Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide is a documentary film about the life and work of renowned New York artist Kenny Scharf. Directed by Malia Scharf and Max Basch, the film premiered in 2020 and features interviews with the artist himself as well as his peers and admirers, including Jean Michel Basquiat and Irving Blum. The film takes the audience on a journey through Scharf's life, from his childhood in Los Angeles to his current position as one of the most influential contemporary artists in the world. Scharf is known for his colorful, pop art-inspired paintings, sculptures, and installations that often feature images from cartoons and popular culture.
The documentary provides an intimate look at Scharf's creative process, his inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as an artist. It also explores the relationships he has had with some of the most influential figures in the art world, including Basquiat, who was one of Scharf's closest friends and collaborators.
The film provides an in-depth analysis of Scharf's art, focusing on his unique use of color and shapes, and the way he incorporates found objects into his work. It also delves into the themes that underpin his art, including consumerism, environmentalism, and the state of the planet.
Throughout the film, Scharf discusses his philosophy of art, which is grounded in the idea that art should not be elitist, but instead should be accessible to all. He believes that art is an essential part of human culture and that it has the power to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals and societies.
One of the film's most compelling aspects is its exploration of Scharf's relationship with Basquiat. The two artists met in the early 1980s and quickly became close friends and collaborators. The film includes never-before-seen footage of the two artists working together, as well as interviews with Basquiat's friends and family members who discuss the impact that Scharf had on his life and work.
The film also provides a historical context for Scharf's art, exploring the cultural and political landscape of New York in the 1980s when he first gained recognition. It examines the rise of street art, graffiti, and hip hop culture, and the way these movements influenced Scharf's work and the work of other artists of the time.
Overall, Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide is an engaging and informative documentary that provides a fascinating look at the life and work of one of the most important contemporary artists of our time. It offers an intimate look at Scharf's creative process, his inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as an artist, while also providing a historical and cultural context for his work. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and the cultural landscape of New York in the 1980s.
Kenny Scharf: When Worlds Collide is a 2020 documentary.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
