**Artists I viewed:**
1.
**Ida Applebroog** – Known for her "Photogenetics" series, combining photography, sculpture, painting, and digital editing .
2.
**Theaster Gates** – Focuses on collecting and repurposing materials to create art that addresses social issues .
3.
**Kara Walker** – Reflects on her early success and offers advice to the next generation of artists .
4.
**Wangechi Mutu** – Considers her relationship with the natural world and its influence on her artistic practice .
5.
**Phyllida Barlow** – Creates large-scale sculptures that challenge traditional notions of monumentality .
**Who surprised me the most:**
- **Ida Applebroog** – Her innovative approach to combining various mediums to explore themes of identity and technology was unexpected and thought-provoking.
**Most concerned with the process:**
- **Phyllida Barlow** – Emphasizes the physicality and process of making, often leaving exposed seams and unfinished elements in her sculptures to highlight the act of creation.
**Most concerned with creativity in the idea for their art or the work itself:**
- **Wangechi Mutu** – Her work delves into themes of identity, gender, and the environment, showcasing a deep engagement with conceptual ideas.
**Most concerned with materials:**
- **Theaster Gates** – His practice involves collecting and repurposing materials, transforming them into art that addresses social issues and community engagement.
**Conclusion:**
Watching these artists provided valuable insights into the diverse approaches contemporary artists take in their creative processes. It highlighted the importance of experimentation, conceptual depth, and material engagement in the creation of meaningful art.
