Art Bastard

Art Bastard is a fascinating 2016 documentary centering around the controversial life and thought-provoking art of Robert Cenedella – a painter known as much for his persistent non-conformity as for his unique talent. This imaginative and highly engaging film features interviews with a host of renowned personalities including Richard Armstrong, David Cenedella, and Joan Cenedella.

An original piece from director Victor Kanefsky, Art Bastard pursues the life of Robert Cenedella in an insightful biographical documentary. The movie compels audiences to contemplate on the concepts of art, the artist, and the critical framework that either recognizes or ignores their existence.

Robert Cenedella, who commitment to unrelenting originality is celebrated throughout, is frequently overlooked by the gatekeepers of the art world. His early years, suffused with controversial activities and a contentious relationship with the art set, give an inside look into the struggles of non-conformists pushing back against the establishment.

We also get a splendid glimpse into Cenedella's personal life. The dynamic interviews with numerous figures, such as Richard Armstrong, Director of the Guggenheim Museum; David Cenedella, Robert's son; and Joan Cenedella, Robert's spouse, deliver multifaceted perspectives that greatly enhance the narrative.

Juxtaposed with his tumultuous life, Cenedella's unique artistic style is remarkable. Imprinted with satirical insinuations, his paintings are far from the contemporary definitions of high art with more intention to instigate thought rather than pleasing the eye. They are an audacious satire on society and the art world while also serving as a reflective mirror of the artist's inner world.

Art Bastard uses this captivating blend of personal narrative, commentary on the art world, and artistic scrutiny to delve deep into one artist’s enduring reaction to art, politics, commercialization, and personal resilience. It brings to the forefront the age-old question of "What is the role of art and the artist?".

A focal theme of the movie is the post-modernist critique of the elitist art world, defined by glossy galleries and the millions of dollars that change hands for abstract and conceptual pieces. Notably, Robert Cenedella is presented as an underdog in this ruthless market, showcasing a more relatable struggle for many artists.

The cinematic ride through Art Bastard is inundated with versatile emotions. It’s an emotional exploration of the artist as both a deeply flawed person and a profound creative visionary, often highlighting the paradox that the two descriptions usually encompass. Each frame skillfully broadens the vision of the audience while keeping the focus on Cenedella's life, work, and philosophies.

Another ingenious move from Kanefsky in this work is the way he employs humor to keep things engaging. The amusing moments and satirical commentary keep the viewer hooked while challenging the traditional perceptions of art as a grave and solemn matter.

Since its premiere in 2016, Art Bastard has elicited polarized responses. Many viewers have found the film fascinating and refreshing, while some feel the documentary falls short of digging deep into the more somber undertones of Cenedella's life and personal conflicts. But most critics agreed that it is a compelling exploration into the life, work, and unrelenting attitudes of an artist who refuses to fit into an easily packaged image.

Indeed, Art Bastard asks unrestrained yet cogent questions about the value of art and the recognition it receives. It reminds viewers to probe beyond the surface interpretation of a work and to appreciate the sheer blending of chaos, mockery, satire, and elegance that creates a piece. Through a time capsule of New York’s art culture, it invites audiences to observe art through a wider, more critical lens.

Overall, Art Bastard is a fascinating, intermittently troublesome, snub to the "sacred cows" of the official art world. It breaks down walls and prejudices, one conversation, one painting, and one rebel at a time. It’s a testament to the concept that true art, like life, is messy, thought-provoking, controversial, and sometimes, all too real. Hence, Art Bastard is highly recommended for those intrigued by the rebellious spirit and interested in exploring the raw, uncelebrated side of the art world. Even as a standalone piece of cinema, it's captivating purely for its engaging storytelling narrative and skillful direction.

In the final analysis, Art Bastard is not a film merely about an artist. Rather, it uses the canvas of one man's life to paint a much bigger picture - the anarchic yet methodical mind of a creative genius.