» 20 Must Watch Artist Documentaries
Really good list.
hyde or die
“The question of whether he is an artist or activist is endlessly debatable and ultimately misses the point. Ai’s genius has been to use the methods, discourse, and protective shield granted artists to take on a decidedly non-artistic institution: the Chinese government.”
—
Ryan Lee Wong from an incredible article about the new Ai WeiWei documentary and the artist himself.
If you read one thing today…
This is going to be good. They are so close to their goal and this film hits me in my soul where the art lover/soap opera watcher meet. It’s a beautiful and exclusive place. Donate and join me in it and we will revel.
What’s Revenge is a short hybrid-documentary film about the act of getting revenge. The film follows director Kat Hunt as she helps her friend, Erica, avenge her past heartbreaks — in real life — in Brooklyn, New York. More than an attempt to get back at these men in Erica’s life, the filmmakers are conducting an experiment about the idea of revenge itself. What is it really like? And what can it accomplish? They seek to find out by “getting revenge” and confronting
“heartbreakers” face-to-face.
I caught the last 80% of this last night and it is incredible. I thought I had an idea of how incredible this woman was as an artist, I had no idea. I can’t recommend it enough.
Also, it really is amazing to see how many people she touched with this show at MoMA, and how people still do crave and need art to stimulate and challenge them in their lives. This film has restored my faith in humanity a bit.
Also, ha, look what I found.
I had the pleasure of screening Beauty is Embarrassing at LACMA’s Bing Theater last night, and I couldn’t have been more delighted. It’s the story of Wayne White, who you know but don’t. All of your favorite Pee Wee’s Playhouse sets? His. Those internet famous word paintings? His. Your favorite Smashing Pumpkins video? Also his.
It’s amazing and rare to see and experience the essence of a truly creative spirit, and this documentary captures it so truly. I was on a high for the rest of the night. I wanted to make things, but I don’t know how, so I steamed some asparagus and ruminated on how wonderful it is when someone who is truly talented and good gets the success and acclaim they deserve.
Run, don’t walk, to see this movie. If it’s not in your town? Do everything you can to get it there, you won’t be sorry.
F is for Fake…Introduction.
I wish all my art documentaries could be narrated by Orson Wells.
