Documentaries That Celebrate the Art and Artists

Description: Featuring rare footage and interviews, this documentary explores the life and work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a pivotal figure in the 1980s New York art scene, known for his raw, neo-expressionist paintings.

Fact: The film includes the last interview Basquiat gave before his untimely death at age

Description: This documentary profiles Bill Cunningham, the legendary street fashion photographer for The New York Times, showcasing his unique approach to capturing the essence of fashion through everyday people.

Fact: Cunningham was known for his refusal to accept payment for his work, believing in the purity of his art.

Description: This documentary provides an intimate portrait of Ai Weiwei, one of China's most provocative contemporary artists and activists. It captures his art, his activism, and his run-ins with the Chinese government.

Fact: Ai Weiwei was detained by Chinese authorities during the making of this film, which adds to its dramatic narrative.

Description: This film documents Marina Abramović's groundbreaking performance art retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, focusing on her life, career, and the intense emotional connections she forms with her audience.

Fact: The film includes footage from her famous performance where she sat silently across from visitors for three months.

Description: This documentary focuses on the relationship between Ushio Shinohara, a Japanese artist known for his "boxing paintings," and his wife Noriko, who has her own artistic aspirations. It's a poignant exploration of art, love, and sacrifice.

Fact: The film won the U.S. Documentary Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This documentary dives into the contemporary art world, exploring the relationship between art, money, and the artists themselves. It features interviews with artists like Jeff Koons and Gerhard Richter, offering a glimpse into how art is valued in today's market.

Fact: The film was produced by HBO Documentary Films and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This documentary delves into the controversial story of the Barnes Foundation, a private art collection, and the legal battles over its relocation, highlighting issues of art ownership and cultural heritage.

Fact: The film features interviews with art critics, historians, and even former President Jimmy Carter.

Description: Directed by the elusive street artist Banksy, this film follows Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles, who becomes obsessed with filming street artists. It's a fascinating look at the world of street art and the question of what makes art valuable.

Fact: The film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 83rd Academy Awards.

Description: This film explores the life and work of Francesca Woodman, a young and talented photographer whose life was cut short by suicide, through the lens of her family's perspective.

Fact: The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photographs from Woodman's personal archives.

Description: This film offers a rare look into the studio of Gerhard Richter, one of the world's most influential contemporary painters, as he works on his abstract paintings, providing insight into his creative process.

Fact: The film was shot over three years, capturing Richter's meticulous painting technique.