Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 7 Episode 3 Legacy

In the third episode of season 7 of Art21 - Art in the 21st Century, titled Legacy, viewers are taken on a journey through the art world to explore how artists are preserving and reimagining history, heritage, and culture through their work. The episode features four artists from different parts of the world who are each using their practice to address themes of legacy and its impact on the future.

The first artist featured is Chicago-based Theaster Gates, who is known for his work as a social activist and community developer. In this episode, Gates presents his piece "Sanctum," which is a site-specific sound installation that pays homage to the historic Black church and its traditions. Gates speaks about how the Black church has played a significant role in African-American history and how it continues to be a source of inspiration for him.

Next up is Korean-American artist Diana Al-Hadid, who creates large-scale sculptures and installations exploring concepts of time, space, and architecture. Through her work, Al-Hadid reimagines traditional histories and themes, such as the Classical Era, into a contemporary context, in the hopes of creating new narratives and possibilities.

Los Angeles-based artist Edgar Arceneaux is the third artist featured, and he explores the relationship between memory, race, and power in his work. In this episode, he showcases his installation piece "Until, Until, Until..." which was inspired by a controversial 1981 performance by black entertainer Ben Vereen. The piece is a reflection on the impact of history on contemporary society and the significance of representation in art.

Lastly, viewers are introduced to British artist Jeremy Deller, who has built his career exploring the blending of high culture and popular culture. In this episode, he presents his work "English Magic," which examines the history and mythology of Britain. Deller reimagines traditional images and symbols of England in a contemporary and satirical context, challenging viewers to question their preconceived notions of the country's history and identity.

Throughout Legacy, each artist demonstrates the importance of legacy in their work. They consider how the past can inform the present and the future, and how their practice can help shape a collective understanding of history and its impacts. The episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of art and history, and how these two disciplines can work together to offer new possibilities for the future.