Independent filmmaker François Escalmel has crafted an illuminating biography of Jerome Witkin, an artist recognized as one of America’s most formidable contemporary figurative painters, who mixes elements of the old masters, social realism and Abstract Expressionism. His paintings often deal with political, social and cultural themes, while his portraitures strive to reveal each sitter’s inner character. Critically, the artist generates notable praise, and his works can be found in the permanent collection of prominent museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. Mixing interviews with the artist, art critics and gallerists, we view 29 pieces of his art, see him painting a live model, and drawing scenes in “plein air,” which, collectively, gently illuminates the man behind the paintings.
Look here for the trailer and more information about Jerome Witkin: Looking at my Century.
