Whatever Happened to Gelitin (2016)

In the vibrant and often bewildering world of modern art, there exists a vacuum - the Austrian artist collective known as Gelitin has mysteriously vanished. This eclectic group, comprised of Wolfgang Gantner, Ali Janka, Florian Reither, and Tobias Urban, has left artists like Liam Gillick and director John Waters questioning their whereabouts. In the absurdist documentary "Whatever Happened to Gelitin," art dealer Salvatore Viviano, an intermittent collaborator of the group, and director Angela Christlieb dive headfirst into the whirlwind of uncertainty surrounding the missing quartet. Armed with a commanding microphone and an insatiable curiosity, Viviano guides us through a labyrinth of interviews, weaving a vivid tapestry of conjectures and anecdotes from artists, curators, and gallerists across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The narrative is punctuated by anarchically arranged archive material from Gelitin's past, forming a gaudy kaleidoscope of intense, transgressive, and hilarious antics that have regularly shattered the confines of "good taste." The journey is a tribute to Gelitin's unique creative spirit, their audacious performances, provocative installations, and iconic series like "Mona Lisa" and "Falling Sculptures." Their work, a blend of humor, spontaneity, child-like innocence, and unapologetic sexuality, challenges the conservative consumption of art and invites the audience to experience it from a fresh, compelling perspective. "Whatever Happened to Gelitin" doesn't just embark on a quest for the lost collective, it also celebrates their legacy, providing a vivid exploration of their anarchic artistic vision. It's a film that pushes the viewer to engage with art in a daringly unconventional manner, echoing the very essence of the enigmatic group it seeks to find. Prepare to be immersed in a world where art, mystery, and humor collide, leaving you amused, intrigued, and yearning for more.

Whatever Happened to Gelitin is a comedy movie featuring John Waters and directed by Angela Christlieb.

Whatever Happened to Gelitin is currently streaming on DocAlliance Films, GuideDoc and realeyz.

It is also possible to buy Whatever Happened to Gelitin on DocAlliance Films.