Inspired by John Berger’s 1972 art documentary series Ways of Seeing, this film group will critically explore documentaries about the visual arts.

Together we’ll discuss films that document and examine the life and processes of select artists and artworks from across art history and the globe.

We will start with a documentary about John Berger, one of the first and most renowned art historians to discuss and showcase art theory and criticism via documentary. From there, we’ll explore some films focused on artists and museums from European Western art history, including the Louvre, Tintoretto, and Vermeer. Then, we’ll jump ahead in time, exploring some films focused on contemporary artists, including individual documentaries on Yayoi Kusama and Kehinde Wiley. Participants will have the opportunity to share their reactions and thoughts on art and the artists, as well as the chance to examine the subjectivities of filmmakers when presenting these works.

Suggested readings, additional books or films, and any notes will be emailed prior to each month’s meeting reminder. Taking some brief notes while watching the film is strongly encouraged.

This group meets on the fourth Sunday of the month in the Athenæum’s Bound, from 12-1:30pm.

Members should plan to watch the assigned film independently in advance of each month’s meeting. Please note that there is a viewing assignment in advance of the first meeting.

Members have multiple options for viewing the films: streaming; or borrowing, renting, or purchasing DVDs. Please see the section on “Access to Films” for more information on finding ways that work for you.

Sun, September 22
Bartek Dziadosz, Colin McCabe, Christopher Roth, Tilda Swinton, The Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John Berger, 2016. 1h30m.
Streaming Option: hoopla
Optional: John Berger / Ways of Seeing , Episode 1 (1972)

Sun, October 27
Lucy Jarvis, The Louvre, 1978. 57m.
Streaming Option: hoopla

Sun, November 24
Guiseppe Domingo Romano. Tintoretto: A Rebel in Venice, 2021. 1h 36m. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter
Streaming Option: hoopla

Sun, December 22 *ON ZOOM*
Suzanne Raes, Close to Vermeer, 2023. 1h18m.
Streaming Option: hoopla

Sun, January 26
Emile De Antonio, Painters Painting, 1972. 1h52m.
Streaming Option: hoopla

Sun, February 23
Heather Lenz. Kusama – Infinity, 2018. 1h28m.
Streaming Option: hoopla

Sun, March 23
Jeff Dupre. Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace, 2023. 40m.
Streaming Option: hoopla

Sun, April 27
Lisa Gerstner, Art of Native America: Earl Biss, 2021, 1h35m.
Streaming Option: hoopla

Every film in the schedule should be readily accessible to any member who has access to hoopla, an on-demand video streaming service available with your Athenæum membership. Athenæum staff can advise you on accessing hoopla through your membership. As with any streaming service, hoopla sometimes makes a film available for a set period of time, and then withdraws it when they offer other films in rotation. As of this writing, hoopla is offering all corresponding films, however, if these films are not available during the month they have been scheduled for discussion, every effort will be made to ensure these are available via DVD.

How you choose to access a film is up to you. Most members will have multiple options available to them, whether they prefer streaming or DVD. Our research indicates that no single source for streaming or DVDs offers every film.

Streaming caveat: you may find (on YouTube and elsewhere) other versions of these films. Be wary of “bootleg” copies that may have been reproduced without authorization. Further, be aware that unauthorized copies may have viruses or other malware. A “free” viewing may end up being very expensive if your computer or phone gets hacked as a result.

If you prefer to watch using DVDs, there are several options. Films may be available on DVD for borrowing from the Athenaeum, the RISD Library, or both. Your local public library may also have some of the films in their collections. These are good options, but with demand from many Film Club members at the same time, you may not be able to watch the film when you prefer. Another option is to rent a DVD from the Netflix affiliate www.dvd.com. You might also purchase DVDs from the usual sources.

Marianne Williams is the Humanities Librarian at Bates College, where she conducts and supports research on art history, museum studies, and creativity across the humanities. Williams has been a member of the Providence Athenaeum since 2020, and this will be her first time facilitating a reading group. Her goal for your participation in this reading group is to give you new insights into art-making and creative processes, and hopefully introduce you to the rich offerings of hoopla through your Athenaeum membership.