Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 9 Episode 1 London

Art21: Art in the 21st Century Season 9 Episode 1, named London, explores the contemporary art scene in the vibrant city of London. Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a diverse group of artists who are pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and mediums.

The episode begins with a visit to the studio of Tania Bruguera, a Cuban artist who explores government oppression and social injustice through her provocative art installations. Bruguera's powerful work is seen as a critique of the oppressive regime in her home country, and a mirror that reflects on issues of social control, migration, and personal freedom that transcend geographical borders.

Next, the cameras follow British artist and sculptor Phyllida Barlow, who is celebrated for her large-scale sculptural works that incorporate found materials. Barlow's work embodies the energy and vitality of the urban landscape, creating vibrant art pieces that are often site-specific and temporary.

Viewers get a glimpse into the artistic process of Nigerian-born artist Yinka Shonibare as he creates a large-scale installation that challenges perceptions of cultural identity, globalization, and colonialism. Shonibare's use of fabrics from diverse cultural backgrounds is an effort to celebrate diversity and inclusion amid a world that often imposes strict cultural boundaries.

The episode explores the work of Turner Prize-winning artist Wolfgang Tillmans, who has gained international acclaim for his boundary-pushing works that explore questions of identity, borders, and the image itself. Tillmans uses a variety of mediums, from photography and video to music and installation, to create pieces that challenge our perception of reality.

Lastly, Art21 takes us to the studio of conceptual artist Michael Rakowitz, whose work often tackles questions of history, diaspora, and displacement. Rakowitz is known for his public installations, which often make reference to the lost artifacts from ancient civilizations and confront the impact of colonialism and imperialism on global communities.

Overall, episode 1 of Season 9 of Art21: Art in the 21st Century represents the breadth and diversity of the contemporary art scene in London. Through the exploration of artists who question the status quo and push the boundaries of traditional artistic forms, viewers are invited to re-examine our perceptions of the world around us, and embrace the diversity that makes us all unique.