Watch Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes

Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes is a 2011 documentary that explores the world of glassblowing and the artists who create intricate pipes for tobacco use. The film follows the journey of eleven artists, their passion, dedication and artistic expression to create unconventional smoking pipes which are regarded as the most skillfully made and highly sought after pipes in the world.

The film is centered on the story of Jerome Baker, a renowned glassblower and founder of Jerome Baker Designs, a company that produces high-end glass pipes. Jerome Baker emerged in the early 1990s as one of the pioneers of the art and was among the first few artists to commercialize glass pipes. The documentary tells his story and tracks the evolution of the subculture since its inception.

The film is predominantly presented in a linear fashion, with the story unfolding chronologically from the history of tobacco usage to contemporary times. It also features historical footage and interviews with experts, artists, and industry icons. The interviews contextualize and emphasize the urgency behind legitimizing the art form and bringing it under the mainstream art world.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the concept of "degenerate art", a term that originated in Nazi Germany to describe the art that was deemed immoral and corrupt. The documentary examines the notion of obscenity and freedom of expression through art, and how the glass pipes have been subjected to social and legal scrutiny.

The film explores the reasons behind the rising popularity of glass pipes, including its versatility and the ability of glass blowers to experiment with shapes, colors and textures. The documentary showcases the intricate designs displayed on each pipe – from abstract shapes to recognizable objects that range from marine creatures to automotive parts. The film also features the creation of an intricate dragon-shaped pipe, a testament to the level of artistic expertise it takes to create these functional objets d'art.

Another theme explored in the film is the opposition towards the use of glass pipes for smoking tobacco. The documentary features interviews with doctors, law enforcement officials, and politicians who argue that the use of glass pipes promotes drug use and is a gateway to drug addiction. The film provides counterarguments to this stance, highlighting the constitutional rights of the artists to create and commercialize these pipes, and calling for the acceptance of glass pipes as legitimate works of art.

The documentary is visually stunning, featuring breathtaking shots of the glass pipes, the glassblowers in action, and the smoking events that showcase the unique ability of the artists to create a remarkable smoking experience. The film's score, created by renowned composer Mark Motherbaugh, adds depth and dimension to the film.

In addition to Jerome Baker, the documentary features ten more glass artists, including but not limited to Bandhu Dunham, Banjo, Darby, Germ, LaceFace, Micah Evans, Robert Mickelsen, Salt, Snic Barnes, and WJC. The film portrays these artists not just as glassblowers, but also as philosophers, poets, and artisans.

Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes is a thought-provoking documentary that brings attention to the often-overlooked world of glassblowing and the artistry behind creating functional glass pipes. It is a must-watch for art enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone interested in the evolution of art and society.

Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.