Examines why the appearance of abstract expression caused the United States to become a center for the visual arts. Reviews the diversity of styles in the postwar period, including the work of Pollock, Warhol and Oldenburg. Also examines the explosive internationalization of the art world in the 1970s and 1980s. Features experts Rosalind Krauss, Germano Celant and Clement Greenberg.

Episode 1: The Classical Ideal
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-1-The-Classical-Ideal
Episode 2: A White Garment of Churches
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-2-A-White-Garment-of-Churches
Episode 3: Early Renaissance
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-3-Early-Renaissance
Episode 4: High Renaissance
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-4-High-Renaissance
Episode 5: Realms of light: The Baroque
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-5-Realms-of-light-The-Baroque
Episode 6: An Age of Reason and Passion
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-6-An-Age-of-Reason-and-Passion
Episode 7: A Fresh View: Impressionism
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-7-A-Fresh-View-Impressionism
Episode 8: Into the 20th Century
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-8-Into-the-20th-Century