Best of the Spectator Spectator Out Loud: what's the greatest artwork of the century so far?
Dec 7, 2025
Writers reveal their picks for the greatest artwork of the 21st century. From Kate Bush's iconic performances to the dramatic brilliance of 'Jerusalem,' the conversation sparkles. TV is hailed as the new art form, with 'Black Mirror' and 'Station Eleven' leading the charge. Ambitious pieces like Michael Finnissy's piano epic and Stockhausen's opera cycle also make the cut. Even architecture gets a nod with the innovative Ocado center, while choreographic masterpieces like 'Flight Pattern' humanize pressing global issues.
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Diverse Forms Compete For Greatness
- The podcast argues the 21st century's standout artworks span theatre, opera, installations and global cinema rather than a single medium.
- Igor Toronyi-Lalic suggests theatrical and multimedia works rival historical masterpieces for cultural significance.
Kate Bush's Mythic Comeback
- A 2014 stage return by Kate Bush called Before The Dawn became a mythic pop event due to limited releases and scarce footage.
- Patrick Gibbons describes it as a richly imaginative spectacle blending music, theatre, puppetry and technology.
Theatre Remains Vital In This Century
- Contemporary theatre produced landmark plays and revivals that critics view as modern masterpieces.
- Examples cited include Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem and Trevor Nunn's Flare Path revival elevating playwrights like Terence Rattigan.