Aki Sasamoto grapples with control and chaos
Mirroring its subject’s own playful and absurdist sensibility, this portrait of sculptor and performance artist Aki Sasamoto is a fluid hybrid of fiction and documentary—at once a magical realist world of spinning objects and a psychological exploration of fundamental questions about artistic creativity.
From firing whiskey glasses to installing an exhibition, Sasamoto grapples with the tension between control and chaos—between her mastery over materials and their own will.
“Whatever I thought I had control over will change in front of me,” explains Sasamoto. “That to me is exciting, in life and in sculpture.”
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Artists who broaden traditional definitions of art
Installation view of David Brooks’s “Desert Rooftops” in Times Square, New York, NY, 2011. Production still from the New York Close Up film “David Brooks Tears the Roof Off. © Art21, Inc. 2012.
Seeking to expand perceptions of what makes for traditional art, Art21 Educators alumnus Catherine Karp assembled a playlist of films introducing her students to artists who use nontraditional materials and techniques.
“The sooner I can broaden the idea of the traditional definition of art,” says Karp, “the sooner and the longer the students will consider themselves artists.”
Upcoming workshop for educators
Join us tonight, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. ET, for the latest installment of our new five-part professional development series exploring how artists use the five senses in their practice.
For “Sound On,” ponder the power of the human ear. See and hear how artists investigate the psychological and sculptural dimensions of sound through recordings of machines, musical instruments, their voices, along with reworked musical compositions and well-known pop music.
The program is free and will take place via Zoom.
Visit our education calendar for a list of upcoming workshops for educators.
Recommendations from Art21 staff
Visit: KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature at The New York Botanical Garden
It’s a beautiful time to visit The New York Botanical Garden, and in all honesty it’s the first time I have been to any botanical garden when everything is blooming! Definitely a worthwhile venture. The Kusama installations are an added bonus! Pro tip: don’t make the same mistake I did and make sure to get the garden and gallery pass so you can see everything (there are limits to the garden only pass!). And stop by Arthur Ave. for some homemade pasta and Italian pastries while you’re up there, it all makes for a really lovely and mostly outdoor day!
Shared by Lauren Barnett, Chief Operating Officer; On view through October 31 at The New York Botanical Garden
Visit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City
I’d like to recommend a return to the Met. Playing tourist in your home city is usually good, clean fun and my most recent trip to the museum didn’t disappoint. Seeing old favorites like Joan of Arc, Living Room from the Francis W. Little House, and Arms and Armor felt like visiting dear friends. While the rooftop is missing its usual frivolity to imbibe, Alex Da Corte’s As Long as the Sun Lasts coupled with views of the city is worth the wait in line—plus the elevator ride up is just your party! Much more pleasant than the usual cramming of strangers into such a tiny space.
Shared by Emma Nordin, Associate Director of Education Initiatives; The Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently open Thursdays through Mondays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
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.
