Charlie Rose Season 20 Episode 168 Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Site and Sound

Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Site and Sound are the two fascinating topics discussed in the 168th episode of season 20 of Charlie Rose. In the first segment, Rose interviews the curator of Islamic art at the Metropolitan Museum, Sheila Canby. They discuss the collection of Islamic art at the Met, which is one of the most comprehensive and diverse in the world. Canby explains that the collection spans thirteen centuries and includes art from regions as diverse as Spain, Iran, India, and Central Asia. They discuss some of the highlights of the collection, including a 16th-century Ottoman mosque lamp, a 10th-century carved rock crystal ewer, and an exquisite 10th-century Fatimid rock crystal jar.

Canby explains that one of the key strengths of the Met's collection is its breadth and variety. It includes objects from all aspects of Islamic culture, from the religious to the secular, and from the courtly to the everyday. This diversity is reflected in the range of materials used, which includes gold and silver, ceramics, textiles, and illuminated manuscripts. Canby also talks about the role of Islamic art in the wider cultural context, highlighting its influence on European art and design as well as its continued importance in the Muslim world.

In the second segment of the episode, Rose interviews two directors of the multimedia production company Site and Sound, Reynold Reynolds and Patrick Jolley. They discuss their work and their artistic vision, which combines film, installation, and sculptural elements to create immersive and experiential environments. Site and Sound's installations often explore themes of memory, time, and space, drawing on techniques from experimental film and video art to create dreamlike, fragmented narratives.

Reynolds and Jolley describe some of their recent projects, including a site-specific installation at a former Nazi police barracks in Berlin and a film installation inspired by the works of the German artist Joseph Beuys. They also discuss the creative process behind their work, which involves extensive research and experimentation with different media and materials. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in their work, which often involves collaborations with sound artists, composers, choreographers, and performers.

Throughout the episode, Rose engages with his guests in thoughtful and insightful conversations, drawing out their ideas and perspectives on Islamic art and contemporary multimedia art. He brings a depth of knowledge and understanding to the discussions, combining his curiosity and passion for art with his experience as a journalist and interviewer. The result is an engaging and informative episode that will appeal to anyone interested in Islamic art, contemporary art, or the intersection between the two.