Ringling Museum Hosts Screening of PBS' 'Art in the Twenty-First Century'

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in partnership with Art21 as part of its Access ’12 initiative, presents a sneak preview of the premiere of the sixth season of PBS’s Art in the Twenty-First Century, the only prime time national television series focused exclusively on contemporary art.

An advanced screening of Episode 1, titled Change of Art21 featuring artists Ai Weiwei, El Anatsui, and Catherine Opie, will be shown Fri., March 16 at 7 p.m. and Sat., March 17 at 10:30 a.m. in the Historic Asolo Theater. This event is free and open to the public. Advance reservations are required, contact the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office at 941.360.7399.

As of this date of this announcement, the Ringling Museum is the only selected screening site in Sarasota/Bradenton and one of only 10 across the state of Florida where the broadcast can be seen before airing on PBS.   

Art21 Access ’12 is an international screening initiative created to increase knowledge of contemporary art, ignite dialogue, and inspire creative thinking through hundreds of public screenings and events that tailor the ideas presented in series to the interests and concerns of local audiences. The season premieres on PBS April 13^th with a new episode each Friday during the April and May at 9 p.m. (check local listings).  Through in-depth profiles and interviews, the four-part series reveals the inspiration, vision and techniques behind the creative works of some of today’s most thought-provoking artists.

“Art21 Access ’12 provides an opportunity for organizations around the country and the world to experience a central goal of Art21—dialogue inspired by contemporary art and the ideas it expresses,” said Susan Sollins, Executive Producer of Art21. “We hope that participating organizations find ways to best utilize the Art21 materials for their respective communities and that audiences will take full advantage of the events in their area and discover the life-changing potential of viewing creative role models at work. Our goal is that these events spark new conversations, and expose all kinds of viewers to the important work of the artists profiled in the series.”

The recent acquisition and permanent installation of Joseph’s Coat, the largest Sksypace yet by James Turrell, made the Ringling Museum a natural fit and catalyst for our selection as an Art21 screening site. The Skyspace is the foundation for the Ringling’s Art of Our Time. This initiative reflects the Museum’s efforts to promote understanding of and appreciation for the contemporary visual and performing arts by showcasing works from artists, such as James Turrell, that are profoundly influencing our culture.

At more than 3,000 sq. ft., Joseph’s Coat is a space in which visitors are invited to contemplate light, perception, and experience as they gaze up at the sky through the 24’ square aperture in the ceiling.  Joseph’s Coat is art based on experience.  Every time is a unique experience (sunrise, sunset, during the day, rain or shine). At sunset, a sophisticated system of LED lights is employed to change the color of the space.  In doing so, the artist changes the context in which visitors view the sky and can radically change their perception of the color of the sky and its spatial relation to them. It is a place for contemplation, sustained experience, and conversation.

Art21 Access ’12 events are presented in partnership with the Arts Business Council, Emerging Leaders of New York Arts, National Guild for Community Arts Education, and the YMCA. An updated list of Art21 Access ’12 events and venues worldwide can be found at art21.org/access. Art21 Access ’12 events are being hosted by museums, schools, libraries, art spaces, community centers, and universities worldwide.

Episode 1: Change

This episode features artists who bear witness, through their work, to transformation—cultural, material, and aesthetic—and actively engage communities as collaborators and subjects. Ai Weiwei, El Anatsui, and Catherine Opie are featured.

Episode 2: Boundaries

This episode presents artists who synthesize disparate aesthetic traditions, present taboo subject matter, discover innovative uses of media, and explore the shape-shifting potential of the human figure. David Altmejd, assume vivid astro focus, Lynda Benglis, and Tabaimo are featured.

Episode 3: History

In this episode, artists play with historical events, explore and expose commonly held assumptions about historic ‘truth’, and create narratives based on personal experiences. Marina Abramović, Glenn Ligon, and Mary Reid Kelley are featured.

Episode 4: Balance

Through sculpture, paintings, and installations, the artists in this hour grapple with equilibrium and disequilibrium as they create highly structured works that challenge conventional notions of perception and representation. Rackstraw Downes, Robert Mangold, and Sarah Sze are featured.

ABOUT THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

ABOUT ART21

Over the last decade, Art21 has established itself as the preeminent chronicler of contemporary art and artists through its Peabody Award-winning biennial television series Art in the Twenty-First Century. The organization has used the power of digital media to expose millions of people of all ages to contemporary art and artists and has created a new paradigm for teaching and learning about the creative process.

In addition to its PBS series and year-round series-based education and public programs efforts, Art21 has expanded its film production and educational efforts in recent years. Several new initiatives have been launched in the past year including New York Close Up, a new documentary series on Art and Life in New York City, and the premiere of Art21’s first feature film, William Kentridge: Anything Is Possible. Art21 also offers Art21 Educators, an ongoing professional development program for teachers now entering its fourth year.

art21.org