As the significance of art continues to be politicized and questioned, we at Art21 have only been strengthening our commitment to what we do: sharing the works and words of contemporary artists. Our new website has already resulted in a noticeable spike in viewer engagement and retention—an encouraging metric as the accessibility of our program becomes more necessary in a time when funding for both the arts and public broadcasting are in jeopardy.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely completely on the generosity of our supporters. If our work inspires you, please consider making a contribution that will allow Art21 to continue to produce content that spotlights art’s discourse, fostering more tolerant, diverse, enriching, and creative societies.
By making a contribution of $21 or more by May 15, Art21 is thrilled to share with you an exclusive sneak peek of a new short film from our award-winning New York Close Up series to show our gratitude!
New Film Featuring Sarah Sze
Production stills from the series Art21 Exclusive. © Art21, Inc. 2017.
Sarah Sze: Designing a Subway Station
Premiered April 14, as part of the Art21 digital series Exclusive
Artist Sarah Sze shares the process and inspiration behind her immersive artwork for the Second Avenue Subway in New York City. Inspired by the Italian Futurists and Russian Constructivists, Sze designed the work around “how we move through space.” “Subway stations are one of the most democratic places,” says the artist, “I think it’s an important idea that the city values that experience also as an aesthetic experience.”
Featured Playlist by Arlene Shechet
Production still from Season 7 of Art in the Twenty-First Century. © Art21, Inc. 2014.
“Working with Ugly”
Season 7 artist Arlene Shechet has curated Art21’s first artist-contributed playlist, featuring seven films in which artists persevere through discomfort to create something meaningful.
“There are so many times in the process of making an artwork when the thing is just hideous and depressing,” says the artist, “Unsticking the work from BAD can be a test of nerves but also an invigorating ride.”
Highlights from the Art21 Magazine
Alejandro Cartagena. Between Borders, 2009-2010. Courtesy of the artist.
From the March / April “Balance” issue:
- Rachel Heidenry surveys the work of six artists collectively challenging political rhetoric with intimate perception through their work along the U.S./Mexico border.
- Anna Burckhardt explores the symmetrical tension in Cristina Camacho’s painting series, Bilateral Dissections.
Featured Video from the Art21 Library
Production stills from Season 2 of Art in the Twenty-First Century. © Art21, Inc. 2003.
Janine Antoni in “Loss & Desire”
From Season 2 of the Art21 television series Art in the Twenty-First Century
Artist Janine Antoni discusses her 1993 work Lick and Lather in Season 2 of Art in the Twenty-First Century. “For me it’s about that conflict—that kind of love/hate relationship we have with our physical appearance,” says the artist. “And, really, the problem I have with looking in the mirror and thinking, ‘Is that who I am?'”
Learn more about the piece in an Art21 text interview.
Take Action with Art21
Production still from Minerva Cuevas’ segment in Season 8 of Art in the Twenty-First Century. © Art21, Inc. 2016.
The everyday motivation for all of us here at Art21 is to connect you and audiences worldwide with the creative minds of today’s leading artists. We remain committed to producing films that discover the transformative ideas that define contemporary art today.
Art21 has prepared a special playlist featuring artists that go beyond creating objects, and instead urgently and directly engage with the world at large. Get ready to be inspired and watch “Take Action!”
Please consider making a contribution to Art21—a donation in any amount will allow us to continue making films for millions worldwide.
