By Andrea K. Hammer
Wyeth, an outstanding documentary for American Masters, creates a layered portrait of the legendary artist.
WYETH – Extended Trailer from FreshFly on Vimeo.
Complexities of Balancing the Creative, Business and Personal Sides of an Artistic Life
Brimming with visual and historical information, the film conveys the complexities of balancing the creative, business and personal sides of an artistic life. Each frame is packed with reflections from family members and associates, personal videos, archival materials and Andrew Wyeth’s work. This educational story provides new insights into one of America’s most popular artists who art critics often dismissed.
Seamless Interlacing of Abundant Visual Material and Honest Storytelling
Besides the accomplished and seamless interlacing of abundant visual material, Wyeth is notable for an unvarnished level of honest storytelling. Segments about the artist’s close relationship with and loss of his father, the artist N. C. Wyeth, show the developmental influence on Andrew Wyeth‘s career and life. Other stories about his wife, Betsy, who skillfully managed the business side of his career, are fascinating–particularly in the face of her discovering his previously unknown work on the Helga series. The discussion about the woman inspiring the famous painting Christina’s World also provides new information and understanding about this work, which is surprisingly described as “devoid of atmosphere.”
Impact of Critics’ Negative Pronouncements Despite Massive Attendance at Shows
The film also reveals the severe personal impact of the critics’ negative pronouncements about Andrew Wyeth’s work despite massive attendance at his shows. Although many recognize and value the artist’s signature ability to capture light through a window, the wind stirring a sheer curtain and spare landscapes, others find some of his images haunting and even chilling.
Reactions and Thoughts About Andrew Wyeth’s Paintings
In either case, the Wyeth documentary presents a multi-layered portrait of this artist, prompting thoughts about the influence of key people and places in shaping creative work. What are your reactions and thoughts about Andrew Wyeth‘s paintings?
