Last year, I watched a bunch of movies in the hope of curating a list of the best art movies out there, and while I did find some gems, I also discovered a new genre of movies that I never thought I would enjoy as much. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is art documentaries. So in this article, I will be sharing with you some art documentaries that you are going to love.
The list of art documentaries includes:
- Tim’s Vermeer
- Exit Through the Gift Shop
- Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang
- National gallery
- Abstract
Tim’s Vermeer (2013)
After watching Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003), I came across this documentary. It tells the story of inventor Tim Jenison, who has a personal passion and obsession with figuring out the painting technique used by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, the creator of the famous painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. I found the documentary very entertaining and insightful, as it highlighted the crossroads where technology and art meet, which is a topic I am working on for my thesis and am very interested in.
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Without a single doubt, you know who Banksy is. One of the most brilliant and controversial street artists in the entire world. Exit Through the Gift Shop is a documentary that was directed by Banksy and was nominated for an Oscar. The documentary’s blur between reality and fiction will leave you wondering if this film is another of the artist’s hoaxes or the best art documentary ever made. Either way, it’s one of the art documentaries that you are going to love.
Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang (2016)
I love this documentary because it is a visual feast for the eye. This stunning work follows Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang as he creates a 1,650-foot ladder of fire climbing into the skies above the artist’s hometown. Creating ambitious signature pieces on the largest imaginable scales, Cai’s work often transcends physical permanence while burning its philosophies into the audience members’ minds. As a visual artist, I promise you will love this art documentary.
Abstract: The Art of Design (2019, 2017)
Another documentary that touches on the intersection of art and technology. A look beyond computers into the art and science of design, showcasing great artists and designers from every discipline. This art documentary is very insightful, and I would highly recommend it to artists from any career path, as it holds great vision and inspiration.
National Gallery (2014)
Directed by Frederick Wiseman. This documentary is all about the National Gallery in London, one of the greatest museums in the modern world. What I loved about this art documentary is how similar it feels to an actual real-life gallery or museum visit. The crowds, the docents, even the chatter of audio guides—you won’t find a better substitute than Wiseman’s three-hour-long treatment of London’s National Gallery.
Conclusion
These are 5 art documentaries you are going to love watching. And until my next article, enjoy creating <3
