Ever wonder what kind of movie really gets an artist’s creative juices flowing? Like, what would a photographer known for gritty realism choose? Or a conceptual artist dissecting American myths? Well, wonder no more, because Fraenkel Gallery just delivered the answers.
The San Francisco gallery has teamed up with New York's Metrograph cinema for a film series where six of their represented artists get to play programmer. And the selections are, shall we say, eclectic.
First up, Carrie Mae Weems — an artist whose work often grapples with power and violence — has picked the Coen Brothers' stark 2007 thriller, No Country for Old Men. She’ll even introduce the film on May 8th and then chat with director Joel Coen afterward. Because apparently, that's where we are now: art legends introducing other legends' films.
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Start Your News DetoxThis isn't Fraenkel Gallery's first rodeo. They kicked off a similar series in San Francisco, which, according to gallery director Christian Whitworth, was a hit. It makes sense; who doesn't want a peek into the cinematic soul of someone whose art you admire?
This New York edition, running May 8–17 with some bonus screenings, conveniently coincides with the gallery's pop-up exhibition, "Whipped Cream & Other Delights," in Tribeca. All proceeds from the film series will benefit Metrograph, which is a nice touch. Because who doesn't love supporting independent cinema while also getting a dose of artistic voyeurism?
From Anime to Horror, No Genre Left Behind
The lineup really goes off the rails in the best possible way. Photographer Martine Gutierrez, whose work often explores identity, chose Hayao Miyazaki's epic 1997 animated film, Princess Mononoke. She says it speaks to the conflict between the spiritual wild and human industry. Which, if you think about it, is a pretty deep cut for a cartoon about forest spirits.
Then there’s New York artist Wardell Milan, known for his mixed-media work. His pick? Ari Aster's absolutely unsettling 2018 horror flick, Hereditary. Milan says it's one of the few horror films that sticks with him long after watching. Which, given the film's reputation, is both impressive and slightly terrifying.
Rounding out the selections are Hiroshi Sugimoto's choice of The Face of Another (1996), Nan Goldin's pick of The Naked Kiss (1964), and Lee Friedlander going classic with Hitchcock's North by Northwest (1959). Goldin will also introduce her film on May 17th.
So, if you've ever wondered what kind of cinematic nightmares or animated wonders inspire the art hanging in galleries, now's your chance to find out. Just don't blame us if you start seeing Hereditary vibes in Wardell Milan's next exhibition.
The Full Lineup:
- Carrie Mae Weems Selects NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007)
- Introduction by Carrie Mae Weems and Q&A with Joel Coen on Friday, May 8.
- Martine Gutierrez Selects PRINCESS MONONOKE (1997)
- Introduction by Martine Gutierrez on Saturday, May 9.
- Wardell Milan Selects HEREDITARY (2018)
- Introduction by Wardell Milan on Saturday, May 9.
- Hiroshi Sugimoto Selects THE FACE OF ANOTHER (1996)
- Lee Friedlander Selects NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
- Nan Goldin Selects THE NAKED KISS (1964)
- Introduction by Nan Goldin on Sunday, May 17.
