Spectator Out Loud What's the greatest artwork of the century so far?
Dec 6, 2025
Delve into a lively debate about the greatest artwork of the 21st century. Contributors celebrate eclectic picks from theatrical triumphs like 'Jerusalem' to the impactful 'Blue Planet.' Television is hailed as the new art form, with series like 'Black Mirror' taking the spotlight. Unique nominations range from the architectural innovation of Ocado's fulfillment center to the interactive artistry of video games like 'Age of Empires II.' The discussion embraces both praise and skepticism, exploring the evolving landscape of modern creativity.
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Modern Theatre's Standout: Jerusalem
- Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem is presented as the unmatched modern play with Mark Rylance's Rooster Byron central to its power.
- Patrick Gibbons links other standout productions to a revitalized interest in classic dramatists.
TV Replaces Cinema As Dominant Art
- Slavoj Žižek sees TV as the 21st-century 'world-spirit' successor to cinema, elevating series as central art forms.
- He highlights Black Mirror, Station Eleven and Three-Body as defining science-fiction works.
A Solo Piano Epic Emerges
- Michael Finnissy's History of Photography and Sound is proposed as a marathon solo-piano masterpiece blending atonality and buried references.
- Patrick Gibbons stresses its demanding length and transformative listening experience.
