Artnation

Experience the American dream through art. Learn how ballerina Misty Copeland made room for Black women on stage, explore a key moment in civil rights history in Marc Mellon’s sculpture, and see Nicole Kidman’s reinterpretation of a US comedy giant.

Learn how struggle has forged incredible artistry. Examine actor Viola Davis’ trajectory from poverty to EGOT-winning glory, opera singer Ryan Speedo Green’s path from prison to centre stage, and deaf teacher Lauren Ridloff’s star turn on Broadway.

Turn to nature to see how it stimulates the creative mind. Walk alongside the wind-powered beasts of sculptor Theo Jansen, stalk wild animals through the lens of photographer Tom Mangelsen, and travel to Paraguay to see an orchestra built of trash.

Witness the meeting of initiative and inspiration. Discover how Mark Bradford creates multi-million-dollar paintings with household tools, size up Stephen King’s massive catalogue of novels, and watch Luca Fazioli fine-tune the art of piano making.

Duck into the shadows with artists who shine outside the spotlight. Gasp at 12-year-old Alma Deutscher’s Mozart-like talent, learn why beloved character actor Stanley Tucci prefers supporting roles, and listen to a Grammy-nominated prison choir.

Size up creative provocateurs. Discover why Ai Weiwei’s works made him public enemy number one in China, explore Spike Lee’s unflinching films about Black life in America, and see how Catholic nun Corita Kent’s paintings changed 1960s attitudes.

Uncover tales of artistic thievery and espionage. Monitor a battle between Pablo Picasso’s family and his handyman over a box of masterworks, blow open an $80-million art scam at a NY gallery, and learn actor Daniel Craig’s secrets for playing Bond.

Get inside the minds of big-name designers. Rebel on the runway with visionary Betsey Johnson and Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele; see what moves Mr. Polo himself, Ralph Lauren; and visit with the bad boy of architecture, Peter Marino.