Documentary disucussing the early career and work of "child prodigy" abstract artist Marla Olmstead. There's alot of controversy as to whether she really did do the paintings herself or if she had help from her parents which is possible since her father is an amateur painter. Has anyone seen this ? Is it worth watching ?
Haven't seen yet, scruuub (nice avatar), but I heard it's great. Beneath the surface they explore that whole idea of what exactly constitutes "art." Like when my 4-year-old kid scribbles a bunch of squiggly lines, we call that "scribbling a bunch of squiggly lines." But then show that piece to someone and tell them Jackson Pollock did it, and suddenly it becomes art, "desperate, sexual, aggressive, yet refined and vulnerable ..." You know, all that bullshit art critics say while the rest of us sit there and wonder why we don't get it ... Let us know what you think!
I watched this over the weekend and I enjoyed it.. You will be surprised at what happens throughout it and what things come out in reference to if she really painted it or not.. I would go more into it but don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it... But it is worth watching...
I looked her up real quick, and I can say that her paintings are really really good. The thing about art is, a talented high school or college level artist could paint just as well as most if not all of the greats, but talent is by far not the only factor that determines what is great, and it's the same for any other form of artistry. If this little girl really did paint these pictures, even if she did just copy of what her dad did, she's a VERY good artist, in my opinion. And who can blame a little kid for copying off of what their parents do? Isn't that totally normal?
There was a thread about this a couple weeks ago. I can't find it, it was rather long and talked ALL about her. Anyone remember? EDIT: Apparently this was a different girl, with a very SIMILAR story, although her paintings are much more professional, she also was a guest on Oprah. Check it out: http://www.artakiane.com/
Oh, no, no need to be sorry or anything, I'm just saying that there are some things that are said and that happen in the documentary that make you question whether she painted these pictures herself...At least all of it by herself...
