Kerry James Marshall confronts diversity in museums
In a 2008 film from our Extended Play series, Kerry James Marshall challenges art institutions—and the canon of Western art in general—on the unignorable cultural underrepresentation across narratives and practices.
“At some point you become acutely aware of your absence in the whole historical timeline that develops this narrative of mastery,” says Marshall. “We take it for granted that this is just the way art history has been structured.”
Deepen your connection to Art21
Staff picks for things to watch, read, and hear
Listen: Fresh Air featuring James Baldwin and filmmaker Raoul Peck
Listening to James Baldwin is usually time well spent. This 1986 interview with Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air is a great prelude to the follow up second interview with Raoul Peck, director of the recent documentary about Baldwin, I Am Not Your Negro.
Shared by Joe Fusaro, Senior Education Advisor; Listen now on NPR
Watch: Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project
Incredible documentary about activist Marion Stokes, who recorded American television 24 hours a day for over 30 years.
Shared by Meghan Garven, Development and Administrative Coordinator; Watch now on PBS through July 14
Read: In Memoriam: Milton Glaser
If anyone’s looking for an artist hero right now, I would humbly offer up Milton Glaser, the legendary designer who passed away last Friday on his 91st birthday. Besides giving New Yorkers and the world constant graphic shots of happiness—and opening up the possibility of loving where they live (and for all intents and purposes inventing the emoji)—he was also crazy ahead of the curve on this Internet-age phenomena (shout out to Art21 staffer Meghan Garven for that find).
Shared by Nick Ravich, Director of Video Programming and Production; Read now at Intelligencer
Fred Wilson links identity to experiences
Mounting tear-shaped black glass drips on a white wall, Fred Wilson reflects on how he was ostracized as the only Black child in his suburban elementary school, and how experiences such as those from his formative years have shaped his practice and identity.
“It’s difficult for me to not look at people in the world and see everyone as a relative,” says Wilson, tracing the mixture of ethnic representation within his own immediate family. “I feel comfortable with people, but that comfort is tempered by the fact that people may not feel that way about me.”
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More than ever, online access to the lives and stories of artists is crucial, and Art21 is proud to share them with welcome an ever-growing number of visitors including students, teachers, parents, and art enthusiasts alike from around the globe. If you are able at this time, please consider supporting the work of Art21. Every dollar makes a difference.
