This documentary on the work of Bert Rodriguez the conceptual artist had its World Premiere in Miami last night. It was an exhilarating ride, as befitting the extraordinary talent of this Miami born/based man. It follows his life from 2008, just before his famed Whitney Biennale pieces, right through a whole roller coaster ride of expositions and commissions, up to his last show in Fred Snitzer’s Gallery in Miami’s Wynwood District. And along the way he had to survive a near-death head injury.
Bert’s seemingly endless wealth of ideas for his art were astounding: always strange and interesting, often controversial, sometimes beautiful and more often than not were staggeringly stunning. As a man he is extremely likable and charming, and as an artist he is disarmingly honest and forthright about his own work that is both refreshing and somewhat surprising.
The film is peppered with commentaries by some highly respected artists and art professionals from Vito Acconci to Christie’s Amy Cappellazzo on Rodriquez and his work, both held in high esteem by the art community as a whole. The one notable exception is Jerry Salz, the New York Magazine Art Critic, who was literally bubbling over with bitterness, and his critique seems a tad to vitriolic to be taken seriously. In fact his blustering does make for a couple of unintentional hilariously funny scenes.
R.T.V. This well-crafted documentary was a breath of fresh air … like the artist himself … and an essential record of ‘one of Miami’s own’ whose exceptional talent with his growing recognition, deserves a wider audience. Unmissable
To track it down check out www.wetheatproject.com
★★★★★★★★
Click For Trailer
Click For Trailer
Labels:
