The Art Assignment

Culture Series / 6 Seasons

The Art Assignment is a weekly PBS Digital Studios production hosted by curator Sarah Green. We take you around the U.S. to meet working artists and solicit assignments from them that we can all complete.

Watch Latest: S6 E32

5m 25s

The Case for Museums

S4 E26 / 8m 28s

The powerful and privileged have hoarded precious artifacts in museums for centuries, and it's only recently that these treasures were made available to the rest of us. What purpose did museums serve? And why does every city have one today?

Better Know: The Starry Night

S4 E23 / 7m 23s

Sure, you've seen Vincent Van Gogh's famed painting The Starry Night before. And maybe you know of him as a tortured soul. But let's take a closer look behind this most recognizable work of art.

Art Cooking: Salvador Dali

S4 E22 / 14m 17s

Surrealist artist Salvador Dali is well known for his distinctive mustache and melting clocks, but what about his 1973 cookbook? Come along with us as we attempt a Bush of Crayfish in Viking Herbs from Les Diners de Gala, and also explore Dali's life and art.

The Case for Jackson Pollock

S4 E21 / 10m 30s

You’ve heard of Jackson Pollock and know of his infamous “drip paintings,” but what is it that you’re supposed to do when you look at his work today? Why did it cause shockwaves in 1947, and what does it mean now? We explore the life, evolution, and legacy of Jackson Pollock.

Art Trip: PST: LA/LA

S4 E20 / 20m 17s

Latin American and Latinx Art is celebrated across Southern California with the Getty-funded initiative Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA. Catch a glimpse of as much of the art, artists, experiences, and tacos as we could pack into three days.

Art Cooking: Bone Meal

S4 E17 / 15m 23s

Gordon Matta-Clark (1943 - 1978) was one of the most influential artists of his generation, and was also the brainchild behind the infamous BONE MEAL in 1971 at the artist-run Food restaurant in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. He served numerous bone-intensive dishes to the guests and then returned their leftover bones to the as necklaces.

Art Trip: Columbus, Indiana

S4 E16 / 12m 50s

Visit the architectural mecca of Columbus, Indiana, to bask in the mid-century glory of Eliel and Eero Saarinen’s masterpieces and a series of new and innovative installations by renowned designers. We explore the first exhibition of Exhibit Columbus, an annual exploration of architecture, art, design, and community, and ask questions about the value of good design.

Five Favorite Works of Art with Hannah Hart

S4 E15 / 8m 26s

We met Hannah Hart in her studio to talk about everything from painting to poetry -- here are Hannah's five favorite works of art: 1) Little By Little by Hannah Gelb (available here as a print! 2) The video Why Trust Is Worth It by Ze Frank. 3) Biwa Lake Tree, Study 2 by Michael Kenna. 4) Little Red Riding Hood by Cory Godbey. 5) Any poem by Mary Oliver

Art Trip: Venice Biennale

S4 E14 / 20m 15s

Behold the 2017 Venice Biennale. Called the "olympics of the art world," the exhibition invades historic (and tourist clogged) Venice, Italy, every two years, and has since 1895. Contemporary art abounds, with installations and exhibitions occupying the city's Giardini and Arsenale, as well as art venues throughout the city. And yes, we ate plenty of gelato and rode in a gondola.

Five Favorite Works of Art with Jon Cozart

S4 E13 / 8m 11s

Jon Cozart talks to us about classical music, internet videos, Lord of the Rings, and of course, musicals. Here are Jon's five favorite works of art: 1) Spring Awakening 2) Mozart's Requiem in D Minor, K. 626 . 3) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King . 4) The "Tomorrow" soliloquy from Shakespeare's Macbeth . 5) History of Japan by Bill Wurtz

Art Cooking: Frida Kahlo

S4 E12 / 11m 29s

We explore the recipes of artist Frida Kahlo, whose work celebrated Mexico's history, vivid colors, and it's FOOD. On the menu: 1) Chiles Stuffed with Cheese aka Chiles Rellenos 2) White Rice with Plantains 3) Nopales Salad 4) Tequila.

Art Trip: Marfa

S4 E10 / 16m 39s

The epicenter of the art world is in Marfa, Texas? We visit this small town where Minimalist artist Donald Judd settled in the 70s, and sowed the seeds for its glorious present, worthy of a pilgrimage.

Five Favorite Works of Art with April Richardson

S4 E9 / 8m 3s

Comedian and writer April Richardson shares with us five of her favorite works: 1) Billy Bragg's 1988 album “Workers Playtime” 2) Any zine made by Molly Kalkstein 3) Robert C. Wiles' 1947 photograph The Most Beautiful Suicide 4) One particular scene from the 1988 John Waters' movie Hairspray 5) Siouxsie Sioux's face!

Art Cooking: Georgia O'Keeffe

S4 E7 / 9m 19s

Where do the worlds of ART and FOOD intersect? GEORGIA O'KEEFFE was a groundbreaking artist, but also a serious health food enthusiast. We make: 1) Whole Wheat Bread, 2) Tiger's Milk smoothies, and 3) Green Chile with Garlic and Oil + fried eggs.

Better Know the Great Wave

S4 E6 / 6m 58s

It's an omnipresent image that has inspired music, tattoos, and even an emoji on your phone. But Hokusai's Great Wave is a woodblock print that was made to be reproduced. What's its story? Let's better know the Great Wave.

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