create unexpected results, such as a modified video game or a printer that produces abstract images.

Throughout the episode, viewers are invited to consider how play and games can be used as tools for exploring serious themes and addressing complex issues. The artists featured each have their own unique approach to incorporating play into their work, and their ideas are sure to inspire viewers to think about how they can incorporate play into their own creative process.