Art and artists from A to Zzzzzz
I wish I could report that the PBS series “Art in the Twenty-First Century” has improved over time. The fourth season of the art documentary series kicks off at 10 tonight and continues the next three Sundays. Each one-hour program revolves around interviews with four contemporary artists whose work fits within a loose theme. Episode 3 includes an interview with Mark Dion and footage of him assembling his “Vivarium” at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
Unfortunately, this year’s programs are often lackluster and at times downright dull. Despite some remarkable moments with New York artist Nancy Spero, and a politically correct lineup of artists that spans various ages, races and nationalities, much of the series falls flat. Whoever is interviewing the artists avoided provocative questions, and editing is sorely lacking: Much of the content takes up time but doesn’t enlighten.
That’s a shame: There is such a need for good arts programming, and “Art:21″ started off with such promise. The program doesn’t seem to lack funding - including partial sponsorship by Seattle’s Bagley Wright Fund - or promotion. A book based on the series will be released later this year.
Here is this season’s lineup:
Episode 1 (tonight): “Romance” spotlights Laurie Simmons, Lari Pittman, Judy Pfaff and Pierre Huyghe.
Episode 2 (Nov. 4): “Protest” features Nancy Spero, An-My L, Alfredo Jaar, Jenny Holzer.
Episode 3 (Nov. 11): “Ecology” features Ursula von Rydingsvard, Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, Robert Adams, Mark Dion.
Episode 4 (Nov. 18): “Paradox” features Mark Bradford, Catherine Sullivan, Robert Ryman, and collaborators Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla.
Sheila Farr: sfarr@seattletimes.com