Arts Agenda: The Arts on TV – Spring 2025

Each week, ArtsATL delivers a critic’s short list of the shows, exhibitions, concerts and events we recommend for the coming weeks within one discipline in the kaleidoscope of Atlanta arts and culture. Every week, we’ll present a different art form.

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Abstract: The Art of Design. Former Wired editor Scott Dadich profiles figures such as Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield and architect Bjarke Ingels in this documentary series, providing insight into their work and personal lives. Netflix.

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. Laura Poitras’ affecting documentary on artist and activist Nan Goldin, who portrayed the lives of those in the margins of society. Max.

American Masters: Tyrus. Discover the journey of artist Tyrus Wong, who improbably immigrated from China in the early 20th century to become a “Disney Legend” for his work on the film Bambi. Amazon Prime Video.

American Symphony. Musician Jon Batiste goes on an emotional journey attempting to compose a symphony while his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, undergoes chemotherapy for a returning cancer. Netflix.

Art, Beats + Lyrics. This documentary (sponsored by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey) details the rise of the multicity art, music and dance event pioneered by two Atlanta artists. Hulu.

Art21: Art in the 21st Century. This Peabody Award-winning series features contemporary artists throughout the world in action as they create new paintings, sculptures, films and performances. Includes episodes on Kara Walker, Lonnie Holley and Amy Sherald. Free at the Art21 website.

Black Art: In the Absence of Light. This Sam Pollard documentary explores some of the foremost Black artists working today, drawing inspiration from the landmark 1976 exhibition Two Centuries of Black American Art. Max.

Breaking New Ground: India’s Dance Revolution. Documentary on the origins and rise of India’s breaking community. Free at the Red Bull site.

Craft in America. Enjoy 16 mini-seasons of this documentary series, highlighting creators and issues around everything from glassmaking to ceramics to textiles. Stream at KVIE in Sacramento.

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Follow renowned choreographer Debbie Allen and her students as they prepare (gruelingly) for the annual Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Max.

David Lynch: The Art Life. Recently deceased director David Lynch reveals truths about his life and career across more than 20 conversations recorded at his home. Max.

The Gospel According to André. Director Kate Novack’s intimate look into the life journey of André Leon Talley, who rose from the Jim Crow South to become the first Black male creative director of Vogue. Amazon Prime Video.

I’m Not There. Todd Haynes’ lauded impressionistic riff on Bob Dylan. Tubi (rent or watch free with ads).

Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Church — Atlanta Pop Festival. John McDermott’s freewheeling documentary chronicles the legendary psychedelic musician at the 1970 Atlanta Pop Festival, performing for the largest U.S. audience of his career. Apple TV+.

Kusama: Infinity. A deep dive into the brilliance and idiosyncrasy of Yayoi Kusama one of America’s most acclaimed artists of the 1960s and subject of an enormously popular retrospective at the High Museum. Max.

“My Boléro” with Nathalie Stutzmann. Go on an emotional and physical journey as the leader of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra goes to Paris to unlock the mystery of the famous Maurice Ravel work that she had long avoided. Medici.tv.

Radical Wolfe. Friends and colleagues give their reflections on Tom Wolfe, who re-invented American journalism and notoriously chronicled the foibles of Atlanta in A Man in Full.

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Steve Murray contributed to this report.

Next week’s Arts Agenda: Nonprofit galleries