I wanted to curate a list of relevant and engaging documentaries about Art -mainly for our sixth form – but anyone interested in a creative pathway should look these up -especially if they are studying a BTEC. There’s a real mix of entries here, and I’ve tried to stick to ones that are freely available now – though a couple of worthy inclusions are paid for, and as usual Netflix is a good source for documentaries – but in coming days I will also include a look at Artistic fictional films that are worth looking at too.

Basquiat – the Radiant child

There is actually the full documentary available on youtube now – a passionate, open and honest interview and look at the work of this talented and prolific young artist who died at a tragically young age. His work is unmistakable, and evokes a vivid time period in 80’s New York which is not often explored – this film gives a valuable look at a new talent full of raw ambition finding their way in a crowded art scene.

Forest, Field and Sky : Art out of Nature – BBC

Uploaded by the fantastic youtube channel ‘Art documentaries’ this is actually a BBC short film that celebrates the British landscape and how several modern artists have been inspired to work with nature to create some truly beautiful natural art works – including ‘ash dome’ , a living sculpture that has grown over 40 years.

Abstract – Netflix

Its actually pretty great that Netfix have uploaded this cool series on many aspects of Art and Design for free onto youtube for us to watch. Theres 2 seasons worth of quiet documentaries about Illustration, architecture, fashion etc – and i find them all very reflective and calming – perfect to de-stress to.

David Hockney – A Bigger Picture

An honest and revealing conversation with British artist David Hockney – the full film must be rented from amazon or other sources, but youtube viewers can watch lots of clips like the one above. He’s one of Britains best loved artists, and his frank outlook on the issues and lifestyle that have influenced his art over the past five decades gives a great insight into how an artist works.

Tim’s Vermeer

Again, this is a feature documentary that can be rented on amazon or youtube – its a fascinating exploration into the creative process, and the physical actions of painting – as explored by a world class magician, and ‘Tim’ a self confessed non-artist who seeks to use mind blowing techniques to recreate an art classic.

Burden

Available on Netflix, this is a look at the life and career of LA performance artist Chris Burden. Though he passed away in 2015, this performance and sculpture artist remains infamous for staging many provocative and shocking art set pieces – not least of all having himself shot in a gallery early in his career. As the film progresses we see the artist mature and mellow somewhat, and later in his life he created some truly beautiful and mesmerising 3D art.

Exit through the Gift shop

A must-watch for art (and media) students everywhere, this infamous documentary film by UK street artist Banksy is as much about the negativity surrounding modern art, as it is about art itself. Is the film about an artist, or is the film the art itself (or perhaps Banksy intends that the act of us watching his film is his artistic expression…) The less said about it the better – make your own judgements about what the filmmaker is trying to do