ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Julie Mehretu's Goldman Sachs Mural Featured in PBS Art21 Documentary

publication · 2026-04-22

In a PBS Art21 documentary from 2010, Julie Mehretu was filmed while she created a mural for Goldman Sachs, showcasing her artistic journey for this public art project. Released on November 7, 2010, the film offered a glimpse into the making of contemporary public art. Artcritical featured a still from the documentary, emphasizing the role of corporate sponsorship in the arts. This mural, commissioned by a prominent financial entity, embodies Mehretu's investigation into themes of globalization, migration, and social structures through intricate layers. The commission places her artwork in a corporate setting, prompting discussions about the connection between art and capital. Since 2001, the Art21 series has documented artists, highlighting Mehretu's importance in modern art conversations.

Key facts

  • Julie Mehretu created a mural for Goldman Sachs
  • PBS Art21 documented the creation process in a 2010 film
  • Artcritical published a still from the documentary on November 7, 2010
  • The documentary shows Mehretu's work in progress
  • The mural represents a corporate art commission
  • Mehretu is known for large-scale abstract works exploring globalization
  • Art21 has been documenting contemporary artists since 2001
  • Corporate art installations have become increasingly common

Entities

Artists

  • Julie Mehretu

Institutions

  • PBS Art21
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Artcritical
  • artcritical.com
  • WordPress
  • artcritical

Sources