Modern Masters

Modern Masters explores the lives and works of four iconic 20th-century artists: Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. Hosted by art critic and journalist Alastair Sooke, this four-part BBC series showcases the enduring influence these artists have had on contemporary culture, from commercial design to architecture.

The series begins with Andy Warhol, the king of Pop Art. Sooke travels to Warhol’s hometown of Pittsburgh and New York City, where he meets individuals who knew the artist during his early career. Through these encounters and analyses of Warhol’s artwork, Sooke demonstrates how Warhol’s preoccupation with fame and consumer culture continues to resonate in today’s multimedia world.

In the episode dedicated to Henri Matisse, Sooke traces the artist’s impact on modern life. He highlights Matisse’s innovative use of color and simplified forms, which continue to inspire illustrators, designers, and artists. The documentary showcases Matisse’s diverse body of work, including his lesser-known forays into printmaking.

Pablo Picasso’s life and art are the focus of another episode. Sooke travels through France, Spain, and the United States to view some of Picasso’s greatest works and recount stories from the artist’s eventful life. The documentary paints a picture of Picasso as a rebellious genius whose art and personal life were equally dramatic and influential.

The final episode centers on Salvador Dalí, the eccentric surrealist. Sooke follows Dalí’s journey from his origins in Spain to his later years in New York, examining the artist’s most famous works and explaining the thought processes behind them. The documentary poses the question of whether Dalí was merely art’s greatest showman or a true genius.

Throughout Modern Masters, Sooke emphasizes how these artists’ legacies continue to shape our cultural landscape. He draws connections between their work and various aspects of contemporary life, including film, fashion, and architecture. The series also features interviews with artists, critics, and people who knew the featured artists personally, providing unique insights into their lives and creative processes.