Film holds a special place in my heart. It is what I studied in college, what I now focus on at work and what I consume like it's going out of style. I've always enjoyed movies, but didn't really learn to appreciate them until college. I have a strong opinion about movies, but tend to not share it because I really hate getting into arguments about something so personal. I will, however, step out of my fear of confrontation to start a new segment where I share some films with you that I really like. Hopefully you might watch them and like them too!
Today I will share three films that made the artist within me proud to be part of the artistic community.
Herb & Dorothy
Herbert and Dorothy Vogel lived in Manhattan and they loved art. He was a postal clerk and she was a librarian. Dorothy's salary went towards paying for their modest one bedroom apartment, and Herb's was for buying art. The collection that emerged was built on love, and love alone. They only bought pieces they liked - and would purchase them directly from the artists themselves, traveling on the subway, lumbering back with whatever they could carry. Their home eventually became a shrine of genius, every wall, closet, surface and cupboard packed with the works of artists like Richard Tuttle, Cindy Sherman and Roy Lichtenstein.
"We never bought anything because we thought it was important. We bought things we liked. It's not about price. It's about feeling."
The Vogel's amassed over 4,000 pieces. Not for money. Not for fame. Not for show. Just because they loved it. This film made me feel so warm and fuzzy and deeply appreciative that such people exist.
Between the Folds
This film chronicles a group of fine artists and theoretical scientists who have dedicated their lives to the practice and study of paper folding. Yes, theoretical scientists making origami. The convergence of art, mathematics and science is something I have never seen, let alone thought about. The paper takes on a life of its own, providing artistic representation as well as concrete meaning.
This originally aired on PBS as part of their Independent Lens series. I'm a big fan or origami and I had no idea how deep and complicated it can get, nor did I realize how many real-life applications it has. For example, the airbag was designed using the science of paper folding. Beyond that, paper folding theories are being used by space programs as well as the medical and scientific communities.
This really is a film you have to see to believe. I guarantee you will never look at a sheet of paper the same way.
Exit Through the Gift Shop
This film gained notoriety soon after its preliminary screenings. Film-goers and critics couldn't figure out whether this story was real, or just another elaborate production manufactured by its director. Banksy, an elusive street artist who excels at plastering everyday objects with images that inspire and confuse, paints a new type of picture with this film. This *documentary* follows an amateur filmmaker as he attempts to attach himself to the street art scene by befriending Banksy. The focus switches as Banksy turns the camera on the filmmaker and convinces him to become a street artist himself.
Street art is a fascinating phenomenon. I clearly remember the first day I encountered true street art - dozens of Andre the Giant faces stenciled in a pathway on my college campus. Designed by Shepard Fairey, these images were tattooed across the nation.
The street art culture is secretive and dangerous. They are criminals for the sake of art. Whether real or staged, the footage of these middle-of-the-night crusaders, armed with glue and paint, is truly romantic.
All of these movies are available on Netflix and Amazon and highly recommend them all. If you watch one, let me know what you think!
xo Becky