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praise “Art in the Twenty-First Century” has received prestigious awards, extensive press coverage, and critical acclaim. awards Art21 has won numerous awards and has been widely honored and recognized by esteemed organizations in both the art and entertainment communities.
in the news The New York Times “When the artists do the talking, something fascinating happens. The world opens out and begins resonating with the unexpected. Artists may charm, irritate, instruct, entertain, confound. But they achieve their effectiveness, essentially, just by being themselves.” The New York Times “The series, starting its third season, is entirely dependant on the artists’ ability to describe their work, as they narrate trips to their studios and exhibition spaces. All prove adept in their means of self-expression… In fact, many artists overcome a particular reticence or general wordlessness, and they obviously enjoy having their say.” The New York Times “Art in the Twenty-First Century fits in with PBS’s mission to educate, to explain higher cultural purposes.” Los Angeles Times “Mass culture thrives on piety, genuine or faked,and piety suffocates art...Art:21 works quite well because it ignores that propensity.” Seattle Times “It’s the kind of programming that makes public television shine … If you are one of those who’s been grumping about the miserable state of contemporary art, get ready for an attitude adjustment. The enormous diversity of work that’s quietly being done in our midst, not to mention the smart, articulate, exceptional people who are making it, is sure to turn your head around.” Seattle Times “Art in the Twenty-First Century helps us understand what motivates 16 thoughtful and articulate artists…With exposure to art limited in the public schools, Art in the Twenty-First Century would be a great chance for young people to connect with what’s happening.” Associated Press “Cameras captured the artists responding to the complexities of the 21st century world as well their own psychology in creating their works. The influence of family, religion and culture also are measured.” St. Petersburg Times “You might think it's a bit early to critique 21st century art, with the century only just begun. But Art in the Twenty-First Century is a different kind of visual arts series....You get a sense of the time, frustration, and physical effort that go into art. And you get into the artists' lives and see that they are not so different from the rest of us.” Scripps Howard News Service “What’s fascinating with this program is its low-key approach. The colorful credits are kept to a minimum and the host introductions are also short and straightforward. It’s mostly the artists talking, working, and even interacting with the public. There’s a creative stillness that pervades through this program.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “…by seeing the art and artists on television rather than enshrined in museums, a distorting star power can be diminished…[the artists] are more accessible.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “In the stew of today's contemporary art world, the eye of a television camera can sometimes reveal more about art than even an in-the-flesh experience can....The lone voice leading this reformation is the PBS series "Art:21," which takes viewers into artists' studios, homes and exhibitions and lets the artists speak for themselves....It's subtle, but the show also choreographs how the viewer sees by directing the eye, which is a very different experience than walking into an exhibit and making choices. The latter might seem like the ideal, but "Art:21" demonstrates the value of having a curatorial guide determining when art is seen at close range and not, when we see the art for ourselves and when we see the artist looking at it, when we see the art in the studio and when it's exhibited. Ultimately, Sollins successfully gets at something essential in art that current curatorial practices in museums and galleries for the most part can't touch. The camera lens offers a more acute vision than perhaps we'd have on our own.” Boston Globe “Where ‘Art:21’ shines is in the direct connection it establishes between artists and viewers....The producers of the series, Susan Sollins and Susan Dowling, have included artists young, old, male, female, of various races and national backgrounds. They're not merely being PC; they're reflecting the reality of an art scene whose diversity still isn't necessarily reflected by major galleries and museums.” New Times – Phoenix, AZ “ontemporary art has climbed out of the aesthetic cellar in recent years thanks in part to the PBS documentary series Art in The Twenty-First Century, which focuses exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists in the United States.” The New Mexican – Santa Fe, New Mexico “Art in The Twenty-First Century is less about bringing regional art to the world than making world-class art known to everyone with a television.” Georgia Times Union “When artists talk to you about their work, they expose you to all the wonderful and weird ideas that inspire their creativity.” Georgian Times “Art in the