Watch Americart 2019

Americart 2019 is a documentary film directed by Edd Benda that explores the diverse cultures, histories, and people of the United States through the lens of art. The movie, released in 2020, features a cross-country road trip taken by Benda and his team as they visit a wide array of art institutions and meet with artists, collectors, curators, and historians.

The film begins in New York City, where Benda visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art and interviews curators about the museum's role in preserving and exhibiting art from around the world. From there, the team travels to Washington D.C. to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where they learn about the complex and inspiring history of the black community in America.

Throughout the movie, Benda and his team visit a range of institutions and sights, from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver to the Las Vegas Neon Museum. Along the way, they also meet artists such as George Rodrigue, who created the iconic "Blue Dog" paintings, and learn about the role of art in social movements, such as through the murals that decorate buildings in the border town of El Paso, Texas.

One of the themes that emerges throughout the film is the notion of art as a unifying force. The team meets with an array of people from different walks of life, including veterans, activists, and immigrants, all of whom share a passion for art and its ability to bring people together. Benda also explores the idea that art can serve as a bridge between cultures, as seen through the Islamic Art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities in San Antonio.

In addition to showcasing the museums and artworks themselves, Americart 2019 also delves into the human stories behind them. The team visits the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they learn about the legacy of the oil baron who founded the institution and the impact it has had on the community. They also visit the Thoma Foundation in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they meet with collectors who are passionate about supporting underrepresented artists.

Throughout the movie, Benda uses a mix of footage from the road trip and interviews with art experts and enthusiasts. The film is visually engaging, with beautiful shots of the museum collections and artwork interspersed with scenes of the team exploring different cities and landscapes. The soundtrack, which features a mix of folk and indie rock tracks, underscores the film's exploration of America's diverse cultural landscape.

Overall, Americart 2019 is a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of the power of art to connect people and cultures. By showcasing the wide array of museums and institutions across the United States, the movie offers a reminder of the richness and diversity of American culture, and the important role that art plays in shaping it. Whether you're an art lover or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating country and its history, this documentary is sure to be an engaging and insightful watch.

Americart 2019 is a 2020 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.