Shaun Leonardo offers movement towards freedom
Our new season of film programming continues today with the second in a group of four new films.
Summoning experiences from his formative years, performance and socially-engaged artist Shaun Leonardo embarks on bold explorations of the ways that art has allowed him to expose and distort societal perceptions of Brown and Black people, and, in the process, make sense of his identity.
“By being able to exist in your own body and understand that you do not need to be defined by an experience,” says Leonardo, “it allows you to move forward with a little more sense of joy.”
Deepen your connection to Art21
15 artists who monumentalize Black history
Jordan Casteel in her Brooklyn studio, 2017. Production still from the New York Close Up film, “Jordan Casteel Paints Her Community.” © Art21, Inc. 2013.
Jack Whitten, through his Black Monoliths paintings, memorialized figures who impacted him as an artist and citizen. “I have to locate the essence of that person,” said Whitten. “That person becomes a symbol and I build that into the paint.”
Our Essence of a History playlist features artists who monumentalize everyday heroes and icons alike—embracing Black histories, while not being defined by them.
Four new stories of artists confronting global crises
Last week, we opened a new programming season featuring films from our celebrated Extended Play and New York Close Up series.
Over the course of four consecutive Wednesdays at 12pm ET—continuing with today’s film featuring Shaun Leonardo—we’ll release each of our latest offerings on Art21.org and our YouTube channel.
Four artists—Firelei Báez, Abigail DeVille, Shaun Leonardo, and Michael Rakowitz—confront social, political, and institutional crises impacting cultures around the world, collectively capturing a portrait of contemporary history in the making, connecting personal and global experiences that play out across generations.
Upcoming workshops for educators
Join Art21 for virtual teacher workshops being offered in February.
The second iteration of Artists Reshaping Narratives, a workshop presented in collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art, takes place remotely on Tuesday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Through modeling of guided inquiry and activities, learn how contemporary art can be used with students to inspire critical thinking and conversation in the classroom. Registration is free, but space is limited.
Art and Health, taking place online on Tuesday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. ET, is an intersectional workshop designed to explore contemporary works created in direct response to health disparities during this time of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Movement for Black Lives. Registration is free, but space is limited.
Visit our education calendar for a list of upcoming workshops for educators.
Thank you for supporting our work
More than ever, online access to the lives and stories of artists is crucial, and Art21 is proud to share them with 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.
