How We Run Our Art Documentary Group and What We Watch (#144)

With nobody going anywhere in the spring of 2020, I contacted
artist friends Lisa Call and Janice McDonald to see if they
wanted to gather regularly to discuss art documentaries. Our
little “club,” such as it is, was in business.


To date, we have met 57 times to discuss the art documentaries
together. It’s important that we are reminded we’re part of
something bigger than ourselves and what goes on behind the
closed doors of our studios.


In this solo episode I talk about why we do this as a group,
where you can find art documentaries, how we stay organized, why
it's important to diversify our selections, and how our
conversations work. At the end I mention some of my favorite
films.


Read the “almost” transcript, find all of the links, and leave a
comment


 


Highlights


All the Beauty and the Bloodshed was nominated for an Oscar this
year. (1:24)


We need to be reminded that we’re part of a global art world.
(2:57)


What art history has taught me. (3:42)


Why do this in a group? (4:52)


Where to find art documentaries. (5:38)


Why Kanopy is our top resource for art documentaries. (7:19)


Our 2 lists for art documentaries. (9:24)


Why diversity is important to us. (11:16)


How our regular conversations work. (13:14)


Good v. Bad documentaries—there is always something to be
learned. (15:17)


Some recommended art documentaries to start with. (17:19)


 


Mentioned


All films are linked on the accompanying post


Lisa Call


Janice McDonald


The Art Biz Accelerator


Artnet’s list of top museum shows for 2022 and 2023