GoldFinch (Prime) is a definitely moving story with solid music to support it. So many of my impressions from the initial trailer were proven wrong. Nicole Kidman was not the mom. The blast was not related to 9/11. And additionally, I am hooked on the thought that Platt killed Andy & his father; though there is no such discussion on the internet. I am digressing. Among the moving human story of different characters, this story was about the artwork, which is the central piece. Of its history, its journey. The longing for an object, and what it evokes among others. The concept of one hoarding & hiding it, when it should be showcased for all to see, given what all it had survived.
Among the post-movie discussion, one of the questions I was asked by my kids, was - they are all old painters. Who are the now-a-days painters ? Are they in museums ? The train of thought from it, brought out some many open threads.
Most of the artwork are in the background. Part of the props, which is fair. But there is definitely scope to weave a story around an Indian artwork, build myths & add bulk to the lore. Some of the Bengali treasure-hunt movies do that - Guptodhoner Sandhane, Durgeshgorer Guptodhon. Same should happen with more contemporary art. Not give up after MF Husian's attempt at Gaja_Gamini. Atleast start slow.
Speaking to art blogs or publications should also be one line of PR & marketing.
At the very least those artists (or their PR) could talk about it on their own social media.
Among the post-movie discussion, one of the questions I was asked by my kids, was - they are all old painters. Who are the now-a-days painters ? Are they in museums ? The train of thought from it, brought out some many open threads.
- Why are contemporary fine art artists artwork not used much in Indian movies ?
- Why do contemporary Indian writers stick to whimsical but can't write any realist or believable but creative novels ? In English and other Indian languages.
- Why is it so rare to adapt good current books, into current Indian movies ?
Most of the artwork are in the background. Part of the props, which is fair. But there is definitely scope to weave a story around an Indian artwork, build myths & add bulk to the lore. Some of the Bengali treasure-hunt movies do that - Guptodhoner Sandhane, Durgeshgorer Guptodhon. Same should happen with more contemporary art. Not give up after MF Husian's attempt at Gaja_Gamini. Atleast start slow.
Speaking to art blogs or publications should also be one line of PR & marketing.
At the very least those artists (or their PR) could talk about it on their own social media.
Exhibit A: This piece for Undoing.
Piku showcases many art-pieces clustered in the cramped living room. Since most of the action in first half was in this room, they were very captivating. But I haven't figured out whose works they are ?
This one looks like a interpretation of Raja Ravi Verma's Kadambari. Now I want one.
This one is a large piece, which is set around Kali-ma and devotees. But the gaze is most likely Britisher from Raj-era. I still don't know the details of the original.
I watched Ghare Baire Aaj on Prime, 2019 Bengali movie by Aparna Sen. Large part of the movie is set in a large Delhi house (Maharani Bagh) and the paintings decorating the living room & study walls are very captivating. There is a very signature style in them, I was in constant dejavu of having seen them before.
I watched the movie across weeks, in installments. And by the end of it, I remembered where I had seen it.
There was a painting in similar style in Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore and I had seen it in Summer of 2008. I did not know the name of artist at that time as well, as it was not marked properly in the art gallery. But thanks to Google image search, and some more coaxing, I found out that the artist is Mr Kashinath Venkatesh Kale (K V Kale).
I checked with Mr K V Kale and he pointed out that the paintings in movie Ghare Baire Aaj were made by Thota Vaikuntam from Telangana. The rabbit-hole of exploring both artists & their works was so satisfying.
Aiyyaa has good share of paintings as the story is set in a Fine Arts colleges and the male protagonist is a painter.
Charlie (Malayalam)
Hindi
Aaiyya
Dil Chahta Hai
Piku showcases many art-pieces clustered in the cramped living room. Since most of the action in first half was in this room, they were very captivating. But I haven't figured out whose works they are ?
This one looks like a interpretation of Raja Ravi Verma's Kadambari. Now I want one.
I watched Ghare Baire Aaj on Prime, 2019 Bengali movie by Aparna Sen. Large part of the movie is set in a large Delhi house (Maharani Bagh) and the paintings decorating the living room & study walls are very captivating. There is a very signature style in them, I was in constant dejavu of having seen them before.
There was a painting in similar style in Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bangalore and I had seen it in Summer of 2008. I did not know the name of artist at that time as well, as it was not marked properly in the art gallery. But thanks to Google image search, and some more coaxing, I found out that the artist is Mr Kashinath Venkatesh Kale (K V Kale).
I checked with Mr K V Kale and he pointed out that the paintings in movie Ghare Baire Aaj were made by Thota Vaikuntam from Telangana. The rabbit-hole of exploring both artists & their works was so satisfying.
Aiyyaa has good share of paintings as the story is set in a Fine Arts colleges and the male protagonist is a painter.
Likewise there is lot of art which goes unacknowledged on TV shows. The Neighborhood (CBS) showed distinctive works in both homes. They look contemporary. And this Lotus/lilies work featured prominently in Madam Secretary's office. In absence of any other info, this must be one of Monet's multiple lilies.
Movies centered around paintings or flavored with ones:
RegionalCharlie (Malayalam)
Hindi
Aaiyya
Dil Chahta Hai
Frida (2002)
Big Eyes (2014)
Golden Girl
The Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
The Thomas Crown Affair
White Collar -
