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

In season 4, episode 3 of Art21 - Art in the 21st Century, the theme of "Ecology" is explored through the works of four artists who use their art to examine our relationship with the natural world. This episode provides a thoughtful and provocative examination of how artists use their craft to grapple with the complex issues facing our planet, from climate change to industrialization.

The first artist featured in the episode is Mark Dion, who is known for creating installations that examine the ways in which we collect, classify, and explicate the natural world. Through his work, he explores the tension between scientific objectivity and our emotional attachment to the natural world. In this episode, we see how he has built an installation that looks like a natural history museum, but with a twist. The animals on display are not just stuffed, but also made from garbage collected from beaches. This work is a critique of our culture of waste and consumerism and how it is affecting the ecology of the planet.

The next artist featured in the episode is Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, whose work focuses on the relationship between technology and nature. His work "Garden of Consonance" is a sculpture garden that explores the ways in which nature is constantly being shaped by human intervention. In this piece, viewers are invited to engage with nature in a new way, and to consider how our actions are shaping the natural world in unexpected and sometimes destructive ways.

The third artist featured in this episode is Robert Adams, a photographer who has spent much of his career documenting the impact of human encroachment on the natural landscape of the American West. He is known for his stark black and white images, which capture the beauty of landscapes that are often scarred by human activity. In this episode, we see how his work has evolved over time to encompass issues like climate change, deforestation, and urban sprawl.

Finally, the episode features artists Allora & Calzadilla, who create installations that blur the line between the natural and built worlds. In this episode, we see how they have created an installation that features a family of pet crocodiles living in a replica of a typical suburban living room. This work is a commentary on the ways in which we have domesticated nature, and how our efforts to tame the natural world can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences.

Overall, this episode of Art21 - Art in the 21st Century offers a fascinating look at how artists are using their craft to grapple with the complex ecological issues of our time. Through the work of these four artists, viewers are invited to engage with the natural world in new and meaningful ways, and to consider our role in shaping the future of our planet.