Artdocs 2018: Masters Of Photography: Diane Arbus

ART DOCUMENTARY SERIES – MARCH 2018 PROGRAM
AFG Film Club presents at the Byron’s Art Library (31/184 Moskovyan Str.)
March 3 - 31, 2018
GREAT WOMEN ARTISTS
Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 14:00
Masters Of Photography: Diane Arbus (1923 – 1971)
2006, USA, 30 min, DVD
In 1967, when the Museum of Modern Art in New York City presented New Documents -- a major exhibition of the personal visions of several photographers -- the surprise of the show was the work of Diane Arbus. On her own, against the advice of many friends, she had pursued her documentation of people on the fringes of society, and the astonishing in the commonplace. Suddenly she was famous, with students and imitators. By 1972 her work was everywhere, and was featured at the Venice Biennale, where it became, as New York Times critic Hilton Kramer said, the overwhelming sensation of the American Pavilion. But by then Diane Arbus was dead, by her own hand. "Nothing about her life, her photographs or her death was accidental or ordinary," wrote Richard Avedon. "They were mysterious and decisive and unimaginable except to her. Which is the way it is with genius."
This half-hour documentary was made that same year. It explores her work and ideas, often in her own words as spoken by a close friend. It includes reflections by some of the people who knew her best; daughter Doon, teacher Lisette Model, colleague Marvin Israel, and John Szarkowski, at that time the director of the photography department at the Museum of Modern Art.

Frida Kahlo
1982, West Germany, 62 min, Documentary / Biography, DVD
Directors: Eila Hershon, Roberto Guerra, Wibke Von Bonin
Stars: Sada Thompson, Hayden Herrera
Frida Kahlo: declared a symbol of Mexican national heritage, made into a cult figure by the women's movement, praised by the likes of Picasso and Breton. At the age of 18, she suffered an accident that would forever change her life, destining her to pain, numerous operations and childlessness. This film takes you to the Blue House in Coyoacán, the place of her birth and the last years of her life. Today, the house serves as a museum dedicated to the charismatic artist. Haunting self-portraits and a stirring world of images tell of her life and passions, her thoughts and feelings, her exhausting love for Diego Rivera and her deep connection to Mexico.
* DVD donated to the program by Talin Grigorian (Canada)
** Free Admission. All films are in original language with English subtitles.