Being and Doing
Being and Doing

Movie spotlight

Being and Doing

1984
Movie
55 min
English

About Performance Art and its historical origins including its links with folk customs. The film includes extracts from the work of many different performance artists from England and abroad collected from 1979 to 1983, amongst them: Tibor Hajas (Hungary), Rasa Todosijevic (Yugoslavia), Iain Robertson (Scotland), Zbigniew Warpechowski (Poland), Milan Knizak (Czechoslovakia), Natalia LL (Poland), Ewa Partum (Poland), Jan Mlcoch (Czechoslovakia), Sonia Knox (Northern Ireland), Jerzy Beres (Poland) and Stuart Brisley (England). The film also records the Haxey Hood and Padstow Hobbyhorse folk dances from Lincolnshire and Cornwall respectively.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Charles KiselyakGenres: Documentary, Short

Plot Summary

This short documentary explores the creative process and artistic philosophies of several prominent artists. It delves into their studios and minds, offering insights into their inspirations and methods. The film showcases a diverse range of artistic disciplines and the personal journeys that fuel their creations.

Critical Reception

Being and Doing is a niche documentary often appreciated by art students and enthusiasts for its direct access to artists. While not a mainstream hit, it has been recognized for its educational value and intimate portrayal of the creative spirit. Its reception is generally positive within its target audience, highlighting its candid interviews and visual exploration of artistic workspaces.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its insightful glimpses into the minds of artists.

  • Appreciated for showcasing a diverse range of creative individuals.

  • Considered a valuable resource for understanding artistic processes.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific documentary is not readily available, but it is generally regarded as a well-made and informative piece for those interested in the arts.

Fun Fact

The documentary features interviews with artists such as Charles McGee and Howard Hodgkin, providing a snapshot of the art world in the mid-1980s.

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