Twenty-First Century is well worth watching. It’s the only television series that truly delves into the art world and the greater meaning of art in society.” USA TODAY “Art in the Twenty-First Century–Another PBS Masterpiece...Art in the Twenty-First Century takes viewers into the artists’ lives, unfiltered, for a rare encounter with the creative process in action and an exciting opportunity to hear what cutting-edge creators are thinking about as they work.” Esquire “…the most interesting art-made-accessible show we’ve seen so far.” Village Voice ”...the very existence of Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century feels groundbreaking.” Brooklyn Arts “Fascinating and intimate footage allows the viewer to observe 16 well-known and emerging artists at work, watch their process as they transform inspiration into art, and hear their thoughts as they grapple with the physical and visual challenges of achieving their artistic visions.” Sun-Sentinal “What is refreshing about Art:21 is that it’s a rare instance of public television doing its job, by bringing challenging and even controversial art before the public.” San Jose Mercury News “Delivers ample evidence that challenging new art is being made by thoughtful, gifted and sincere artists who seem genuinely more concerned with work than with fame and fortune.” San Jose Mercury News “Art in the Twenty-First Century is back for a third season, resuming its mission to demystify the art world through short interviews with artists as they ply their idiosyncratic magic.” Akron Beacon Journal “We are simply dropped into the artists’ spaces, watch them work, listen to them explain how and why they do what they do and experience the pieces first hand. These are the experiences that gallery directors, museum curators and collectors often have, but the general public is routinely denied. And that’s why these shows are so valuable.” Museum News “Feeding a hunger for contemporary art [Art:21] introduces viewers to contemporary artists by presenting their work and thoughts, and showing how and why they do what they do.” Sculpture “…a unique glimpse into the personal experiences, sources of inspiration, and creative processes of 21 artists.” Columbus Alive “...the series captures a cross-section of exceptionally talented artists, their unique thought processes and compelling moments of dedicated work.” Art Juxtapoz “Whatever petty social engagements you have planned for September, bag ‘em and settle down to watch Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century when it airs on PBS.” Artbyte “Candidly captured in their raw elements, the artists welcome us, one-on-one, into their complicated, intimate lives.” JournalStar.com “There should be no question in Lincoln about the value of Art in the Twenty-First Century….Art21 has selected a worthy cross-section of artists and is a must-see for anyone in this area who is interested in contemporary art.” from viewers like you "At a time when there is so little attention to human creative expression on television, your series has been an important part of our program efforts this past year. Our audiences have recognized that Art21 serves a special role in allowing general audiences to have the opportunity to hear artists in their own words in a visually engaging and inviting style." Jonathan Abbot, WGBH – Boston, MA "This provocative and informative series is so important now, in the era of funding cutbacks for the arts at the national, state, and local level. By giving our audience access to the ideas and issues (and voices and faces) of the diverse realm of contemporary artists you help museums – by creating a demand for challenging works. [Art21] teaches students, artists, art lovers, and those new to contemporary art that there is no one way to make art, and that anything is possible – this open positive positioning is vital and inspired." Dana Friis-Hansen, Austin Museum of Art – Austin, TX "The Art in the Twenty-First Century series is a unique and vital voice and an invaluable resource for the educational community. There is no other program like Art in the Twenty-First Century that brings the diverse voices and work of artists into the national discourse. It provides much needed inspiration to millions of educators, children, and young adults." Sharon Dunn, New York City Department of Education – New York, NY "Greetings, I teach Art at a very small, rural high school. Our local library has copies of Art in the Twenty-First Century. The majority of our students have not had the opportunity to be exposed to conceptual art like urban students have. Thank you for helping me stretch the students’ imagination. I would appreciate any study guides you can supply. Our resources are limited here in the sticks. Thanks again." Mark Cavatorta, Nestucca High School — Cloverdale, OR "I have used both previous Art in the Twenty-First Century series with my Advanced Placement students. The ideas are fresh and challenging. They help me move my students through the critical thinking process so necessary for the visual artist. The students are able to more clearly create their own artist statements, and they understand the big picture so much better because of