ALEX SCHAEFER : F$CK THE EIGHTIES AND OCCUPY LA
Eric Minh Swenson, the director for "Tel-Art-Phone" and "Avant-LA" has completed another art world documentary, called F*CK THE EIGHTIES. This project is part of his "Take 1: Art Series." The docu-promo video is a recent-historical study about one struggling artist, trying to advocate for the economic future of his country. One man against the system, getting his voice heard by causing a media frenzy. It's a remarkable story abo...ut an outsider artist, a classic American rags-to-riches tale. The 41 year old plein air painter and Art Center professor is Alex Schaefer.
Swenson strings together scenes like canvases with changing colors schemes of tinted golds and greys. Through one artist we get to see the colors of another. We get transported into Alex's world, the city sounds, the lush brushwork, and the goopy textures of a worn palette as rugged as the street. Moments of serendipity throughout the video. The subtle shots of cops, the metro bus, a puppet, a street performance artist, and a masked protester, the rows of tents at "Occupy LA," reveal a carnival-esque existence that neither frightens or entertains but gives us a sense that something else is at work in the universe.
Alex talks about his work in "Wild Speculation," at the inaugural opening night for "Sangria Fine Arts." See images from the early evening of a hip crowd of art enthusiasts enjoying the art.
Your link to the video will be posted on this event page. You are invited to join the director and/or the artist in the Facebook chat room to discuss the making of this short documentary.
In the end, it is always about the art, so check out the paintings on Saturdays thru November 19, from 11am-4pm at Sangria Fine Arts. www.sangriafinearts.wordpress.com
For more info on Eric Minh Swenson or project inquiries visit his website :www.thuvanarts.com
Art series: www.thuvanarts.com/take1
Music Videos: www.thuvanarts.com/musicvideos
