Jessica Rankin: Mind & Language

“My work’s always had a lot to do with language and the landscape of the mind,” says artist Jessica Rankin, referencing her intricately embroidered pieces. Filmed in 2008 in a Berlin studio adjoining that of her partner, artist Julie Mehretu, Rankin discusses how learning a foreign language as well as reading literature are influential to her working method.

For videos of Art21 artist Julie Mehretu in the same Berlin studio, check out Workday and Studio Assistants.

VIDEO | Producer: Wesley Miller & Nick Ravich. Interview: Susan Sollins. Camera: Ian Serfontein. Sound: Paul Stadden. Editor: Lizzie Donahue & Joaquin Perez. Artwork Courtesy: Julie Mehretu & Jessica Rankin. Special Thanks: Julie Mehretu. @ 2010 Art21, Inc.