Work of Art: The Next Great Artist Season 1 Episode 1 Self Reflexive

Work of Art: The Next Great Artist is a reality competition that aired on Bravo from 2010 to 2011. The show follows artists who are competing to win a solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum and a cash prize of $100,000.

In the first episode, titled "Self Reflexive," fourteen artists from various backgrounds and disciplines are introduced. The contestants include painters, sculptors, photographers, and performance artists. The winner will be determined by a judging panel that consists of art critic Jerry Saltz, gallery owner Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, and curator Bill Powers.

The artists are asked to create a self-portrait in any medium of their choosing. The challenge is designed to allow the artists to introduce themselves to the judges and demonstrate their range of skills and artistic vision. As they work on their self-portraits, they are also required to explain their thought processes and inspirations to the judges.

The artists approach the challenge in different ways. Some choose to create traditional portraits using paint or photography, while others opt for more unconventional methods such as performance art or sculpture. One artist, Jaclyn Santos, creates a self-portrait using a projection of her face onto a wall, allowing her to manipulate the image in real-time.

As the artists work on their pieces, they face challenges and obstacles. Some struggle with the technical aspects of their chosen medium, while others find it difficult to capture their own likeness. Additionally, some artists are more forthcoming with information about their artistic process, while others are more guarded and private.

After completing their self-portraits, the artists present their work to the judges. The judges critique each piece, offering both praise and constructive criticism. They evaluate the artists' technical skills, creativity, and ability to convey their personalities and emotions through their art.

In the end, one artist is declared the winner of the challenge, while two are eliminated from the competition. The judges praise the winner for their creativity, technical skill, and ability to effectively convey their identity through their self-portrait.

Overall, the first episode of Work of Art: The Next Great Artist sets the tone for the rest of the series. It introduces the artists and allows them to showcase their skills while also emphasizing the importance of personality and emotion in artistic expression. The judges offer insightful critiques and set high standards for the artists to meet throughout the competition.