My Favorite Art of 2021 (So Far)

It’s hard to believe 2021 is just past its halfway mark. It’s been a good year in many ways, I believe. It’s been hard, too, for sure. But each passing year offers its own distinct challenges. As the year’s progressed, I’ve been grateful to be able to rely on the constant company of art. It certainly makes life easier.

Without explanation, I’ve listed my 10 favorite art things of 2021 (so far)…

1.) Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad (TV series)

2.) Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun (Novel)

3.) High on the Hog and Last Chance U: Basketball (Documentary series)

4.) Small Press Literature, with special citations to Clifford Garstang for his novel Oliver’s Travels, Nathan Elias for his collection The Reincarnations, and Beth Gilstrap for her collection Deadheading

5.) Pokemon Snap (Nintendo Switch)

6.) Robert Jones Jr.’s The Prophets and Nathan Harris’ The Sweetness of Water (Novels)

7.) “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive (Song)

8.) Albums, with special citations to Valerie June’s The Moon and Stars, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall’s The Marfa Tapes, Pink Sweat$’ Pink Planet, Arlo Parks’ Collapsed in Sunbeams (Up Next Film Edition), and The Staves’ Good Woman

9.) The Virtual Book Release Event, with a special shoutout to the wonderful indie bookstores who support their communities and authors

10.) All Things Great and Small (TV series)