If you were captivated by the artistic brilliance and personal journey of Yayoi Kusama in 'Kusama: Infinity (2018),' you'll love these 10 similar films and shows that explore the lives of groundbreaking artists, their struggles, and their creative visions. This list is perfect for art lovers and documentary enthusiasts alike.

The Mystery of Picasso (1956)
Description: It offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of a legendary artist, capturing the spontaneity and genius of his work in real time.
Fact: Picasso painted directly on glass, with the camera positioned on the other side, allowing viewers to see the artwork develop stroke by stroke.


Frida (2002)
Description: This biographical film vividly portrays the life and work of a iconic artist, emphasizing her resilience, creativity, and unique visual style.
Fact: The movie won two Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Best Original Score, and it features a visually stunning representation of Kahlo's paintings.


The Cool School (2008)
Description: This documentary examines the rise of a vibrant art movement, emphasizing the cultural and historical context that shapes artistic innovation.
Fact: It chronicles the emergence of the Los Angeles art scene in the 1950s and 1960s, featuring key figures like Ed Ruscha and Larry Bell.


The Painter and the Thief (2020)
Description: It examines the unexpected bond between an artist and the thief who stole her work, delving into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of art.
Fact: The documentary won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Creative Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival.


Waste Land (2010)
Description: This documentary explores the transformative power of art in unexpected places, much like the way it delves into the creative process and its impact on individuals and communities.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and focuses on artist Vik Muniz's collaboration with garbage pickers in Brazil.


Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (2012)
Description: This film showcases the intersection of art and activism, portraying how an artist's work can challenge political and social norms.
Fact: Ai Weiwei was detained by Chinese authorities during the filming, adding a layer of real-life drama to the documentary.


Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present (2012)
Description: It captures the intense, immersive nature of performance art, highlighting the emotional and psychological depths artists go to in their work.
Fact: The documentary covers Abramović's 2010 MoMA retrospective, where she sat silently across from visitors for 736 hours.


Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010)
Description: This documentary explores the meteoric rise and tragic fall of a groundbreaking artist, focusing on the raw energy and cultural impact of his work.
Fact: The film includes rare archival footage and interviews with Basquiat's contemporaries, providing an insider's view of the 1980s art scene.


Cutie and the Boxer (2013)
Description: It provides an intimate look at the struggles and triumphs of artists, focusing on the personal and professional dynamics within a creative partnership.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and explores the 40-year relationship between two artists.


Tim's Vermeer (2013)
Description: The film delves into the meticulous process of recreating a masterpiece, highlighting the dedication and technical skill involved in artistic creation.
Fact: Inventor Tim Jenison spent five years attempting to replicate a Vermeer painting using optical devices, challenging traditional art historical theories.
