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Art21 News Roundup: Summer Inspiration with Ten New Films

This month we wrapped up our summer-long all-digital programming series, Summer of Shorts—ten films on ten innovative contemporary artists released in ten weeks. Featured in SlateArtforum, and VICE’s Creators, our ten new films were enjoyed by thousands of viewers in over 100 countries.

With Summer of Shorts behind us we’re looking ahead to fall programming, which includes new film releases, magazine issues, educational content, and public programs here in New York City. Keep an eye out in September for a very special film from our Extended Play digital series on artist Julie Mehretu and her monumental commission for the new SFMOMA.


New Summer of Shorts Videos Featuring Liz Larner and Chris Ware

Liz Larner: Distorting Form with Color

Premiered July 28, as part of the Art21 digital series Extended Play

Strolling through the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Liz Larner discusses her interest in separating color from form in her sculptural work. Using Minimalist sculptor Tony Smith’s large-scale geometric piece Smoke (1967) as a starting point, Larner shares her personal love for the sculpture, currently installed in the atrium of the museum’s Ahmanson Building.

“Just to see what sculpture can do,” says the artist, “this I think is probably one of the greatest examples of that ever.”

Watch the film.

Chris Ware: Someone I’m Not

Premiered August 4, as part of the Art21 digital series Extended Play

From his home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois, artist Chris Ware shares motivations and challenges for telling stories from the perspectives of others in his work.

“I distinctly remember being told by my teachers, if you draw women, you’re colonizing them with your eyes,” Ware recalls of art school. “Do you not draw women and then maintain an allegiance to some sort of experience that only you have had? Or do you try to expand your understanding and your empathy for other human beings?””

Watch the film.


Art21 Toasts Summer of Shorts in Style

On Saturday, July 15, artists, art lovers, filmmakers and collectors came together at the Elaine de Kooning House in East Hampton, New York, to celebrate Art21’s summerlong film programming series, Summer of Shorts.

From June 2 through August 4, a landmark ten digital shorts were released in ten weeks, so we welcomed our biggest fans and supporters to an afternoon of cocktails, films, and conversation.

Read the news post.


Highlights from the Art21 Magazine

From the July / August “Inspired by a True Story” issue:

  • Art21’s director of production Nick Ravich sits down with New York Close Up artist Tommy Hartung in Forest Park, Queens for an unmediated interview.
  • Anna Burckhardt features artist Rachel Rose, who spends months researching materials and methods before constructing compelling narratives for her ten-minute video pieces.

Read the issue.

Image: Rachel Rose. Lake Valley, 2016. Installation view: 57th Venice Biennale, Venice. Courtesy of the artist, Gavin Brown’s enterprise, New York and Pilar Corrias Gallery, London. Photo: Andrea Rossetti.


Featured Art21 Playlist

California Girls

Historically regarded as a land of possibility and opportunity, California and its mountainous landscape are a breeding ground for some of the U.S.’s most stunning wildlife and creative thinkers alike.

This playlist is dedicated to the women artists who come from and create within the nation’s most populous state—artists inspired by all the potential that California represents, who use their work to manifest new ideas and expand the borders of creativity.

Watch the playlist.


Join Art21

Become a member of Art21 and join our community of artists, collectors, art professionals, and film enthusiasts while supporting the production of award-winning films. Enjoy inimitable access to some of today’s greatest contemporary artists through special events, studio visits, collection tours, and more.

Art21 members receive:

  • Exclusive tote bag designed by New York Close Up artist Lucas Blalock. Join to get yours today.
  • Art21 Member newsletters with updates on Art21 programs and invitations to special events.
  • Recognition on the Supporters section of Art21.org.

To get these roundups in your email inbox, sign up to receive the Art21 News newsletter.

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