Special Topics

We make a wide range of videos about art that we post to our YouTube channel, responding to events in the world and ideas that arise in the comments of our videos. We explore challenging subjects and common conceptions and misconceptions about art, with the goal of making the worlds of art and art history more open and accessible. These videos are intended to prompt discussion and debate, and hopefully serve as springboards for further research.

The Definition of Art

Behind the Banksy Stunt

Love the Art, Hate the Artist

The $150,000 Banana

The Truth of the Tortured Artist

The Myth of the Tortured Artist

Art We Launched Into Space

What Makes a Masterpiece?

Art Made in Adversity

How to Sound like you Understand Art

Art That Was Never Finished

Trending Artists of the 17th Century

Should Art Be Publicly Funded?

Remake the Met

Why You Don't Like Art History

Art + Taxes = The Dirty Truth

Art Must Be Beautiful

Do Machines Make Art? | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Art is Pretentious* | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

The Art History of the Selfie | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Fierce Women of Art | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Fierce Women of Art 2 | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Art or Prank? | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Public Art Study: Fred Wilson's E Pluribus Unum | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

What's a Curator? | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

Please Do Not Touch

How to Critique | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

How to Visit an Art Museum | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

How to Learn About Contemporary Art | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios