Artbound Season 10 (Trailer)

Now on its tenth season, "Artbound" is an Emmy® award-winning arts and culture series that examines the lives, works and creative processes of arts and culture innovators making an impact in Southern California and beyond. A new season premieres March 6, 9 p.m. ET/PT on KCET. The series will subsequently air Fri., May 17 on PBS SoCal at 8 p.m. and Tues., May 21 on Link TV via DirecTV (channel 375) / Dish Network (channel 9410) at 10 pm ET/PT. Each episode will also be streaming online following its broadcast on kcet.org/artbound, pbssocal.org/artbound and linktv.org/artbound as well as on Amazon, YouTube, Roku, Apple TV and the free PBS App. 

“Masters of Modern Design: The Art of the Japanese American Experience” – Wed., May 15 at 9 p.m. on KCET

A look at the influence of Japanese American artists on modern design. From the iconic typeface of “The Godfather” book cover to Herman Miller’s Noguchi table, the influence of Japanese American artists and designers in postwar American art and design is unparalleled. While this second generation of Japanese American artists have been celebrated in various publications and exhibitions for their iconic work, less-discussed is how the WWII incarceration— a period of intense hardship and discrimination — has also had a powerful effect on the lives of artists such as Ruth Asawa, George Nakashima, Isamu Noguchi, S. Neil Fujita and Gyo Obata. Co-produced by the Japanese American National Museum Watase Media Arts Center.

“Heath Ceramics: The Making of a California Classic” – Wed., May 22 at 9 p.m. on KCET

An exploration of the work of Edith Heath and the legacy of Heath Ceramics. ARTBOUND looks at the dinnerware of Heath Ceramics and a design that has stood the test of time since the company began in the late 1940’s. Through the writings of Edith Heath, the founder and designer of Heath Ceramics voiced by renowned chef Nancy Silverton, the film explores the groundbreaking work of a woman who created a classic of American design. Co-produced by Tilapia Films.

“Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead” – Wed., May 29. at 9 p.m. on KCET

An exploration of the transformation of Día de los Muertos from it pre-colonial beginnings in Mexico to a worldwide holiday. Día de los Muertos has been adapted for centuries from its pre-colonial roots to the popular depictions in mass media today. Inspired by rich Oaxacan traditions, it was brought to East Los Angeles in the 1970’s as a way to enrich and reclaim Chicano identity through a small celebration at Self Help Graphics and Art. Since then, the celebration has grown in proportions with renditions enacted in communities all around the world. In contrast to all the glamorous fanfare Dia delos Muertos now receives, ARTBOUND offers a more intimate look at this ritual through the story of artist Ofelia Esparza, who continues the tradition of building altars to remember the dead. Journey with her as she travels back to Mexico in search of her ancestral roots. Co-produced by Dignicraft.

“How Sweet the Sound: Gospel in Los Angeles” – Wed., June 5 at 9 p.m. on KCET

This episode explores the history of gospel music in Los Angeles by looking at the 1960’s and 1970’s, when the west coast redefined the sound of gospel and broadcast it to the world. Gospel music would not be what it is today if not for the impact left by Los Angeles in the late 60’s and early 70’s, a time defined by political movements across the country. Notable artists like James Cleveland and Aretha Franklin were captured in live recordings of the church experience of South Central.  Hear the voices and sentiment of the people coming together to give birth to a new gospel sound and to elect LA’s first black mayor, Thomas Bradley. The episode was co-produced by Wrong Creative.  Dr. Daniel Walker is a producer and also founded the Gospel Music Archive at USC. The episode was produced in conjunction with the Heritage Music Foundation.

“Jeffrey Deitch’s Los Angeles” – Wed., June 12 at 9 p.m. on KCET

Get a glimpse of the inner workings of the contemporary art world as Jeffrey Deitch opens a new gallery in Los Angeles. The charming, unusual and at times polarizing Deitch left Los Angeles in 2013 after a tumultuous run as the director of MOCA ending in his resignation. He makes his return with a new gallery opening with the first LA exhibit of renowned Chinese artist and activist, Ai Weiwei. See the contemporary art world through the eyes of a legendary art dealer and curator Jeffrey Deitch. Directed by Alexandria Stapleton.

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