John Baldessari

Synopsis: John Baldessari revolutionised contemporary art in the 1960s and his artwork is still a profound influence on young artists today. Baldessari’s work often attempts to point out irony in contemporary art theory and practices. His early photo-and-text works aimed to make art more accessible, looking for what he called "more of a common language". His paintings are collage-based, achieved by placing images in cut-out shapes or removing them to be replaced by others. This film reveals Baldessari in all aspects of his work: as an artist in his studio, alongside the technicians who support him, as a teacher interacting with his students, and as a passionate observer of the contemporary art scene in Venice and Basel. It offers valuable insights into the work of a radically modern-thinking artist and sharpens our perception of the often inaccessible world of contemporary art.
The DVD also features You Call That Art, an exclusive interview of the artist by Allan Kaprow.
Additional material includes interviews with David Hickey, Mike Kelly, Thomas McEvilley, Ed Ruscha, Coosje van Bruggen, Lawrence Weiner and Ealan Wingate.
Series: Art Lives
Language: English
Country: Germany
Year of release: 2009
Notes: Subtitles: English & German.
Subjects: Art
Keywords: Baldessari, John; modern art; painters; painting

Name: Illuminations
Email: louise@illuminationsmedia.co.uk
Web: http://www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone: 020 7288 8400
Address: Studio 121, ScreenWorks
22 Highbury Grove
London
N5 2EF
Notes: Illuminations produces and distributes programmes on arts-related subjects, some of which are made for television and others in conjunction with cultural institutions to accompany specific exhibitions. Many titles are available for sale on DVD, including continuing series on leading contemporary and twentieth century artists and modern architecture, as well as a few programmes on religion, drama, history and ideas.

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