5 Inspiring Must See Art Documentaries

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Art is very much a visual pursuit, but for art lovers there’s more to it than that. Being in the presence of a piece you’re connected to could compare to visiting a loved one, as art can be a place or an object where you can find solace. From music, to sculpture, to art documentaries, even in darkness; Art can be everything and nothing, completely limitless.

This is an idea that guided me through lockdown. As an artist (and human being) being in the same place for weeks on end can have adverse effects on how you view your reality. So you try and create something new; but you’re stuck. That art show you had been waiting to see got rescheduled again, that person or program you really liked got cancelled, your life has become an online battlefield and a dear friend won’t stop trying to talk to you in korean! – That last one was probably just me. Anyway, you have no inspiration! This is where a good film comes in handy, and we’re reintroduced to an old acquaintance: Art Documentaries.

5 Art Documentaries to binge watch this season

Art documentaries not only show how established artists go about their work, but they can also help us to understand and discover new approaches towards creating. For some, this sparks new ideas, whilst for others, it offers a comforting reassurance that we are not alone in the world of creative folly.

For creatives alike, there really are few things that are more interesting than gaining insight into the inner workings of an artist’s vision. We have picked 5 must-see art documentaries that delve into the world of these inspiring and unique individuals in very vast but equally thrilling ways. 

These films are all easily accessed for free online, or are purchasable through some streaming services. We understand that not everyone has access to Netflix or Disney+, and believe everyone deserves more art in their lives. Chosen for their incredible stories, as well as for their entertainment purposes, these top five picks might scratch your artistic itch: 

1. Infamy (2005)

Doug Pray’s documentary, Infamy, is one based on

trust. Considered by its audience to be a film that could guide those who don’t understand graffiti, we see Pray travel 2,908 miles from the South Bronx to San Francisco in order to track down and film six of America’s most influential street artists. His purpose? To uncover how and why they’re willing to risk everything to make their mark. Refreshingly honest and comedic, Infamy doesn’t look to pontificate whether what these artists are doing is wrong or right. Rather than expound the topic of graffiti’s morals, it simply presents the artists’ work as it is and manages to capture the essence of the subject itself. Through this, we are taken on a journey through the exciting world and exploration of street art.

With a Rotten tomatoes audience score of 92% this rated R-film is beloved by many. If you would like to see it, the 1 hour and 30-minute doc has been on YouTube since 2018.

Where to watch: YouTube 

2. Cutie and the Boxer (2013)

Oscar nominated director Zachary Heinzerling’s documentary Cutie and the Boxer is definitely not one to be missed. Exploring the relationship between artists Noriko “Cutie” and Ushio “The Boxer” Shinohara, we dot in between the lives of this married couple. A life shared for over 40 years, we see how Ushio Shinohara

jabs his canvases to life through a unique style of painting and learn what he was able to accomplish in his own 40 years prior to meeting his wife, Cutie. Whilst the nickname stems from a catcalling experience, Noriko chose it to define the artistic and tumultuous aspects of her marriage. Whilst living in the shadow of her commercially successful partner, we see Noriko Shinohara emerge as the true hero of a story about art, love, family, and sacrifice.

Certified fresh on Rotten tomatoes, with a 95% critics score, yet an above average 75% viewer score. With a 1 hour and 22-minutes run time, this documentary is currently available to be rented or purchased on prime video.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

3. Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (2012)

The cover image of director Alison Klaymon’s documentary Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry shows the notorious Chinese artist and activist giving the middle finger to the country that could have destroyed him. Nothing could summarise this film better than his rebellion. This art documentary  follows Ai Weiwei’s artistic journey betw

een the years of 2008 and 2011,In which time he clashed with the Chinese government. This led to him being assaulted by the police, detained in a Beijing airport, and eventual imprisonment. Ai Weiwei’s story is one of many, but his strength and determination is truly what makes this stand out. Never letting the obstacles and struggles he faced deter him from being an outspoken artist, this is definitely a documentary that stands the test of time.

Certified fresh on Rotten tomatoes, with a 98% critics score and an 87% viewer score. If you are taken by this 1 hour and 31-minute piece, there are many other documentaries that follow Weiwei’s story. Currently able to be rented or bought on prime video. 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

4. Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010)

Arguably, objectivity is considered one of the most important elements in documentary filmmaking. Most want the viewer to leave with their own conclusions. However, in Tamra Davis’ 2010 doc about Jean-Michel Basquiat, she is nothing but biased as she uses her own friendship with the renowned artist to elevate and strengthen her film. Real insight into this revered artist’s life and work,  is shown through the challenges he faced in his pursuit of success. Whilst the film includes interviews with Julian Schnabel, Larry Gagosian, and other notable art figures, it is Basquiat himself who shines the brightest as both a friend and as an artist. For a better understanding of this iconic artist, this documentary is a must watch.

With a Rotten tomatoes viewer score of 87% and 86% by critics. This is one of the more popular Basquiat documentaries, but there are many more and a film. If you would like to see the 1-and a-half hour art doc it’s been on YouTube since 2017.

Where to watch: YouTube

5. Exit Through The Gift Shop (2010)

Like that of Doug Pray, Los Angeles-based French expat Thierry Guetta set out trying to capture footage of some of the world’s most famous graffiti artists. However, in his quest, he manages to stumble upon the most infamous and mysterious of them all – Banksy. Although at first Banksy agrees to let Guetta film him, we soon see the artist exasperated by Guetta’s lack of filming technique, and quickly find Banksy behind the camera with Guetta trying his hand at street art. This is the ultimate case of role reversal, and the result is an incredible mockumentary that leads you in unexpected, thrilling directions.

With a Rotten tomatoes viewer score of 96% and 91% by critics, this is the most highly rated film on our list. I should also add that the 1- hour- and- 27- minute doc is narrated by Rhys Ifans. If you would like to see this creative piece, it’s been on YouTube since 2018 and can be found on Apple TV and purchased on Amazon and Prime Video.

Where to watch: Youtube, Amazon Prime, Apple TV

If these five art documentaries were not enough for you, and you still need inspiration why not listen to one of these podcasts? Or maybe browse the book section of the Dark Yellow Dot shop! There are hundreds of amazing and creative art documentaries available online for free or on streaming sites, so please look on YouTube, the BBC, Netflix and Amazon prime. Get your creative gears turning and tune into one, or all, of these creative and inspiring films as soon as you can.

If you have any recommendations please leave them in the comments below! Click the share buttons, send this post to a friend or join our Mail Squad for more posts like this one. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to share your art with us by submitting your work or tag #darkyellowdot on Instagram.

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