the series." Sally Boyle, Chandler High School — Chandler, AZ "I'm writing from Australia, Art21 gets all over the globe!! I've been using your research material for the past twelve months and it’s sharp, contemporary and real … it gives students a very open frame through which to view art and an artist life and art making." Majena Mafe, artmilk – Brisbane, Australia "I am a mental health therapist and work with children from 5 to 18 years old. Many have been victims of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. I found the work of Krzysztof Wodiczko [from Season Three] very powerful, and feel that it would be a vehicle for some of the children I work with to be able to address their own victimization." Linda Dunn, Halifax Behavioral Center — Ormond Beach, FL "I can't tell you how many times the Art21 DVDs are viewed by students and the books checked out. I have had to purchase several copies and they are really considered required reading for fine arts, art history and a variety of cultural classes." Jane Carlin, Art and Planning Library University of Cincinnati – Cincinatti, OH "All of you at Art21 are doing marvelous work…we have very little access to contemporary visual art in Interior Alaska as well as many circumstances that are uncongenial to the arts in general. The Art in the Twenty-First Century series has encouraged me tremendously and I am personally awed by the impact it has had on others in the Interior, as well." Laura, University of Alaska – Fairbanks, AK "Thank you for all the material and the excellent programming. You are providing a vitally important service by making all of this possible for so many people. Long Live Art21!" Erin Murphy, Accademia Italiana – Florence, Italy "What makes Art in the Twenty-First Century such a powerful tool is that artists are talking TO the students and teachers. You feel like you are sitting there with them. They speak about what its like to be an arist and what it’s like to create … to have ideas and give them form." Joe Fusaro, Visual Arts Chair, Nyack Public Schools – Nyack, NY "Having worked in contemporary art institutions for over 20 years, I am keenly aware of the lack of broadcast programming that features contemporary artists as well as the scarcity of substantive K-12 curriculum resources in this area. Art21 fills huge voids in both these areas. The programs’ candid, multifaceted portrayals strive to make vital human connections between the artist, art work, and audience that inspire, unlock the complex language of art, and remind all of the invaluable role the creative process can and should play in our lives. The website, including its database on the artists and related curriculum materials, has evolved into a comprehensive model for a visually dynamic, content-rich resource site on contemporary art – truly one of the best of its kind in the country." Kim Katatani, Gail Engelberg Director of Education, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – New York, NY "I showed my class the segment on Cai Guo-Qiang from the Art in the Twenty-First Century DVD. Having many Asian (Chinese) students attending our middle school and the fact that the Chinese New Year is on its way, a chat about celebrations using fireworks and gunpowder was an easy introduction to this segment. We spoke about power and its positive and destructive natures. I moved on to the DVD. Imagine showing these boys and girls an artist whose works are borne of spectacle and fireworks, and who makes his drawings in and from exploding gunpowder? They were blown away. The discussion that ensued once the segment ended was just great. It went from 9/11 and fear to power and creativity. From Chinese traditions and history to flying cars, airplanes made of scissors and religious symbols. The great part was that most of them finally got it: that artists carefully make their plans, they draw, they express feelings in their work, and really, the best of all, that the materials that artists use are only limited by their imagination." Steve Chaz, Joseph B. Cavallaro Junior High – Brooklyn, NY "The Art21 Museum and Library Partnerships initiative has been very rewarding for me in terms of working relationships, introducing the community to issues in contemporary art and therefore building audience for the Tang, and for good inter-institutional understanding and collaboration." Ginger Ertz, Tang Teaching Museum – Saratoga Springs, NY "It was so touching to me to see the students’ faces while they where watching the two interviews we showed. Andrea Zittel's was an absolute hit. You know, they are kids from very traditional or even very low income families who are making a great effort to study art. Some of them come from towns far away and their families still speak Maya. To teach art here is an adventure. There are lots of things that I question myself about the use of creation in such a different society as this is. The material has been highly good for the kids because they feel very far away from the cultural centers and have ideas about art and artists that I think they could change while watching the interviews. For example Jessica Stockholder looked like a girl (not as an "artist"), that she talked in such a simple way...that somebody would create an island for herself. They couldn't believe it! They also enjoyed being able to access conceptual discourses as Andrea’s in such a fun way. The work of having the art school here is just crazy but days as the one we showed your material are absolute highlights! Congratulations for such a nice project that is able to spread so much joy!" Mónica Castillo , Art teacher, Merida – Yucatan, Mexico "I have used the Art21 curricula this fall in a unit on the role of media in times of national crisis and the related issues that have to do with national security versus civil liberties. I was impressed with not only the depth of the issues presented, but also the integration of process and content. This issues are real, the information is relevant, and the activities generate excitement and real outcomes." AO Forbes, Geography Teacher, Colorado Rocky Mountain School – Carbondale, CO "I thought you would enjoy this: we got the tapes Friday, I took one of the study guides to the Department chair, and the art historian stole it from her (and nobody here steals stuff). So then I loaned her another one and the sculptor stole it from her too. I got the guides for students but faculty are stealing them first. I am the most popular person here. Anyway, it just confirms that what you are doing is badly needed. Thank you!" Mary Jane Zander, University of Mississippi – University, MS “I wanted to let you know that we showed the Art in the Twenty-First Century series this past Saturday and had an attendance of 60 people (which is GREAT) for a Saturday afternoon in Columbia. People were thanking me afterward for scheduling the series! I too have enjoyed it! I think the success of your program (back-ordered sales on PBS home video!) shows that sometimes we underestimate the public’s response to contemporary art. Your work helps break down those intimidating barriers that are often so difficult to make a crack in." Joelle Ryan-Cook, Columbia Museum of the Arts – Columbia, SC "I wanted to let you know how wonderful it was to bring/give away the Art21 DVDs. I visited every art school in Vietnam and many other artist groups/associations. I brought along the 2 full sets you gave me, plus one I purchased and about 7 of the third season that Kelly gave me. You have no idea how hungry people were for those things! Information is still difficult to get and getting visas to leave the country is extremely rigorous and costly. Few people make the cut. I have no doubt that Art in the Twenty-First Century, in each venue, will be viewed hundreds of times. When the dust settles, I think I have photos (among the 1000 I took and the hundreds the State Dept. shot) that show me displaying/giving away the DVDs. I feel very happy that I thought to contact you and extremely grateful for your generosity." Arlene Shechet (artist who brought Art21 materials to Vietnam) "The students and I are really enjoying working our way through Art in the Twenty-First Century, one segment a day, along with other things. We are a very small high school, approximately 70 miles from Kansas City. The interview with Sally Mann’s children was completely absorbing. Everyone was glued to the TV as we saw that one." Nancy Clisbee, District Art Teacher, USD 429 – Troy, KS "On behalf of our Museum, thank you for the Art in the Twenty-First Century series. The knowledge your programming imparts and Art21’s ability to bring contemporary artists to the public eye in a clear and concise manner is unparalleled. I commend your efforts and continue to support your educational goals, as you have supported ours." Ragan Cole-Cunningham, Director of Education and Project Curator, Contemporary Art Center of Virginia – Virginia Beach, VA "It is so important for people who don’t necessarily practice making art to understand that the people who do bring lives and world cultures to all the art seen hanging on walls. The opportunity to visit and know these artists is downright exhilarating. [Art in the Twenty-First Century is] better than any talk show. Many thanks for the great and thoughtful work you all do and support. It’s a rare treasure you offer to America." Linda Pharis, VP Education, Blue Ridge Public Television – Roanoke, VA "I teach AP Art History and use the Art in the Twenty-First Century series all the time. They are so useful and they are also just the right length to use like a chef uses spice - and boy do they spice up the art we look at. I used Kiki Smith when we looked at Greek and Etruscan art and they got the connection. I used Cai Guo-Qiang's works when we did Assyrian art (the tigers!) and this was the talk of the week. They are making fabulous connections and they see the artistic dialogue that a great understanding of art can bring to the viewer and to the artist. Please continue making this accessible and timely for all! Kudos to you!" Katherine Langford (no address available) "Art21 is better than chocolate! Art21 is the best thing to happen to art education in the last ten years. The level of intellectual investigation is superb." Anonymous art teacher, 2006 National Art Education Association conference – Chicago, IL |
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