Art: 21 Art in the Twenty-First Century

Now in its fifth season, the groundbreaking PBS series Art:21 -- Art in the Twenty-First Century provides a behind the scenes view of a diverse range of contemporary artists. Viewers observe intimate footage of artists at work in their homes, studios and communities and speaking in their own words about their practice.

The featured artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, performance and video artists, represent the breadth of current artistic practice and demonstrate the relevance of contemporary art to everyday life. 

Season 2

Razzle Dazzle: The Uses of Abstraction

Opening Reception Thursday 22 January at 8 pm As an Official Canadian War Artist working in Halifax during World War One, it was Arthur Lismer’s job to document the naval activity in and around the busy wartime harbour. But as is evidenced in numerous sketches, drawings, and paintings, his aesthetic attentions were especially drawn toward the intensely abstract blocks and swirls of patterns and colour that clad many warships and converted ocean liners moving tens of thousands of troops overseas.

How Real Was Neorealism... And Just How Far Was its Reach?

Join film curator Ron Foley Macdonald for an illustrated presentation on Italian Neorealism, its precursors, practitioners and policy, and its long and still-lingering influence in both Hollywood and Canada, and around the world. 

Contemporary Issues in Art, Architecture & Design: Five Recent Noteworthy Feature Documentaries

October 21 - Manufactured Landscapes

Jennifer Baichwal, Canada, 2006, 83 minutes.

Edward Burtynsky's monumental enivronmental photography is caught on motion picture film by cinematographer Peter Mettler and director Jennifer Baichwal. A multiple award-winning feature documentary.

October 28 - My Architect

Nathaniel Kahn, USA, 2003, 110 minutes.