Contemporary Art

Called art by some and vandalism by others, street art transforms the depersonalized, overcommercialized urban landscape into a forum for self-expression. Filmed in New York City, Pittsburgh, and Toronto, this edgy program documents the exploding underground art form of street stenciling and explores its roots in political street art, industrial signage, and freehand graffiti. John MacPhee, author of Stencil Pirates, and other stencil artists pose critical questions about the role of free speech in public spaces as they describe their motives and demonstrate their methods. Transgressive, subversive, creative—that’s the rebel art of the street stencil. (24 minutes)

This film examines the possibilities of digital fabrication through techniques such as 3D printing and do-it-yourself genetic engineering. It looks at the makers' movement and the ideals motivating them. It also features interviews with intellectuals and business people who envision a transformed economy that moves away from mass production, and who believe producing the things we consume will bring us greater fulfillment.