1) You can never learn too much about your industry.
2) It's important to be able to explain what you do to people outside your industry in very comprehensible, digestible terms.
I've been flipping through this book (not necessarily reading it in
order). If you're still intimidated by art, it is an accessible read
from a credible source.
Saddened I must return this Alphonse Mucha book that I've
been selfishly renewing from the library. Admittedly, I was only previously
familiar with his posters (which I also love), but his murals are now my
favorite. His work is an unparalleled achievement of deep emotional narrative.
His staging is also beyond impressive.
New Brow - ONE WEEK AWAY! Hope to see you next
week at the screening of this amazing film - which also includes an art
show by incredible local talent!
Montrealers: coming to Cinema du Parc one
month from today - 'New Brow: Contemporary Underground Art'! I've
generously received permission to organize another screening of this
documentary and will do so alongside an art show featuring local talent
who's work will compliment the film. You can find out
more info about the film here: http://newbrowfilm.com/index.htm
I watch a lot of art documentaries and get asked sometimes
for recommendations. I've compiled a list for your enjoyment of some art
documentaries that I consider to be worth your time - many of which are
available to watch online through the official sites.
This is not a definitive list of art documentaries - just some of my personal recommendations. What are some of YOUR favorite art documentaries that I
didn't put on the list? Please let me know in the comments section.
Jono Doiron's art documentary recommendations:
ART HISTORY & POP CULTURE:
The Boys from Termite Terrace - 1975
An in depth look at the men who would create the LOONEY TUNES during the 'golden age' of
theatrical cartoons.
Frank & Ollie - 1995 A warm insightful documentary about a lifelong friendship that emerged from two of Disney's 'Golden Age' animators and their contribution to the medium.
The film highlights the impact of animator and animation director, Chuck Jones - but is more of a historic retelling of the American animation industry and his impact upon it. Includes interviews with many other animation heavyweights.
To many, Pixar is seen as an overnight success - a company
that came out of nowhere - but the reality is it took many years of
determination and hard work advancing the technology to achieve the thriving
acclaim the company now enjoys today. Wonderfully inspiring.
Explores an inside look at how the art collection of Albert
C. Barnes - a priceless historical collection hidden from the world for
numerous years - was cultivated in a new public space through furtive means.
New Brow is a film that explores the history and emergence
of parallel art movements 'Low Brow' 'Pop Surrealism' and 'pulp illustration'
into the realm of fine art. The film interviews artists and galleries as well
as the genre driven magazines Juxtapoz
and Hi Fructose.
An insightful look behind the curtain of the Disney studio
from the early 80's to mid 90's documenting the politics surrounding a grim
period previously unknown to the public. It also encapsulates the North American animation
industry as a whole during that time.
RiP: A Remix Manifesto - 2009
Includes a history of copyright's inception and usage in the past with global insight on
how it's evolved in this modern digital age we now live in. Highly worth the watch.
Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - 2014
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are one are of the most successful, loved and popular entertainment properties ever created. This is the story of how it all came together.
A long overdue documentary about the admirable craft of sign painting. Covers it's historical significance in past advertising efforts and what the future may hold for it.
http://www.signpaintersfilm.com/#watch
BIOGRAPHY:
The Line King - The Al Hirschfeld Story - 1996
Documentry on one of the most celebrated caricaturists of all time, Al Hirschfeld. Whose deceivingly simple line drawings have had tremendous influence and appeal in the entertainment industry. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116886/
Crumb - 1997
The life and career of R. Crumb, the world's most notorious
and famous underground cartoonist. Includes many interviews with his personal
relations.
Follows the life and talent of draftsman and designer M.C. Esher. Perhaps most widely known for his surreal architecture drawings. I guaranty you've seen his work. (Think room with the multiple staircases.)
The life and career of Theodor Geisel - better known as 'Dr. Seuss' - the most most successful children's author of all time. He revolutionized the format of children's books and has left an indelible mark on every generation that followed after him. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0490407/
POPaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English - 2005
As the title suggests, it follows the artistic capers of
international artist, Ron English, and how he replaces billboard advertisements
with his fabricated ones of humor and brutal honesty. (The film focuses more on his illegal
billboard liberation then his fine art career.)
Follows the life and impact of John Edward "Long Gone John" Mermis, music producer, founder of Sympathy Records, esteemed art collector and supporter of the Low Brow art movement. Also included are interviews with Todd Schorr, Mark Ryden, Marion Peck, Camille Rose Garcia and Robert Williams. http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/cinema-listings/the-treasures-of-long-gone-john
Beauty is Embarrassing - 2012
The life and career of multidisciplinary artist, Wayne
White.
The life, career and personal struggles of famed artist,
Robert Williams, who founded JUXTAPOZ
magazine and coined the term 'Low Brow' and lead the movement.
If you've ever felt intimidated by the world of comic book
superheroes - fear no more! After an hour and a half of this comprehensive
documentary by The History Channel, you'll understand the history and learn how they've managed to
resonate with people over the years.
Tales From the Crypt: from Comic Books to Television - 2004
This documentary
explores EC's (Entertaining Comics) history and evolution of their most well
known series 'Tales From The Crypt' among other titles. They were the first
company to venture into the realm of horror in comics and inadvertently
jeopardized the comics industry as a whole.
Documentary on the late great Jack 'King' Kirby - the messiah of superhero comic book artists. Covers his impact on an industry he formally nurtured and his legendary influence.
DESIGN:
Art & Copy - 2009
Brilliant film interviewing some of the most prolific minds
behind the advertising industry. It also invests how impactful the affects of
advertising can be on our culture in ways that were unintended.
Possibly the most definitive documentary on Graffiti ever
produced. Unlike other films that touch on the history in a retrospect, this
one actually captured the progression as it was evolving before the camera and
includes interviews with many individuals who would years later become industry
staples.
Another informative documentary on the subject of Graffiti.
What I enjoy about it the most, is this film documents graffiti on a global
scale chronicling the art form in North America plus 4 other continents.
Profiles Canadian street artist Peter Gibson, better known
as 'Roadsworth' from the inception of his clever work to his legal battle of
accounted public mischief.
Ok, so just about everybody has seen this now - but if you
still haven't - you need to watch it. A behind the scenes look at the world of
street art and an artist in the making as narrated by Banksy (one of the most
important and influential artists to emerge in the last 10+ years). Highly
entertaining!
Another documentary on Graffiti profiling nine countries including Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Spain and the United States.
A retrospective look on highly influential graphic design career of Milton Glaser. Most famous for creating the 'I [heart] NY' campaign and co founding New York Magazine.
An insightful look at the loyal following and impact
surrounding the greatest comic strip ever created: Calvin & Hobbes. (Unfortunately, it does not include an interview with creator, Bill Watterson.)
Details the history of the medium, the demise of newspapers, and the competition and allure of web comics. Comprising of numerous interviews from top comic strip artists who share thier views on where the future of the medium is headed. (BONUS: this documentary DOES included an interview with Bill Watterson - his first ever recorded!) http://www.strippedfilm.com/
Art & Craft - 2015
The story of big time art forger and lonely philanthropist, Mark Landis, who donated inauthentic works to museums for nearly 3 decades.
A portrait of a patron of the arts extraordinaire who transformed a modest fortune and impeccable taste into one of the premiere collections of twentieth century art.
