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Painters Painting

1973

A candid history of the New York art scene, 1940-1970.

Painters Painting: The New York Art Scene 1940-1970 is a 1972 documentary directed by Emile de Antonio. It covers American art movements from abstract expressionism to pop art through conversations with artists in their studios. Artists appearing in the film include Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Helen Frankenthaler, Frank Stella, Barnett Newman, Hans Hofmann, Jules Olitski, Philip Pavia, Larry Poons, Robert Motherwell, and Kenneth Noland.

Willem de Kooning Helen Frankenthaler Barnett Newman Robert Rauschenberg Frank Stella Andy Warhol Emile de Antonio Ed Emshwiller

Theatrical

19 Mar 1973

USAG

USA

19 Mar 1973

TheatricalG

116 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Steve Kay ★★★½

Time capsule of the NYC art-world from the 40s, 50s, 60s. Made in the early 70s, this documentary has lots of unvarnished and raw interviews with a few famous painters, critics, and collectors. The scope is pretty small. Very slow, but at times very fascinating.
Review by 🇵🇱 Steve G 🇵🇸

Disillusionment In Sun-Drenched 1970s American New Wave Cinema: A Watching Brief
I'n not even going to pretend I know anything about the world of art, because I really don't.
That's not to say that I'm not interested, but like with classical music, that doesn't translate into a morsel of knowledge on my part. I wanted to give Painters Painting a shot though because I was interested in hearing artists talk about their work and their influences and inspirations.
But as it focuses mostly on abstract art, which I've never been able to find any interest in, and is very much a documentary aimed at those with knowledge and interest in the subject coming in, this was largely inaccessible to me and so I didn't finish it.
Review by TheKinoCorner ★★★★

This documentary does a fantastic job in showing the purpose behind a lot of modern/postmodern art movements. I finally understand the work of many artists who once eluded me.
Doesn't mean I like the paintings, though.
Still, this is a fascinating film. Highly recommended!
Review by Holerbot6000 ★★

More like Painters Talking. These 'Arthouse Films' DVD's are a real mixed bag. Mostly they are just scholastic and public access programs from the 1970's and, as such, can be informative but are also often as dull as dishwater. This one provides a pretty good history of the New York art scene and about how Abstract Expressionism was the basis for truly American art. Leading lights like Willem de Koonig and Barnett Newman talk about the struggling early days and Newman gets lots and lots of times to explain his giant rectangle paintings, but they still don't do much for me. Interestingly, they follow each successive generation of New York artists, and while they are most appreciative of all that…
Review by Lydia Roberts ★★★½

moreso painters talking than painting but i'm grateful for what we got -- wasn't terribly familiar with every face on here and don't exactly feel as equally invested in each of their works, but a great document regardless. unsurprised and a little guilty that my favourite artists here, frankenthaler and de kooning, were more or less my favourite interviewees OTHER than barnett newman. not so hot on his work but such a fascinating, insightful, subject. maybe the best one here? really appreciate his contribution, a shame he didn't live to see this film's release. none of this is particularly essential or illuminating other than providing a reminder of how pretty normal a lot of """pretentious""" modern artists can be for the skeptics, but works as a casual watch.
would rather recommend and suggest the short film Elaine De Kooning Paints a Portrait if you want something a bit more, uh, visual
Review by stalkerslacker 1

cool guys doing work, i like painting I LIKE PAINTING I LIKE ART ILLIIIEKKE ARTttTT
thanks alex<3
Review by NickyNick4 ★★★

painters do be painting
Review by Chris Freiberg ★★★★ 2

At one point I nodded off for a second and spontaneously hallucinated a brown color field painting with white stripes. No such painting exists in the film, so where did that come from?
Review by marie+sa

hmmm, yes, insufferable
Review by Douglas —

I wish people still had the ability to think and communicate as well as the artists and others interviewed here. Consistently resonant: themes on what makes a American artist, and the (non) value of creating an aesthetic measurement/analysis system.
Striking how many (most?) interviewed didn't have their first solo show until well into their forties. Marketing's push toward youthfull icons over the last half century has touched everything.
Netflix will give us endless shows of people baking, ruining, and criticizing cakes.
Review by lillykane9 ★★★★

Somehow we are back to what the Abex artists tried to rebel against….the European artist in their tiny apartments and studios constrained to making pictures that match their dimensions. A true narrative of the founding of American art and America as a whole…..big, a new art for a new generation, working at a new scale of factory sized studios for $25 a week wages but with the European patronage….if only
U know I have a soft spot for abex painters n also found my old 60s Robert Motherwell catalogue the other day. Think I will rewatch as so many good bits that went overlooked.

Thinking about molesworth taking about degas n monet in America……the conversations around that. What it means to be an artist participating in and also noticing LIFE! Mediated thru the practice of painting…….
Review by Sam Richardson ★★★½

"Aesthetics are as useful to me as ornithology is to birds!"
a little lengthy, but interesting to hear artists talk about their philosophy and practice, esp. Rasuchenberg and Johns.

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Where to watch

Painters Painting

Synopsis

A candid history of the New York art scene, 1940-1970.

Cast

Director

Cinematography

Studio

Language

Genres

Releases by Date

Theatrical

19 Mar 1973

Releases by Country

USA

19 Mar 1973

Popular reviews

Where to watch

Painters Painting

Synopsis

A candid history of the New York art scene, 1940-1970.

Cast

Director Director

Cinematography Cinematography

Studio

Language

Genres

Theatrical

19 Mar 1973

USA

19 Mar 1973

Popular reviews

Director

Cinematography