Philip Guston: A Life Lived (1982)

At the heart of the abstract expressionist movement, or as he would rather call it, the New York School, resides the influential figure of Philip Guston. As an avant-garde pioneer, Guston stands shoulder to shoulder with visionaries from across the arts, from composers to choreographers. He challenges the notion of modern art as easily digestible, seeking instead to craft provocative pieces that stimulate thoughtful audience engagement. His artwork, characterized by recurrent motifs and deliberate repetition, often carries a potent political undertone. Guston's perfectionist nature and unyielding commitment to authenticity often led him to discard any work that failed to resonate with his deepest sentiments. His fervor is palpable in every vigorous brush stroke, each one meandering expressively across the canvas, a testament to his undying passion. Philip Guston's artistic journey is one of relentless exploration and evolution, marked by an unswerving dedication to his craft. His philosophy, encapsulated in his own words, "Nothing is ever solved in painting. It's a continuous chain that sometimes doesn't go in one line, but goes in a serpentine line or in crooked paths, detours, which have to be investigated," underscores the diversity and dynamism of his work. The film, "Philip Guston: A Life Lived," invites viewers to traverse Guston's ever-twisting artistic path, celebrating his fearless pursuit of uncharted territories in the realm of art.

Philip Guston: A Life Lived is a biography movie featuring Philip Guston and directed by Michael Blackwood.

Philip Guston: A Life Lived is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Philip Guston: A Life Lived on Amazon Video.