Art: Media

Features an exhibition of the artist's works at the Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and at the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Israel. Also features a collaboration with Venetian glassblowers Lino Talgliapietra and Pino Signoretto.

The works of the Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) have intrigued and delighted for generations. His distortions of space and time, steeped in fantastic imagery, have created a dedicated following around the world. But who was the man behind the intricate and mysterious designs? What inspired his unique and often bizarre prints? And what are the mathematical principles at work in so much of Escher's art? Through interviews with his friends and with mathematicians, computer animated recreations of his work, and a look at his sources of inspiration in Italy and Spain, The Fantastic World of M.C. Escher answers these questions and more in an engaging exploration that will enrich the understanding and appreciation of Escher and his art.

Documentary of the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude's project, The Gates, in Central Park, New York City. For 16 days in February 2005, over 7,500 gates covered 23 miles of Central Park walkways. Film follows the temporary life of the Gates through inception, installation, enjoyment, and disassembly. Special features include the press conference with the artists and Mayor Bloomberg and a photo gallery with 50 photos by Mark Terk.

Power: Cai Guo-Qiang C-- Laylah Ali -- Krysztof Wodiczko --- Ida Applebroog. Memory: Susan Rothenberg -- Mike Kelley -- Hiroshi Sugimoto -- Josiah McElheny. Structures: Matthew Ritchie -- Fred Wilson -- Richard Tuttle -- Roni Horn. Play: Jessica Stockholder -- Ellen Gallagher -- Arturo Herrera -- Oliver Herring.

Reveals how the first big artistic discoveries were made and how they have cascaded down the centuries to define the look of the present day. Encompassing everything from cave paints to ceramics and pyramids to palaces, this film explores the global trend for unrealistic depictions of the human body; the secret powers of the feature film; how politicians manage to manipulate people so easily; visions of the afterlife; and why we use imagery at all.

Peggy Flores demonstrates how to use discarded boxes, paper tubes, plastic containers, egg cartons, and other cast-off materials to make amusing little animals and figures.

The Book of Kells' illuminated decoration and calligraphy adorning the Four Gospels have earned it the reputation as the most beautiful book in the world. This fascinating program tells the story of this magnificent masterpiece of Irish art.