Art21 - Art in the 21st Century Season 9 Episode 2 Beijing

In the second episode of Art21's ninth season, viewers are transported to Beijing, China to witness the diverse and captivating art being created in the heart of this burgeoning city. The episode explores the work of contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of what art can be in the 21st century, as they navigate the complex intersection of globalization, tradition, and modernity.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Ai Weiwei, one of China's most famous contemporary artists. Ai's work often tackles issues of political oppression, social justice, and human rights, and he has gained international recognition for his bold and confrontational installations and sculptures. The episode takes viewers into his studio, where they get a glimpse of the process behind some of his most powerful works, including his infamous "Study of Perspective" series that features the artist flipping off iconic landmarks around the world.

The episode then switches gears to introduce another artist working in Beijing - Liu Xiaodong. Liu is known for his hyper-realistic portraits of ordinary people, and viewers get to see the artist at work in his studio as he creates a series of paintings featuring migrant workers and their families. Through Liu's work, viewers are able to witness the human impact of China's rapid economic growth and the struggles faced by those who are left behind by this progress.

Next, the episode explores the work of Xu Bing, a conceptual artist who has been pushing boundaries in the Chinese art world since the 1980s. Xu's work often straddles the line between art and language, and viewers get to see some of his most recent installations that explore themes of identity, communication, and cultural exchange. One particularly striking piece features hundreds of handmade "canaries" hanging from the ceiling, each one made from a feather duster and paired with an audio recording of a bird song. The installation serves as a poignant commentary on the fragility of life and the need for connection and communication in a world that seems increasingly isolated.

Finally, the episode introduces viewers to Song Dong, an artist known for his installations and performances that explore themes of memory, identity, and urbanization. Song Dong takes viewers on a tour of his home, which he has turned into an art piece in itself. Using found objects, discarded materials, and personal mementos, Song Dong has created a sprawling installation that serves as a testament to his personal and artistic journey. From a hallway lined with empty bottles to a wall covered in family photos, every inch of Song Dong's home tells a story, and viewers are left with a profound sense of the power of memory and the way that our lives and our histories are intertwined.

Overall, this episode of Art21 provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of contemporary art in Beijing. Through the work of Ai Weiwei, Liu Xiaodong, Xu Bing, and Song Dong, viewers are able to see the unique challenges and opportunities facing artists in China today, and witness the way that they are using their art to explore complex and powerful themes that resonate both in China and around the world. From political oppression to economic inequality, from language to memory, these artists are using their work to grapple with some of the most pressing issues of our time, and in doing so, they are creating some of the most exciting and thought-provoking art being produced today.