All episodes

Wassily Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky

12m 11s

Wassily Kandinsky, a luminary of the 20th-century art scene, stands as an icon whose pioneering work transcended the boundaries of traditional art. His name is synonymous with the birth of abstract art, a realm where colors, shapes, and emotions coalesced to redefine the very essence of artistic expression. Join us on an odyssey through the life and mind of this revolutionary artist, where his brushstrokes on canvas became gateways to a world of unbounded creativity and unfathomable depth.
Born in Moscow in 1866, Kandinsky's early life unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. The son of a successful...

Missing Masterpieces - Marmottan Monet Theft

Missing Masterpieces - Marmottan Monet Theft

2m 57s

On October 27, 1985, in broad daylight, a group of five masked gunmen, armed with pistols and openly threatening both security personnel and visitors, brazenly infiltrated the Musée Marmottan Monet premises. This audacious act resulted in the theft of nine precious paintings from the museum's esteemed collection. Among these invaluable artworks was "Impression, Sunrise" (Impression, soleil levant) by Claude Monet, a masterpiece that lent its name to the entire Impressionism movement. Alongside this iconic work, the thieves also targeted several other priceless pieces: "Camille Monet and Cousin on the Beach at Trouville," "Portrait of Jean Monet," "Portrait of Poly," "Fisherman...

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft

3m 15s

In the realm of art crime, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft stands as one of the most audacious and perplexing cases in history. This daring heist took place on March 18, 1990, in the heart of Boston, and it continues to baffle investigators and captivate the imagination of art enthusiasts worldwide. The stolen works, valued at around $500 million, remain missing to this day, leaving behind a void in the cultural landscape that echoes the masterpieces' former glory.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, an exquisite Venetian-style palace meticulously curated by its namesake founder, housed a treasure trove of priceless...

The Montreal art heist

The Montreal art heist

3m 32s

In the annals of art crime, the 1972 Montreal Museum of Fine Arts robbery stands as a remarkable and audacious event that captured the attention of the world. This meticulously planned heist unfolded on a cold September night and left the museum and the art world in shock. The stolen artworks included masterpieces by renowned artists, and the daring nature of the crime has since etched it into the history books of art theft.
On September 4, 1972, a group of professional thieves orchestrated a sophisticated robbery that targeted the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in Canada. The thieves infiltrated...

The Mona Lisa Robbery

The Mona Lisa Robbery

4m 13s

On August 21, 1911, the painting by the 31-year-old Italian craftsman Vincenzo Peruggia was stolen, who was working at the Louvre at that time. He had hidden himself overnight in a closet within the museum, detached the painting from its frame, and on the following day, presumably wrapped in his smock, smuggled it out of the museum. Although a left thumbprint was secured on the protective glass case of the painting, it was simply forgotten to match this clue with the anthropometric card of the perpetrator and occasional criminal available with the police.
Initially, the poet Guillaume Apollinaire and the...

Tetsuya Nomura

Tetsuya Nomura

2m 40s

Tetsuya Nomura, a prominent Japanese video game designer, is renowned for his distinctive artistic style, imaginative storytelling, and contributions to some of the most iconic video game franchises. Born on October 8, 1970, Nomura's work has left an enduring impact on the world of gaming and entertainment.
Nomura gained prominence as a character designer and artist, best known for his work on the "Final Fantasy" series by Square Enix. His unique character designs often feature intricate details, elaborate costumes, and a blend of fantasy and futuristic elements. His contributions to the series have helped shape its visual identity and its...

Range Murata

Range Murata

2m 33s

Range Murata, a celebrated Japanese artist and designer, has made a significant impact on the world of illustration, character design, and science fiction art. Born on October 2, 1968, Murata's unique artistic style, intricate attention to detail, and ability to capture futuristic and fantastical worlds have earned him a dedicated following and a respected place in the art community.
Murata's artistic journey began in the realm of commercial art, where he honed his skills as an illustrator and designer. He gained prominence through his involvement in various projects, including video games, manga, and anime. His early career included work on...

Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki

2m 42s

Hayao Miyazaki, a legendary Japanese filmmaker, animator, and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has left an indelible mark on the world of animation and cinema. Born on January 5, 1941, Miyazaki's imaginative storytelling, intricate worlds, and commitment to artistic excellence have made him a beloved and influential figure in global entertainment.
Miyazaki's artistic journey began in the world of manga and animation, where he honed his skills and developed a unique visual style. His directorial debut came in 1979 with "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro," which showcased his ability to infuse action and adventure with depth and emotion. However, it...

Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono

3m 0s

Yoko Ono, a groundbreaking Japanese-American artist, musician, and activist, has made an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art and culture. Born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Japan, Ono's multifaceted work spans across various mediums and is characterized by its avant-garde spirit, conceptual depth, and profound engagement with social and political issues.
Ono's artistic journey began with her studies in philosophy and poetry, which laid the foundation for her innovative and boundary-pushing creations. Early in her career, she became a central figure in the Fluxus movement, a radical and experimental art movement that emphasized the importance of artistic...

Mithu Sen

Mithu Sen

3m 22s

Mithu Sen, a prominent contemporary Indian artist, has made a profound impact on the art world with her thought-provoking and multidisciplinary creations. Born in West Bengal, India, her work delves into themes of identity, gender, intimacy, and human relationships. Through her diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance, Sen's art invites viewers to engage with complex narratives and challenge societal norms.
Sen's artistic journey began with her studies at the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata. Early in her career, she gained recognition for her boundary-pushing artworks that addressed themes of sexuality, desire, and the...