Art Index: The Complete Seasons One & Two

This set collects seven episodes comprising the first two series of Art Index TV, a show that deals not only with the making of art but also how art is disseminated to the public and the potential effects of art on the wider society. Each half-hour episode consists of interviews conducted by Joy Glidden, the President of Art Index Inc. and producer of the series. Most are with artists (including Jonathan Schipper, Marina Zurkow, Paul Chan, and Joyce J. Scott), who explore not only the nature of their craft—which varies from conventional painting to multimedia and video art (here illustrated with examples of their work)—but also the practicalities of production and exhibition. Other interviewees include gallery owners and art dealers, critics, educators, collectors, and foundation executives, who discuss instrumental efforts in supporting artists' work and bringing it to the attention of the community at large. The production quality is relatively rudimentary, but Art Index successfully explores the scope of the enterprise of contemporary art without either oversimplification or excessive jargon. Likely to be of interest to those engaged in the practice and/or business of modern art, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)