By Anna Kevroletina
We have all wasted time aimlessly flicking through Netflix not knowing what to watch. Before you know it, 40 minutes have passed and you end up just re-watching an episode of your favourite show.
In order to help you to fight your indecisiveness and reduce the feeling of guilt about sitting on your couch and wasting time, GAPA has gathered some of the best documentaries about the art world.
- Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (2012)
This biographical documentary is about how Chinese artist and political dissident Ai Weiwei uses his art to push back against oppression and stimulate social change. After watching this film, you should also check out Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case, another great doc available online.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010)
A fantastic documentary that explores the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Directed by the artist’s close friend Tamra Davis, this movie features rare footage and interviews with Basquiat’s contemporaries of 1980s downtown New York.
3. Waste Land (2010)
A 2011 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary, Waste Land follows the story of artist Vik Muniz as he works with Brazilian garbage pickers to create art out of items found in the world’s largest landfill. A winner of over 50 film awards, the documentary is an inspiring story about the transformative power of art and collaboration.
- Exit Through the Giftshop (2010)
We are convinced that everyone has seen this awesome documentary by Banksy, if you haven’t – you’re a bit behind the times, but we’ll forgive you. The film follows Thierry Guetta and his obsession with street art. As a viewer, you’re never quite sure where the film is headed and if it’s being earnest or totally messing with you. Just like Banksy’s art, it keeps you guessing.
- Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present (2012)
The documentary follows the renowned performance artist Marina Abramovic as she prepares for her retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. The film explores how the Serbian national redefined the understanding of what art is.
- Pina (2011)
Everything you ever wanted to know about contemporary choreographer Pina Bausch.
- The Antics Roadshow (2011)
Another Banksy-directed documentary that looks at the art pranks, acts of art vandalism and general activist antics that have rocked the world.
- Everybody Street (2013)
This documentary is a photographer’s delight, loaded with interviews and images by street photographers like Joel Meyerowitz, Martha Cooper, and Boogie.
- How Art Made the World (2005)
Watch this 5-part BBC series full of interesting insights into humankind’s relationship with images to realize how without art, the human experience would be completely different.
- Ballerina (2006)
We have decided to spice this list up with a pinch of classical art. Even if you are not into ballet, you will be fascinated by this exploration featuring five Russian dancers of the Mariinsky Theatre who have dedicated their bodies to their art for the chance to perform around the globe. This documentary will certainly make you wonder why the ballet isn’t considered the most brutal sport out there.