Raw Material

Art brings us together. In this episode, members of Bay Area art collectives discuss what it means to make work for, by and with their communities. They reflect on the power of art to heal, inspire, and break down systems of oppression. Artists featured in this episode: 100 Days of Action, Club Chai, Russell E.L. Butler. Photo: 100 Days of Action, by Ben Leon.

Art is a form of remembrance. This episode features two artists, both born in Iran, discussing the very different ways their practices have been influenced by the country’s turbulent history. They consider how this legacy, whether inherited or experienced firsthand, is impossible to ignore. Photo: Arash Fayez. Photo by Geraldine Ah-Sue.
 Artists featured in this episode: Taraneh Hemami and Arash Fayez.

Art is an exercise in perspective. This episode highlights works that invite new ways of seeing. Artists reflect on how they see themselves, how others see them, and how to look at the world through performance, portraiture, and abstract painting. Photo: Toyin Ojih Odutola. Photo by King Texas © 2015. Artists featured in this episode: James Luna, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Katherine Sherwood.

Art is emotional. This episode examines the concept of “home.” Through their work, a sculptor, a painter, and a singer express feelings about being at home, being in exile, safety, fear, connection, and belonging. Photo: Ana Teresa Fernández, by Geraldine Ah-Sue. Artists featured in this episode: Mildred Howard, Ana Teresa Fernández, and Diana Gameros.

Art is material. This episode explores art in relation to the body. Hear artists reflect on gender and performance, transform themselves into cockroaches, and sculpt self-portraits from chocolate and soap. Photo: Xandra Ibarra, Nude Laughing, performance at The Broad, Los Angeles, 2016. Photo by John Tain. Artists featured in this episode: Xandra Ibarra, Cassils, and Janine Antoni.