'Art Goes to the Movies,' Part II

Denver Art Students League program continues to examine movies about artists.

Artist Sandra Kaplan and I have been team teaching a course Thursday evenings at the Denver Art Students League, 200 Grant St. In its first month, Art Goes to the Movies focused on documentaries that explored the artistic process, examining how various painters and sculptors approach their work.

Sandra and I introduce film showings, which are followed by post-film discussions geared toward both artists and non-artists. You don't have to be able to draw to participate. If you do, the films we've chosen -- aside from being interesting in their own right -- help identify important issues that all artists eventually confront.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday March 3. we'll be showing Chihwaseon (Painted Fire) from the great Korean filmmaker Im Kwan-taek. In this 2002 film, Korean master Im examines the life of 19th century artist Jang Seung-up. Im’s stirring and evocative drama takes place against a backdrop of political turmoil; Im’s cinematic artistry and Jang’s vivid paintings make for a potent exploration of the ways in which artists learn to speak with original voices.

You'll find a full listing of March programs at Sandra's blog. You can sign up for the series or attend individual sessions.

Teaching this course has been one of the most enjoyable things I do; I encourage you to join us.