Television Programs of Interest for the Week to Come

• THIS IS CIVILISATION: UNCERTAINTY - EP 4 OF 4

Forty years on from Kenneth Clark's landmark series Civilisation, art critic Matthew Collings offers his own interpretation of Western art history for a modern audience, at a time where contemporary art and tastes reflect our own lack of belief in anything at all. In each episode, Collings chooses key moments when there was a fundamental shift in attitudes towards, and the objectives of art. From Greek and Roman classicism glorifying man, through to religious art and art as a saviour of the soul, and on to the nihilism of modern art.
Saturday 20 December 2008 3.30pm
SBS Rating: (G) *Final*
Duration: 60 mins

• MESSAGE STICK: SIGHTS UNSEEN - EP 2 OF 2

Episode two focuses on Michael's filmmaking - its inspiration and impact. Friends reflect on him as a friend and professional, and talk about his tragic early death from renal failure, which was triggered by childhood rheumatic fever, a common disease among the Aboriginal community.
Sunday 21 December 2008 1.30pm
ABC1 Rating: (G, Rpt)
Duration: 30 mins

• 13 DAYS IN THE LIFE OF PICASSO: EP 1 OF 2

Focusing in on 13 key events in Picasso's life, this meticulously researched 2-part documentary explores the life and career of one of the world's most significant artists. Through deconstructing Picasso's canvasses, viewers discover how his style and subject were shaped by his tumultuous life. Through interviews with his contemporaries as well as newsreel footage, viewers enjoy a rare and fascinating insight into the life of a true master.
Sunday 21 December 2008 6.05pm
Ovation Duration: 55 mins

• FACE PAINTING WITH BILL LEAK: EP 6 OF 6

This week for his final portrait, Bill is painting Australian swimming legend Andrew 'Boy' Charlton and explores the theme of sport for sport's sake - not the big bucks.
Monday 22 December 2008 8.00pm
ABC1 Rating: (G) *Final*
Duration: 30 mins

• THE MUSEUM: PUTTING ON A BLOCKBUSTER - EP 5 OF 10

The BM is Britain's second most popular visitor attraction, only Blackpool Pleasure Beach receives more visitors. It takes a 200-strong team to look after everyone, and this week they're preparing for the Museum's major blockbuster exhibition of the year.
Tuesday 23 December 2008 8.00pm
ABC1 Rating: (G)
Duration: 35 mins